182 WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



At such times, when alarmed, they will seek escape by 

 flight, and run from the cause of their fright. Then, 

 as if in doubt whether to fly, run or hide, show fear by 

 erecting their feathers on the back of their necks, and 

 tops of their heads. Be careful now, they will fly. 

 When they do, try and make a double. At the same 

 time, don't forget to mark them down. When you 

 have noticed where they lit, locate the spot by some 

 tree, bush, post or tall weed. Don't hurry to reach the 

 spot, for if badly frightened they will remain stationary 

 where they light, and clasping their wings close to their 

 bodies, withhold their scent. This they have the power 

 to do. Better wait a little, then they will get composed, 

 and seeing and hearing nothing, will commence to 

 search for their scattered companions. It is early in 

 the day ; time is of no consequence ; remain still, and 

 you will have an opportunity to study these little 

 beauties. Keep silent ! make no noise ! How still it 

 seems. One would positively aver that there was no 

 feathered life within the sound of your voice, except that 

 grim hawk, who sits on the limb of yon dead tree, out 

 in the open field. Well he knows that he has selected 

 a place of perfect safety. How you wish you were 

 near him ; or, if behind that old rail fence with your 

 rifle, how easily you could pick him off. But hark ! 

 what's that noise ? There reaches your ear a sound so 

 sweet yet indistinct that you know not what it is or 

 whence it came. Patiently you wait until you feel that 

 } T our patience will go unrewarded. You are about to 

 give up the hope of hearing it again, when it comes to 

 you with greater clearness than before, and yet you 

 cannot locate it. How sweet and low, still with what 

 great clearness is it uttered. Now you know it is one 



