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WILD-GEESE. 



visit this wild peninsula is astonishing. For miles I have 

 traced their night feedings along a river bank, where the 

 marshy surface afforded them their favourite sustenance. 

 They are far more wary than the barnacle, and are extremely 

 difficult of access in moderate weather ; but chance and 

 storm occasionally favour the sportsman, and in spite of the 



caution of these birds, the flock will be surprised, and the 

 patient gunner reap in a lucky moment the reward of many 

 a weary vigil and bootless attempt. 



The last and greatest of the wild visiters, are the swan 

 tribe. Their being scarce or plentiful depends much upon 

 the season and in winters of extreme severity thousands of 

 these birds will be found upon the estuaries and inland lakes. 

 The noise they make is wild and musical, and with a little 



trouble, contrive to get near them ; and this being once done, you have 

 only to shoot straight to be pretty sure of killing. 



I have seen teal " duck the flash," though never but once, and then I 

 nad rather a slow-shooting-gun. 



