176 THE AXGLER AXD HUXTSMAX 



There are 64 species and sub-species of clucks, geese, and 

 swans which are found in North America north of Mexico, 

 24 breeds of this number occurring in the United States. 

 The species commonly recognized as most important to us 

 are the wood duck, mallard, black duck, teal, canvasback, 

 redhead, and Canada goose. Several of these breed only 

 in our Northern States ; but the cinnamon teal and ruddy 

 duck nest as far south as southern California, and the wood 

 duck breeds nearly anywhere in the United States in which 

 it receives any measure of protection, and the great bulk of 

 this species winters within our boundaries. 



As we write, recollections of bygone days come flitting 

 back to us, of happy excursions to the marshes and ponds 

 after the elusive mallard, and many and pleasant memories 

 dance before our vision, of how we l;id in a fodder-shock, or 

 among the tall dead grasses and weeds that had grown rank 

 in the fertile marshes. 



Ducking is practiced by different methods in various 

 parts of the country. The commonest method being ' ' point 

 shooting" and this is the way they do it in the great Middle 

 West, a region in which mallards, pintails, teal and wid- 

 geon are plentiful along the numerous watercourses, and on 

 the lakes, ponds and marshes. In some of the southern 

 States a floating blind is used, consisting usually of an open 

 box, fitted with brush camouflage so as to screen the gunner 

 from view. While "out west" they like to "pass hunt," 

 that is, the gunner takes up a position between two marshes, 

 and tries his luck as the fowls fly from one feeding place to 

 another, and along the coast where the red heads, broad bills 

 and a few 7 canvasbacks are found, the hunter prefers what 

 is known as "the battery" in places where this device is per- 

 mitted by law. This consists of what is called commonly a 

 "coffin box" that has a platform extending around it to 

 ward off the waves. When weighted properly it is sub- 

 merged just so as to keep it a trifle above water and insure 

 it against capsizing and makes it practically invisible a few 



