TTPLAXn SflOOTING. 275 



them as far as they dare safely venture. They gi-owup so cl<ise 

 tog-rther, that except at or near high water, a boat can with 

 (lifficuhy make its way through among them. The seeds are 

 produced at the top of the plant, the blossoms, or male parts, 

 occupying the lower branches of the pannicle, and the seeds the 

 higher. The seeds are nearly as long as a common-sized pin, 

 somewhat more slender, white, sweet to the taste, and very nu- 

 tritive, as appears by their effects on the various birds that feed 

 on them at this season. When the reeds are in this state, and 

 even while in blossom, the Rail are found to have taken pos- 

 session of them in great numbers. These are generally nume- 

 rous, in proportion to the full and promising crop of the former. 

 As you walk along the embankment of the river, at this season, 

 you hear them squeaking in every direction, like young puppies. 

 If a stone be thrown among the reeds, there is a general out- 

 cry, and a reiterated J<uk, JcuJc, Icuk, — something like that of a 

 Guinea-fowl. Any sudden noise, or discharge of a gun, pro- 

 duces the same effect. In the meantime, none are to be seen, 

 unless it be at or near high water, — for when the tide is low, 

 they universally secrete themselves among the interstices of the 

 reeds; and you may walk past,'and even over them, where 

 there are hundreds, without seeing a single individual. On their 

 first arrival, they are generally lean and unfit for the table, but 

 as the seeds npen, they rapidly fatten, and from the 20th Sep- 

 tember to the middle of October, are excellent, and eagerly 

 sought after. The usual method of shooting them in this quar- 

 ter of the country, is as follows. 



" The spoilsman furnishes himself with a light batteau, and a 

 stout, experienced boatman, with a pole of twelve or fifteen feet 

 long, thickened at the lower end, to prevent it from sinking too 

 deep in the mud. About two hours or so before high water, 

 they enter the reeds, and each takes his post, — the sportsman 

 standing in the bow, ready for action, the boatman on the stem- 

 seat, pushing her steadily through the reeds. The Rail gene- 

 ra^y spring singly as the boat advances, and at a short distance 

 a-head, are instantly shot down, while the boatman, keeping 



