IO6 WILDFOWL SHOOTING IN THE WESTERN STATES. 



that beautiful species, the wood-duck or Carolina 

 duck (Anas sponsor]. Their breed is not so abundant 

 here as further to the east, so proportionately more 

 valued. They are true tree-perchers, this can at once 

 be ascertained by a look at their toe-nails, which, 

 if not quite as long as cats', are assuredly quite as 

 sharp. 



When squirrel-shooting with a pea-rifle, I killed 

 one in the top of a pecan the most delicious nut I 

 know of anywhere tree, and its skeleton may be 

 hanging upon it still, for aught I know, as all efforts 

 of mine to bring it to bag were futile. 



The Anas sponsor is not unknown in England, 

 but exists only in a state of captivity, when its 

 lovely, brilliant plumage attracts universal admiration. 

 Fly-fishermen also know it well, for some of its 

 feathers have long been recognized as very alluring 

 for the capture of both salmon and trout. 



But Boatswain and Bob the last a black setter of 

 my own imported stock have retrieved our game, 

 and advance is the word. Single birds and pairs 

 keep coming past, and we shoot as opportunity offers. 

 Jealousy is unknown between us, so there is no 

 hurrying, thus very few birds escape. Among the 

 slain are butter ducks, dippers, and common teal, 

 all attractive, all swift of wing, and so affording 

 good sport. What about their gastronomic value ? 

 You that have resided at the Tremont Hotel, Chicago, 

 can answer this ; you that have not, go to the city of 

 grain elevators and pork-packers, and try them. If 

 you are veritable bon vivants you will place them on 

 a level with the diamond-backed terrapin, or canvas- 

 back ducks of " old Virginie " and Maryland. 



Prairie wildfowl are always excellent for the 

 table, because they are fed upon grain, so are never 

 fishy. 



But what is that away in the far distance ? The 

 new arrival from across the ocean would vow that 



