A MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS. 237 



the lake, where they embark in boats, provided with a rower. At a 

 given signal the whole flotilla puts off from the shore, and advances 

 slowly towards the portion on which the ducks are resting. 



These unusual preparations surprise the birds, which utter plaintive 

 cries of terror as they crowd together. The boats, however, hem 

 them in on all sides, gradually contracting their circle so as to en- 

 close them in a limited space. When closely pressed, they spread 

 their wings and unwillingly take flight over the heads of their 

 enemies. This is the signal for the firing of the first volley. There 

 is now no cessation in the report of guns ; for usually no less than 

 500 sportsmen meet on the not very extensive surface of such 

 lakes as Mauguio or Palavas. The massacre lasts for some hours ; 

 in fact, these unfortunate birds, incapable of flying very far, are 

 pursued from place to place by the pitiless boats, which are soon, 

 like the bark of the venerable Charon, laden with the dead. When 

 no birds remain on the lake, the shores are searched, to recover 

 the wounded. Three thousand of these birds will sometimes thus 

 be taken in the space of a few hours. As a matter of course, 

 quarrels often arise among the sportsmen ; the cause of dispute 

 frequently being some bird which has been shot at from several 

 boats at the same moment. These disturbances, which usually begin 

 with shouts and abuse, from the warmth of the southern blood, some- 

 times terminate fatally. In this sport tumult reaches its utmost pitch, 

 and it is as productive of danger as of pleasure. Sometimes a boat 

 capsizes, owing to the excessive eagerness of the rowers ; sometimes 

 a sportsman is wounded by an awkward neighbour, or two or three 

 men fall into the water in trying to reach their prey. Such are the 

 exciting scenes that I have often witnessed in my youth ; they were 

 the supreme delight of the boys of Clapas (Montpellier). The same 

 sport is practised at Hyeres, in the Var, and on the lake of Berre, 

 near Marseilles. 



On the coasts of Picardy, where it abounds during winter, very 

 destructive means are used for its capture. Nets are stretched 

 horizontally in the water, above the banks of shell-fish which the 

 sea has left uncovered by its reflux, and on which these birds feed. 

 When they dive to seize their prey they become entangled in the 

 meshes, from which they cannot escape. 



This Scoter is also the object of individual sport when it does not 

 arrive in these immense flocks. It is then shot from a boat like other 

 water-fowl. 



The Black Scoter is seldom seen on aristocratic tables, for its 

 flesh, which is by no means tender, retains a very decided marshy 



