BIRDS OF, KANSAS 143 



as a red handkerchief / is fixed around the dog's middle 

 or to his tail, and this rarely fails to attract them. Some- 

 times, by moonlight, the sportsman directs his skiff 

 towards a flock whose position he has previously ascer- 

 tained, keeping within the projecting shadow of some 

 wood, bank or headland, and paddles along so silently 

 and imperceptibly as often to approach within fifteen or 

 tAventy yards of a flock of many thousands, among whom 

 he generally makes great slaughter. 



'^Many other strategems are practised, and indeed 

 every plan that the ingenuity of the experienced sports- 

 man can suggest, to approach within gunshot of these 

 birds; but of all the modes pursued, none intimidate 

 them so much as shooting them by night; and they soon 

 abandon the place wdiere they have been thus repeatedly 

 shot at. During the day they are dispersed about, but 

 towards evening collect in large flocks, and come into the 

 mouths of creeks, where they often ride, as at anchor, 

 with their head under their wing asleep, there being al- 

 ways sentinels awake, ready to raise an alarm on the least 

 appearance of danger. Even when feeding and diving in 

 small parties, the whole never go down at one time, but 

 some are still left above on the lookout. 



" When winter sets in severely, and the river is frozen, 

 the Canvas-back retreats to its confluence with the bay, 

 occasionally frequenting air-holes in the ice, which are 

 sometimes made for the purpose, immediately above their 

 favorite grass, to entice them within gunshot of the hut 

 or bush which is usually fixed at a proper distance, and 

 where the gunner lies concealed, ready to take advantage 

 of their distress. A Mr. Hill, who lives near James 



