OUTFITS, BLINDS, DECOYS AND DUCK-CALLS. 347 



unobstructed view. Nothing more quickly disconcerts 

 u hunter than to have his barrels knock against twigs 

 when about to shoot. When your blind is built in tim- 

 ber, carefully avoid shooting through limbs and twigs ; 

 it seems impossible to shoot through them with effect. 

 A simple and excellent blind, easily constructed and 

 fclways handy and serviceable in marsh shooting, is made 

 by taking two large coffee sacks, sew the ends together, 

 then begin about one inch from the top, and with yel- 

 lowish brown braid, say about 1-2 inch wide, form loops 

 from one end of the sack to the other, about an inch 

 apart, thfc loops being 1-2 inch in space ; then drop 

 down say a foot from these loops, and make duplicate 

 ones ; these, make sockets in which flags or grass can 

 be stuck. About three feet apart run through short 

 strong twine tied to the sack, leaving about four inches 

 of string. Cut sticks, or take them with you in your 

 boat, shove them into the mud, tie the sack to them, 

 insert flags so they extend about six inches over the 

 top, and you will have one of the most convenient 

 blinds ever made. 



When cover is light they are of great value and a 

 perfect shield. I recall one day when far from shore, 

 sitting on a muskrat house, screened by one of these 

 blinds. I had most excellent shooting for hours. 



While blinds are a necessity, let the beginners never 

 forget that it is motion that frightens ducks more than 

 anything. Always bear in mind ducks are high in the 

 -air, are on the alert. Your blind, your clothes are ex- 

 actly like the swamp, but move, and the ducks will al- 

 most invariably see you, and, being alarmed, sheer off. 

 When they are at a. distance arrange yourself. Keep 

 calm, be cool, don't move until they come to a point 



