33^ DUCK SHOOTING. 



away or climbing shot. On the other hand, many 

 crippled birds are likely to be lost, as they fall on the 

 land or in the thick grass or weeds of the bank. For 

 this reason a well-trained dog — a setter, pointer, or 

 water-dog — is of great assistance, since he is sure to 

 find many birds that would otherwise be lost. 



This is a favorite method of shooting in many parts 

 of the South, and men who practice it are enthusiastic 

 about it. Such an one is the writer of an account of 

 "Duck Floating on the Tombigbee River," in Southern 

 Alabama, printed in Forest and Stream over the signa- 

 ture P. B. M., which reads as follows : 



I closely scanned the river below me as it lay glisten- 

 ing in the morning's sunlight. With my spyglass I 

 looked under the overhanging willows and into the lit- 

 tle nooks and corners along the shore. Very soon a 

 fine flock of mallards emerged from under the willow 

 that had hidden them from our view. One by one they 

 came out and gazed without any signs of fright at the 

 green floating mass that our boat appeared to be. As 

 soon as the plumage of these birds was plain and the 

 bright emerald green of the drakes' heads was distinct 

 (for by this time the current had silently carried us near 

 to them) I, with one barrel on the water and the other 

 on the wing, killed seven of these fine fowls and re- 

 ceived most gracefully the compliments of Kirk upon 

 my skill. All sportsmen know how animating a good 

 beginning is in a day's sport and how the expectation of 

 killing more game lends a keener zest to the pursuit. 



