304 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



convinced of it by previous observation. This being the case, the 

 force of our assertion will be readily seen ; that is, when the ducks 

 are but a short distance off, the load will most likely pass over the 

 spot within the point-blank range of the gun and be distributed 

 some distance beyond; while, on the other hand, the ducks being 

 much farther off, the shot will most likely fall short of their in- 

 tended destination, or, in other words, drop within the point-blank 

 range of the eye. 



When the ducks are a short distance from our station, the 

 foremost ones, if there be many, should be in full relief over the 

 sight of the gun ; and then, most probably, if shooting on a level, 

 as is most frequently the case on the shores where wild fowl are 

 pursued, the leader of the troop which we select for our guide will 

 escape from the dire effects of our volley, that shall spread death 

 and destruction in his rear. 



If, on the contrary, the ducks are a long distance off, be sure 

 that the foremost ducks are entirely under the range of the barrels, 

 and then we shall most likely rake the front and middle columns, 

 if not sweep the whole mass. For other information regarding 

 shooting ducks, we refer to our chapter on wild-fowl shooting in 

 general, and beg to close the present subject, as some one has 

 done before us, with the spirited lines of Wilson, descriptive of 

 the shooting of these celebrated birds. 



" Slow round an opening point we softly steal, 

 Where four large ducks in playful circles wheel. 

 The far-famed canvas-backs at once we know, 

 Their broad, flat bodies wrapped in pencilled snow ; 

 The burnished chestnut o'er their necks that shone, 

 Spread deepening round each breast a sable zone. 

 Wary they gaze ; our boat in silence glides ; 

 The slow-moved paddles steal along the sides ; 

 Quick-flashing thunders roar along the flood, 

 And three lie prostrate, vomiting their blood ! 

 The fourth aloft on whistling pinions soared ; 

 One fatal glance the fiery thunders poured ; 

 Prone drops the bird amid the dashing waves, 

 And the clear stream his glossy plumage laves." 



