134 UPLAND SHOOTING. 



The cold north winds are very severe on the duck-dog, 

 and it takes a race of dogs with great courage and strength 

 to stand the work. The dog may have to go into the 

 cold water more than 100 times a day, and then be 

 obliged to stand or sit still when he is on the land. If 

 the dog could run around and warm himself, it would be 

 different; but he must keep close when not after his birds, 

 or he will frighten the passing birds away. 



A race of dogs has been bred on the shores of Chesa- 

 peake Bay which are very superior duck-dogs. No cold 

 water, ice, or snow can daunt them. They will go any- 

 where after wounded or dead ducks. The cold water is 

 almost home to them. I have used them three years, and 

 found them the best duck-dogs that I ever shot over. 

 They have a fine nose, and can trace a wounded duck 

 through the grass where it would seem almost impossible 

 for them to find their bird. They are quick, active, and 

 always ready for work, and yet they are very docile and 

 kind, and so tender-mouthed that they will scarcely 

 ruffle a feather on a duck. They carry the largest goose 

 or swan with ease, and are always so delighted with 

 their work that it is a great pleasure to see them per- 

 form. 



If the sportsman has never shot ducks on a pass, he 

 should not lose the first chance that is offered to have a 

 day or two of that kind of work. He will find it "royal 

 sport," and although he may count up a good many 

 misses, and only a few kills, yet he will be satisfied that 

 he has had the best of all shooting. 



The sportsman on a duck-pass should have a 10-gauge 

 gun, of about 10 or 10J pounds weight. His shells should 

 be loaded with 4 drams of powder and 1-J ounces 

 of shot. I think most of the shells ought to be loaded 

 with No. 6 shot, but if the ducks fly high, say fifty or 

 sixty yards away, he will require No. 3 or 4. 



