250 SPORTING SKETCHES. 



when we heard the ducks coming, and from behind. Joe did not 

 hesitate. Up went his gun, a No. 10, and how it did speak right 

 over my head, then down splashed three black ducks out of the 

 twenty-five or more who took that early peep at us. I was more 

 than disappointed at losing my chance at this flock. They were 

 so near, but it's always that way with duck shooting. Be off 

 your guard at any moment, filling your pipe or something else, 

 just then you lose the best chance of the day. However, its no 

 good "crying over spilt milk." We are both ready now. Our 

 dog has brought in the ducks, and we are pleased with the result 

 of the first shot. In a few minutes 5 black ducks are seen coming 

 up the river; our decoys quack well. Nearer and nearer they 

 come ; up goes my 12-bore for a right and left. , Down drops one 

 almost among the decoys, another falls well over the other side 

 of the river and, being only wounded, goes ashore there, and 

 hides till our retriever looks him up later on in the day, Then 

 follows a flock of teal, a long shot, but we got one bird. Then a 

 bittern's curiosity costs him his life. Afterwards a long wait, 

 and nothing moving we start for breakfast with astonishing 

 appetites considering we had not gone out fasting. The other 

 boats also return, finding the day too fine for duck shooting. 

 They bring a few birds and relate their experience while we 

 enjoy our second meal. About 10 o'clock it is suggested we try 

 the different snipe grounds in the neighborhood. We are soon 

 ready again, but only to be disappointed : the birds are not to be 

 found near the river. They must be up in the fields, but where, 

 none of the party can say. Then it is proposed we try for three 

 woodcock, known to be in a certain cover just outside a big 

 swamp. These woods are so thick, and the walking such hot 

 work this lovely bright day, that we are not over-quick in re- 

 sponding to this last suggestion, but we do go and have a walk 

 that we won't forget in a hurry. We hear the birds as they rise 

 and fly towards the middle of the swamp. We cannot follow 

 them, so return to the farm-house to await the evening's flight of 

 ducks. This does not amount to much, the weather is not 

 favorable. We are too early in the season for fall ducks, and the 

 summer ducks won't fly till too late on this particular night. 

 Once more we return to the house, change our " things " and that 

 gladly, as rubber boots were uncomfortable to walk in, and 

 especially on a hot day. We have some good roast chicken, pies, 



