COURSING, ETC. 285 



them alive, he has only to throw into the 

 water, near to the duck, a few fish-hooks 

 tied upon pieces of- twine, and baited with 

 pieces of the lights of a calf. The lines must 

 be fastened to pickets placed at the edge of 

 the water, and if there be a dozen young 

 ducks he will get them all, if he has hooks 

 enough. 



In shooting wild ducks, &c. observe al- 

 ways to shoot with the wind, if possible ; and 

 rather sideways or behind the fowl than full 

 in their face. 



Next observe to choose the most conveni- 

 ent shelter you can find, either hedge, bank, 

 tree, or any thing else which may hide you 

 from the view of the fowls. And be sure to 

 have your dog at your heels, under good 

 command, not daring to stir till you bid him, 

 having first discharged your piece ; as some 

 dogs ill-taught will, upon the snap of the 

 cock, presently rush out and spoil all the 

 sport 



