

WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. 143 



erected along the shore contiguous to the feeding- 

 grounds of these ducks. 



" Everything being arranged and the morning mists 

 cleared off, the ducks will be seen securely feeding on 

 the shallows not less than several hundred yards from 

 the shore. The dog is now put in motion by throwing 

 stones from one side of the blind to the other. This 

 will soon be perceived by the ducks, who, stimulated 

 by an extreme degree of curiosity, and feeling anxious 

 to inform themselves as to this sudden and singular 

 phenomenon, raise their heads high in the water and 

 commence swimming for the shore. The dog being 

 kept in motion, the ducks will not arrest their progress 

 until within a few feet of the water's edge, and often- 

 times will stand on the beach, staring as it were in 

 mute and silly astonishment, at the playful motions of 

 the animal. 



i" If well trained, the dog takes no notice whatever 

 of the ducks, but continues his fascination until the 

 quick report of the battery announces to him that his 

 services are now wanted in another quarter ; and he 

 immediately rushes into the water to arrest the flight 

 of the maimed and wounded, who, struggling on every 

 side, dye the water with their rich blood. 



"The discovery of this mode of decoying ducks 

 was quite accidental, being attributed to a circum- 

 stance noticed by a sportsman, who, concealed behind 

 a blind patiently awaiting the near approach of the 

 canvas-backs, observed that they suddenly lifted up 

 their heads and moved towards the shore. Wonder- 

 ing at this, singular and unusual procedure on the part 



