340 DUCK SHOOTING. 



game is counted : Thirty-seven mallards, six teals and 

 one deer and turkey are our trophies. Two great black 

 columns of smoke are now just below, and the steamer 

 sweeps around the bend in full view. The broad, 

 good-humored face of Captain Ham greets us from the 

 roof as he calls out, "What do you want?" In reply I 

 seized a dead mallard by the legs and waved it in the 

 air. The alarm whistle was blown and the engine 

 slowed, and as we ride the waves alongside, our friends, 

 the officers, welcome us with hearty greeting. Old 

 Captain Bennett, the mate, seized our rope as we threw 

 it aboard ; then I was jerked on the steamer by the arm 

 and our boat hauled up. We return the Captain's com- 

 pliments on our skill by presenting him with the turkey, 

 while good old Sam Rowe must needs treat us all 

 around, except the Captain. 



In spring, when the snows are melting and the 

 weather is wet, the narrow streams from which one 

 may expect to jump ducks are likely to be bank full, 

 and when this is the case the man who is walking along 

 them for ducks must often use considerable care and 

 skill to approach within shot without being seen. This 

 is often very difficult and requires much creeping 

 through mud and water, and even then may fail. 



In California, and on some western rivers, a modifi- 

 cation of "floating" takes place. The gunner, without 

 a companion, occupies a low, flat boat, which rises but 

 little above the water; sometimes the flat deck of this 

 boat is fitted up with hooks or loops by means of which 



