WILD-DUCK SHOOTING. 237 



the tame-duck ; it is more delicate, juicy, and of finer flavour than 

 the domestic-fowl. The author of " Sport and its Pleasures, 

 Physical and Gastronomical," quaintly remarks : " Wild-duck 

 shooting is a first-rate sport, and wild-duck eating a most agreeable 

 undertaking." 



It is the nature of wild-ducks to feed at night and rest during the 

 day, preferring the quietest retreats at all times : and, from secluded 

 spots where they may be unobservedly watched, they are often found 

 in attitudes which might form very interesting studies both to the 

 naturalist and the artist. Among many other of their peculiar and 

 favourite postures when revelling in unsuspecting security, some may 

 be seen with one of their legs comfortably thrust into the feathers of 

 the side, or tucked under the wing, as if to warm their slender toes 5 

 whilst others poke their heads beneath their wings, and a few act the 

 part of sentries during the repose of their companions. In such in- 

 teresting attitudes it would seem very relentless to disturb them, and 

 far worse to take their innocent lives : but the sportsman is said to be 

 cruel, hard-hearted, and eager, and has no room in his conscience for 

 tender considerations about innocent birds. In reply to such 

 aspersions we would say, in the language of the unknown author of 

 the spirited poem on Fowling 



# # * # And ye, who proudly boast 



Of feelings delicate, and most refined, 



Ye male or female sensibiUtists, 



Who shrink and shudder at the fowler's sport, 



Yet from your doors unpitied, unreliev'd 



Turn the poor vet'ran, whose best blood has stream'd 



For your security so ill deserv'd, 



Blush and be silent : blush again with shame 



When you reflect upon the cruel cates 



Your tables often yield, with which the Muse 



Will not pollute her strain." 



One author, whose writings appear to be borrowed almost entirely 

 from others, and who therefore cannot be quoted as an authority, has 

 ventured to allude to the sport of wild-duck shooting, as a diversion 

 so insignificant, and fraught with so much danger to the constitution, 

 that he asserts such as a reason for not giving instructions re- 

 garding it.* But, considering that these are merely the assertions 



* The ill-informed author thus alludes to the sport : " On first beginning to 

 write the present volume i^ was certainly my intention not to mention the subject of 

 wild-duck shooting ; as it appears to be a diversion by no means calculated to 

 promote health, since these fowls are chiefly to be found in marshes and other wet 

 places." Thomas's Shooter's Guide: A.D. 1814. 



