432 DUCK SHOOTING. 



of such a spot in Albany County, Wyoming, and dur- 

 ing that time their fresh meat supply was drawn alto- 

 gether from the ducks that lived by the marsh. 



The breeding season was over, but the ducks were 

 not yet preparing to make their flight southward. They 

 had nothing to do now but all day long to dabble and 

 rest in the marsh, and accumulate strength and fat for 

 the long journey that must soon be made. 



Every morning, or every afternoon, for a couple of 

 Iiours, two of the men would start out to kill a few 

 ducks for the next day's meals. The weather was 

 warm, and they did not attempt to keep dry, but, clad 

 in woolen shirts, overalls and shoes, they entered the 

 marsh, and usually by the time they had walked its 

 length once they had as many birds as could be used 

 during the next day. The great black Newfoundland 

 dog that belonged to the telegraph operator at the 

 neighboring railroad station was a most useful helper 

 to them, and brought many of their ducks, but at times 

 his excitement got the better of him, and he would 

 range the marsh far and wide, scaring up the ducks 

 everywhere, and entirely regardless of the remarks 

 made by the gunners, although these remarks were 

 made in loud tones and were frequently repeated. It 

 was amusing then to see the gunners come out of the 

 marsh and provide themselves with clubs with which 

 to punish Bingo, and then to see Bingo, perfectly con- 

 scious of his guilt, and quite unwilling to endure the 

 punishment, sit down on the prairie a hundred yards 

 off and utterly refuse to come any nearer. Often it 



