54 \V1LD FOWL SHOOTING. 



leaves tremble in the morning air, and at the dwarfish 

 evergreens that peep out from the deep caverns on 

 these huge bluffs, where the moss in green and gold 

 clings to the rough-faced rocks. Vidtus est index 

 animi. (The face is the index of the mind.) This is 

 clearly shown in your looks your bright eye, thought- 

 ful expression, and deep, meaning smile. 



Put up your oars. We will land on this island, and 

 fix our boat. We are at the head of " Dark Shute," 

 looking to the south. " Dark Shute " is at our right, 

 the main river at our left. Formerly " Dark Shute " 

 was the channel proper, but of late years it is changed, 

 and is on the east side of the island. It derived its 

 name from the deep darkness which at night is reflect- 

 ed from the high bluffs you were admiring. Let me 

 fix the blind on the boat. All right ! you may help me. 

 Bring those old, decayed chunks of wood. We will 

 trim the bow first. Short pieces. Now you see the 

 decoy sack comes handy, it helps fill out. Watch how 

 I put these sticks on. They must present the appear- 

 ance when completed of an old log, with up-turned 

 root, or floating brush pile, something that ducks 

 daily see in running water. Scatter over the blind 

 slender twigs, putting some up straight, as if the stump 

 had sprouted. Not too high, or they will interfere 

 with your shooting. Now let us step back, and see 

 what kind of architects we are. Pretty good ! But 

 those overhanging twigs won't do ; they must be kept 

 out of the water, as they will make ripples, and you 

 know floating logs and brush never do. There, that's 

 it! that will do. On the sides we will lay a few long 

 sticks. Put the oars in the boat, there, at the side ; we 

 won't want them till night. It's down stream work, 



