THE DUCKBILL. 199 



patience ; and it was not long before my companion 

 quietly directed my attention to one of these animals 

 on the surface of the water, not far distant from the 

 bank on which we were then standing. In such 

 circumstances they may be readily recognized by 

 their dark bodies just seen level with the surface, 

 above which the head is slightly raised, and by tho 

 circles made in the water around them by their 

 paddling action. 



" On seeing them, the spectator must remain 

 perfectly stationary, as the slightest noise or move- 

 ment will cause the timid creature instantly to dis- 

 appear, so acute are they in sight or hearing, or 

 perhaps in both; and they seldom reappear when 

 once frightened. 



" By remaining perfectly quiet, however, when the 

 animal is paddling about, it is possible to obtain an 

 excellent view of its movements on the water; ib 

 seldom remains longer than one or two minutes play- 

 ing on the surface, but dives, and reappears a short 

 distance above or below the place at which it was, 

 observed to descend. 



" Although the animal may ' come up ' close to 

 the place where the sportsman is standing, it would 

 be useless to attempt to level the gun, for that action 

 alone would cause its instantaneous disappearance; 

 but, after waiting patiently until the animal dives, 

 and watching the direction in which it sinks, prepara- 

 tion must be made to receive it with the discharge of 

 the piece instantly on its reappearance at the surface, 

 which when it descends unfrightened is almost cer- 

 tain to take place in a short time. 



