170 DUCKS, PIGEONS, AND WOODHENS. 



three hundred feet — it first falling from the summit 

 of a high mount into a basin about a hundred feet 

 below, and then descending into the river. Its ap- 

 pearance was handsome ; but, having been prepared 

 from hearsay to see something momentous, I must 

 confess that I was disappointed, and under the influ- 

 ence of chagrin did not appreciate it as fully as it 

 deserved. On our way up the river we saw numer- 

 ous minor fulls, descending hundreds of feet from 

 the summits of the cliffs. The river was alive with 

 porpoises and cowfish; whilst ducks, gulls, and 

 pigeons, skimmed over its surface. Those of the 

 party who were provided with fire-arms penetrated 

 into the bush. Soon the crack of their pieces an- 

 nounced their success in finding game. As the sun 

 indicated the hour of noon, one by one they strag- 

 gled in to the fire, more or less successful, according 

 to their expertness in handling their guns. Their 

 game comprised ducks, pigeons, and woodhens, be- 

 sides several varieties we knew no name for. The 

 ducks Avere about of the same size and appearance 

 as the wild ducks of the Northern States. The 

 pigeons were like our wild pigeons. The woodhens 

 resemble in appearance a pullet of the common barn- 

 yard breed. They do not fly, but yun with excessive 

 swiftness, dodging here, there, and everywhere, in a 

 manner to puzzle any one. They are attracted by 

 fire, and a number of them came around ours. If 

 not startled, they displayed little fear, approaching 

 within a short distance of us with the utmost indiffer- 

 ence. These birds can be easily domesticated ; and 

 aboard the schooner they had several running about 

 in their hold, in company with other fowls. All the 



