370 UPLAND SHOOTING. 



to notify turkeys in hearing that this place was going to 

 be occupied to-night by some of their friends. In about 

 ten minutes, a few more yelps are given, and at once a 

 hen out in the hills responds with a few lively yelps, 

 which say: "Never mind; we will soon be there, too." 

 I yelp a few times more, in a low, careless sort of way, 

 and then drop my leaf, as I feel sure it will not have to 

 be used again. Pretty soon, turkeys are heard scratch- 

 ing in the leaves on the hill-side, and occasionally yelp- 

 ing in a low, muffled tone. The hunter is now confident 

 of his game, and, patiently and contentedly, waits. A 

 gray squirrel playfully interviews him, and then goes 

 away. A couple of wood-ducks swim along the edge of 

 the pond, within thirty feet of their dangerous foe, 

 unconcerned, and busily engaged in their evening meal. 

 The fiery eyes and silky green crest of the male well 

 become him this gallant knight of the woody ponds 

 and creeks. A buzzard sails lazily, easily past, and 

 lightly drops on the jagged limb of a dead tree standing 

 out in the pond, and is soon joined by several others. 

 "A good omen," I say. I am not superstitious, but I 

 have often observed that turkeys frequently roost near 

 buzzards. It is very still, so still that a wagon on the 

 road, half a mile below, seems to be within a quarter, 

 and the whir of a sparrow' s wings can be heard seventy 

 yards or more. The last gleam of the sun on the ashy 

 limbs of the forest-trees has faded away; dusk comes on 

 apace; the air grows chilly; the chirping of the birds 

 ceases; and the last gray squirrel has slipped into his 

 hole for the night, bidding me adieu with a few graceful 

 swishes of his beautiful tail. I am alone, and lonesome. 

 There isn't a sound to be heard, except the rippling of 

 water going over a log in the creek and the far-oif low- 

 ing of some cattle coming into the bottom to spend the 

 night. Suddenly is heard the welcome whiff! whiff ! 



