BEFORE THE RECKONING. 



CHAPTER XII 



FLIGHTING 



Morning Flight. 



THERE are many inland waters and private lakes where wild- 

 ducks are only occasionally disturbed, and then in such 

 clumsy fashion that but a minimum of sport is obtained in 

 comparison to the results which a little skilful management 

 would insure. 



The water is usually visited about two hours before 

 noon, when all the fowl are peacefully resting after their 

 night's exertion in search of food, and placing guns on 

 promontories, in boats, or wherever the keepers advise, they 

 blaze away for a few minutes to their heart's content, after 

 which the fowl are either conspicuous by their absence 

 or wheeling high in the air premeditating departure; for 

 every duck is thoroughly frightened, which is the worst 

 result of this proceeding. 



Whereas, by a morning or evening flight (both completely 

 different methods of wildfowling) skilfully arranged and 

 carried out, only a portion of the birds are alarmed. Thus 

 the " lead in " does not become broken, and in a few days 

 may be as strong as ever; for any person conversant with 

 wildfowl, their habits and instincts, is well aware that if 



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