144 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



yet been gathered, and which was excessively wet and 

 soft from the dampness of the soil ; thither I deter- 

 mined to turn my footsteps, and well it was I did so, for 

 a finer afternoon's sport I have seldom enjoyed. Before 

 I got within a quarter of a mile of my destination, I 

 could see duck in numerous large flights hovering 

 over the place in question, giving hopes of sharp work. 

 On gaining the edge of the field and taking a survey, I 

 found the ground in many places perfectly covered 

 with birds, and strings of fresh arrivals coming in 

 momentarily mallard, butter duck, teal and winter 

 duck, all making the best use of their bills to further 

 destroy an indifferent crop. After a survey of the 

 situation I selected a stand, forming a screen of corn 

 stems and iron weed, and scarcely was I ensconced, 

 when the honk ! honk ! honk ! of a distant flock of wild 

 geese told me that the wary scoundrels were en avant. 

 However, so many duck came within easy shooting 

 distance that I could not resist opening fire, and I com- 

 menced skirmishing forthwith. The birds appeared 

 totally devoid of fear either of the report of my gun 

 or my presence, and flew frequently within fifteen or 

 twenty yards in the most leisurely and business-like 

 manner. Again and again I loaded and shot till my 

 barrels got agreeably warm. Old Nep, whom doubt- 

 less many companions remember, soon had the ground 



