SEA SHOOTING ON THE ATLANTIC. 427 



unless he makes some motion, but will dive again. 

 When there are a number of the fowl which are con- 

 tinually going down and coming up at different times 

 and in different places in the neighborhood, it is almost 

 hopeless to attempt this means of approach, for some 

 one of them is quite sure to detect the gunner. 



Sea shooting, as practiced along the north Atlantic 

 coast, is everywhere much the same. The following 

 account describes it on the New Jersey coast : 



To the east the first rays of daylight were beginning 

 to show themselves and dye the ocean a dark purple, in- 

 terspersed with bars of light, that under the gentle west 

 wind looked like beaten copper. In the distance shone 

 the beacon of the Scotland Lightship, and further west 

 on the Navesink hills the Highland lights were begin- 

 ning to pale in the coming day. Down in the north- 

 east a schooner could dimly be made out, standing with 

 all sail set toward Sandy Hook. To the south the 

 water was cold and leaden, while in-shore it was break- 

 ing into ripples, and the western horizon looked as if it 

 had plenty of wind in store, and would shortly prove 

 the fact to us. Around us on all sides could be made 

 out a dozen or more boats riding at anchor, and to keen 

 eyes each had its string of decoys aboard. While I 

 was enjoying the picture and watching the day break, 

 half forgetting the purpose for which I had come, I 

 was startled by hearing C. say, "Mark southeast." 

 This dispelled all dreaming, and turning my eyes, I 

 made out a single bird rapidly approaching the nearest 



