THE CANVAS-BACK DUCK. 405 



champion some game bird as the one par excellence, in 

 Ms estimation, one fit to be crowned king of game birds. 



It is the belief of many, that the height of sporting 

 pleasures, with the gun, can only be obtained in conjunc- 

 tion with a setter or pointer, and this is the opinion gen- 

 erally, and has been from time immemorial. Kings and 

 princes have enjoyed their greatest sport when in com- 

 pany with well-trained dogs. While we can not boast of 

 the blood-royal coursing through our veins, still, there 

 has never existed one of royal birth who enjoys sports 

 afield more than the average citizen of America. 



It is our existence, born free, breathing the pure air 

 of the grandest country on the face of the earth from 

 toddling infancy, having our ears filled with tales of 

 the chase, seeing our fathers and brothers going forth in 

 the morning, wandering where they chose, returning at 

 night laden with game the game belonging to no man 

 until captured no wonder that we inherit a love for 

 shooting, and fishing, and all out-of-door recreation. 



I had sent me, the other day, a proof of the excellent 

 illustration gracing Mr. Baines' article on " Wild Tur- 

 key Shooting" in this book. While looking at it, and 

 admiring the alert expression, the bold, yet startled, 

 look of the bird, a friend of mine called. I knew him to 

 have had great experience in hunting turkeys, and, with- 

 out saying a word, handed him the illustration. He 

 gazed at it intently, studied it fully a minute, then, lay- 

 ing it down on my desk, said: ' ' There is a perfect portrait 

 of the shrewdest, wildest, and most cunning bird that 

 ever spread wings. Look at him! He was traveling 

 along without any suspicion; he has heard a stick break, 

 a distant voice, or some noise he mistrusts, and now he 

 listens to learn what' s up. I tell you, the American wild 

 turkey ought to have been selected as the bird emblem- 

 atic of our country, for he is the king of game birds." 



