342 



WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



isn't necessary that he should buy a suit, the only re- 

 quisite being, that it should be neutral in color and con- 

 form to his surroundings. Very dark or very light 

 color should not be used; any strong contrast of shade 

 is noticeable, and of consequence to be avoided. Wild 

 fowl are much more apt to be alarmed at dark objects 

 than light, and a black hat, sitting as it were on the 

 top of the rice stalks, in some faded swamp, is frequent- 

 ly seen encasing the skull of one who ought to know 

 better. It is difficult to imagine anything more con- 

 spicuous than a black hat in such a place. Let a hunter 

 wear one, no matter how he is dressed otherwise, and 

 he is plainly seen for a mile or more down the marsh ; 

 then let him move around, and the swinging of his 

 head, the appearing and disappearing of that swarthy 

 u kopf " is as complete an alarm to some incoming 

 drake, as if a brass band were secreted there, and twelve 

 Teutons should suddenly arise, point their horns at the 

 drake, and toot, " See the conquering hero comes." 

 Then don't wear a black hat. An old light gray suit of 

 clothes, a slouch hat of faded gray, is about the thing. 

 Have your coat pockets immense, that you may carry 

 large quantities of shells and get at them handily. 

 Canvas suits can be had from any gun store, and are the 

 most serviceable ; still, I prefer corduroy of drab grass 

 color. This answers equally well, whether in marsh 

 or timber. Always bear in mind to dress for warmth, 

 for the season for duck shooting is usually one of in- 

 clement weather, and at times the thickest and warmest 

 suits are insufficient to properly protect the wearer. 

 Should the hunter get too warm, it is a very simple 

 thing to discard one's coat, and place it in the boat, to 

 be put on again as the day grows colder. 



