74 



WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



tops, looking for a cozy retreat occupied by their kind ; 

 or suddenly caught by the stormy wind, veer to one 

 side, carried quite a distance before being able to re- 

 cover themselves, when again they advance as before. 

 The shrieking wind, the blinding snow, the wild day, 

 will cause many a beginner to hesitate about going 

 out at such a time. But if it causes him to hesitate 

 it also removes suspicion on the part of the ducks, 

 as if they thought that on such a day they would 

 be unmolested. The young duck-hunter must be 

 brave, willing to endure cold and exposure, re- 

 membering that although the wind may blow, the 

 snow drift, and the air be filled with the falling flakes, 

 in the deep woods it comes down gently through 

 the tall trees, and there all is quiet, and the for- 

 est is a solitude indeed. He should dress warm. 

 It seems impossible on a day like this for one to 

 be too warmly dressed. Discard style, let your only 

 desire be comfort. Wear a hat, its broad brim will 

 protect your ears, your face, and neck, and it will keep 

 the snow from coursing down your body in tiny but 

 unpleasant rivulets. Put on plenty of flannels. Your 

 shirt should have a large collar, and around your neck 

 wear a warm soft woolen scarf. Wear woolen gloves, as 

 any other kind soon become wet and useless ; if of wool 

 they can be wrung out, and unless the day is very cold, 

 which it won't be if snowing, they are not uncomfort- 

 able if a little wet. At such times I prefer shooting 

 bare-handed. Wear clothes of some neutral color, as 

 near the color of the forest as you can, not too dark, 

 dark objects are always conspicuous, a lead or " pepper 

 and salt" is about the thing. Don't be afraid if a little 

 snow covers your hat. White is the prevailing color 



