226 OUT WITH THE BIRDS 



the sheet-iron decoys knew that in nine cases out 

 of ten, geese feed on wheat stubble, and we were 

 in an oat-field. What he didn't know was that 

 this was the tenth case, and we were on the exact 

 feeding-ground the only place worth while, 

 as a rule. 



About four o'clock, Rob's warning shout and 

 pointing hand announced the start of the evening 

 flight. Off to the southeastward, just above the 

 horizon, the first flock was visible. Cunning as 

 usual, they were not taking the same course over 

 which they had gone to the water, and it was evi- 

 dent now why we had missed them in the morn- 

 ing. It is this waiting on a flock and watching 

 in hopeful expectancy that gives a great part of 

 the keen zest to goose-shooting. The flock is vis- 

 ible three or four miles distant, and though it 

 really takes the birds but a few minutes to cover 

 that distance, the suspense seems prolonged to 

 hours. 



The watcher can never be sure just what the 

 in-coming birds will do. They may give his lay- 

 out an exceedingly wide berth, or they may de- 

 coy almost into his pit. And the sight of a 

 goodly flock of geese decoying close is a sight 

 worth while, and always a nerve- wrecker for the 



