SHOOTING MALLARDS IN A SNOW STORM. 87 



wondered why they did not get more, when we did so 

 well. It was amusing to me, although I could have 

 told them what programme they followed throughout 

 the entire day, any old hunter could. It is a pro- 

 gramme that most young hunters faithfully carry out. 

 It begins ; the first number is talk, generally a duet, 

 simply because two are present. Were there more 

 than two it would be a well, it would depend on the 

 number of voices, as all present would join in. The 

 second number is usually a recitation, in which one of 

 the party descants on the wonderful things he has seen, 

 and the great shooting qualities of his gun. To make 

 it still more interesting, he allows the oars to slip 

 against the locks emitting sounds that can be heard for 

 a mile through the still woods. The balance of the 

 programme isn't much different, although the finale is 

 grand. This usually takes place, when they attempt 

 cautiously to land the boat, that they may make a sneak 

 on ducks they have seen light. The rower attempts to get 

 out quietly, and lets his oars fall clattering into the 

 boat. He goes to pick them up, the boat tips a little ; 

 to save himself he accidentally steps on his dog. The 

 dog yelps, running the chromatic scale as far as high 

 " C," while he in the stern tries to keep the boat from 

 upsetting, swears at his partner for his clumsiness, and 

 both kick at the innocent dog. The dog slips from un- 

 der the descending foot, the kicker by the force of his 

 kick loses his balance, and falls headfirst into the cold 

 water, or seats himself in the soft mud, while the dog 

 sits on his tail on the bank, and joyfully barks. 



