254 DUCK-SHOOTING. 



peared ; long lines of sedge-grass and reeds sprang 

 up from the water ; the eastern sky, and especially 

 the bright strip beneath the cloud, became lighter ; 

 a roseate tinge spread itself over the meadows, 

 deepening to intensity in the east, and at last the 

 sun peeped over the horizon. 



Occasionally ducks will move at the first break 

 of dawn ; but frequently, as in the present instance, 

 they do not fly till about sunrise ; then the canvas- 

 backs commenced corning in from the open water ; 

 the red-heads accompanied them ; and the mallards, 

 aroused from safe beds among the reeds, flew with 

 loud quackings overhead. Later, the rapid blue- 

 bills and teal darted past, the pin-tails moved 

 majestically in stately lines, and the diminutive 

 butter-balls hurried by. The rising sun dissipated 

 the clouds, and the increasing wind announced a 

 glorious ducking-day. 



To enjoy this sport thoroughly, or to make the 

 most of the chances oifered, requires long practice 

 and peculiar skill ; but, when this skill has been ac- 

 quired, no specialty in sportmanship can be carried 

 to higher perfection, or confer more intense delight. 

 To observe quickly and note the direction of flight 

 of the distant flock ; to catch sight of the single 

 bird just topping the reeds; to hide well from the 

 sharp eyes of the approaching ducks; to keep a 

 steady footing, yielding to the treacherous motions 

 of the unsteady boat without losing self-command ; 

 to measure the distance accurately from birds pass- 

 ing high in air; to select the proper moment to 



