348 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



fly with amazing velocity; and the great error committed by all 

 beginners, and even by experienced shooters, is that they deliver 

 their shot behind the bird. The range of the sight should be 

 rather above than below the ducks, to prevent the pellets from 

 falling too low before reaching their proper destination. The 

 various points on the narrows of Spesutia Island are perhaps the 

 most frequented of all localities in the upper bay for duck-shooting ; 

 and it is seldom that the sportsman will be disappointed in visiting 

 these grounds, as the ducks are passing up and down these waters 

 nearly all day, but more particularly in the morning and afternoon. 

 Canvas-backs commence flying very early, and it is necessary for 

 the sportsman to be up and on the ground betimes, as he will have 

 an opportunity of trying his skill as soon as it shall be light 

 enough to see the ducks which he will hear moving over his head in 

 uninterrupted numbers for an hour before daybreak. The morn- 

 ing flights continue an hour, or two after dawn, although, as before 

 stated, many ducks keep in motion all day long ; but the greater 

 portion of them are busily engaged feeding after this time, and, if 

 flying, endeavor to avoid these exposed points, where they have 

 every reason to apprehend danger. Canvas-backs, in fact, are 

 disposed to keep clear of the shores at all times ; but when impelled 

 by a strong breeze that sets them towards these points, they are 

 not easily turned from their course, it not being often necessary to 

 employ any kind of device to screen the sportsman from observa- 

 tion, provided he remain motionless until the ducks have come suffi- 

 ciently near to be in range of the gun. It is better that the dress 

 should not be too conspicuous: a drab overcoat and cap of the 

 same color is the most suitable for concealment ; and, if possible, 

 station yourself against a bush, tree, or some dark object, if there 

 are no blinds erected. 



When the canvas-backs are flying fast and in great numbers, an 

 eager sportsman had better take two guns with him, and have an 

 assistant to load while he fires ; and in this way he will get double 

 the number of shots, without the hurry and excitement of charging 

 fast. 



