DUCK SHOOTING. 269 



On arrival, therefore, they wash themselves and arrange 

 their dress before commencing their meal an example oth- 

 er travelers would do well to imitate. But, as the night 

 advanced, some strangers are mixed with the throng. The 

 dusky duck, the bald-pate, the pin-tail, the blue and green 

 winged teal, shoot past like arrows from a bow, the latter 

 making, with the rapid motion of their wings, a sound not 

 unlike an ungreased wheel or hinge. When the travelers 

 are satisfied with the neighborhood, they dash down upon 

 the water, causing it to fly in spray for yards around, while 

 the first arrivals welcome the new-comers with innumera- 

 ble quacks. The report of a gun then will scarcely alarm 

 them, and, if they should rise, in a moment they will re-set- 

 tle, doubtlessly feeling security in their numbers. 



Tarry a little longer, friend ; it may be too dark to shoot, 

 but a better sight than all is yet before you ; be not im- 

 patient don't you hear that strange voice ? The geese are 

 coming ay, and brant, too can't you hear their noisy 

 chattering ? Move not an inch ; these fellows have two eyes, 

 equal in excellence to the whole hundred of Arguses placed 

 together. Soon a dark line is seen against the sky advan- 

 cing directly to us. Honk ! honk ! honk ! comes from its 

 different sections, doubtlessly inquiries from the leader as 

 to the propriety of calling a halt. Keep close stir not, 

 nor think of shooting, till they are over you. You can not, 

 perhaps, see them fall, but the splash they will make tells 

 the tale. Another and another regiment of these worthies 

 came in, till perfect Erebus inclosed us, and further shoot- 

 ing became impossible. Our dogs had been busy gather- 

 ing the slain, and a noble bag we had. The thermometer 

 continuing to fall, and the appearance of a snow-storm be- 

 coming momentarily more marked, we mutually determined 

 to desist, well satisfied with our night's recreation. 



It took time and trouble satisfactorily and securely to 



