WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. 35 



his assent. In consequence I proposed a return to the 

 same spot about sunset, promising numerous shots as a 

 recompense, and, possibly, the pleasure of witnessing 

 thousands of duck arriving on their feeding ground. 

 The evening was eminently suited for the purpose of 

 exhibiting a large show of birds, it being dark, stormy, 

 and threatening, with a rapid decrease in the tempera- 

 ture, strongly indicative of frost or snow. In truth, if 

 I had made a selection, I could scarcely have chosen 

 better- adapted weather. After a tiresome and unpro- 

 fitable day, we found ourselves back at the requisite 

 station, wet, weary, and fatigued, and not by any 

 means in the best of spirits ; still, I did not wish to be 

 the proposer of an adjournment of my promised exhibi- 

 tion, and my friend felt placed upon his mettle, lest he 

 should appear to suffer more from his long tramp than 

 myself, or less capable of enduring the fatigues of the 

 hunting field. How often, if we could read one 

 another's internal feelings, should we find that external 

 appearances are only assumed, and that the companion 

 who ostensibly looks as fresh and capable of travelling 

 for hours, as he was at the time of starting, is suffering 

 from extreme lassitude and disinclination to more 

 exertion, only he is restrained from confessing his 

 weakness by a certain amour propre and repugnance to 

 acknowledge himself beaten ; at least, I speak from my 



