WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. 41 



like arrows from a bow, the latter making, with the 

 rapid motion of their wings, a sound not unlike an 

 ungreased wheel or hinge. When the travellers are 

 satisfied with the neighbourhood, they dash down 

 upon the water, causing it to fly in spray for yards 

 around, while the first arrivals welcome the new 

 comers with innumerable quacks. The report of a gun 

 then will scarcely alarm them, and, if they should rise, 

 in a moment they will resettle, doubtlessly feeling 

 security in their numbers. 



Tarry a little longer, friend, it may be too dark to 

 shoot, but a better sight than all is yet before you ; be 

 not impatient don't you hear that strange voice ? 

 The geese are coming ay, and brant, too can't you 

 hear their noisy chattering ? Move not an inch, these 

 fellows have two eyes, equal in excellence to the whole 

 hundred of Argus' placed together. Soon a dark line 

 is seen against the sky advancing directly to us. 

 Honk ! honk ! honk ! comes from its different sections, 

 doubtlessly inquiries from the leader as to the pro- 

 priety of calling a halt. Keep close stir not, or 

 think of shooting, till they are over you. You cannot, 

 perhaps, see them fall, but the splash they will make 

 tells the tale. Another and another regiment of 

 these worthies came in till perfect Erebus enclosed us, 

 and further shooting became impossible. Our dogs 



