A FALSE ALARM. I I 3 



then I venture to predict that you will become a con- 

 vert to my views without requiring my eloquence to 

 assist in canting the beam of the balance in my 

 favour. 



Shooting migratory wildfowl, at the commence- 

 ment of winter, when severe cold weather in the 

 north has driven the duck south in search of open 

 water and food, is a sport that only lasts for a few 

 days twice a year, viz., at the setting in and breaking 

 up of hard weather. As may be imagined, to enjoy 

 this sport to perfection, you should have a constitu- 

 tion of iron, and a frame of the finest tempered steel. 

 Moreover, not to miss the arrival of the flights, you 

 should be upon your ground many days before the 

 anticipated arrival of the " fowl." If you have a few 

 days to wait before the expected visitors arrive, your 

 time can be profitably spent in examining the 

 country, and selecting your future battle-field. Do 

 not for a moment think that such time will hang 

 heavily on your hands ; wherever you go if far 

 enough from settlements game of some description 

 will be found in sufficient quantities to pleasantly 

 occupy your vacant time in their pursuit. This will 

 be noted especially to be the case, if a lengthened period 

 of Indian summer precedes the burst of winter. 



A few years ago I was summoned by telegraph to 

 a friend's house. As indications in the weather pre- 

 dicted the near advent of winter, I started full of 

 anticipation, energy, and hope, but was disappointed 

 to find that the alarm signal was sounded too 

 soon. 



My host's establishment was a pleasant one, and 

 himself excellent company. I suppose he must have 

 noted an air of disappointment on my face, for he 

 remarked, " It looks this evening as if you may 

 have some time to wait before the break comes in the 

 weather." 



" Yes," I responded, " just my luck," etc. 



I 



