CANVASS-BACK. 261 



often come in by waving a fancy-colored handkerchief attached 

 to the ramrod. We have seen a Dog fail to attract their atten- 

 tion till bound around the loins with a white handkerchief, and 

 then succeed perfectly welh The Toling season continues about 

 three weeks from the first appearance of the Ducks — often a 

 much shorter time — as these Birds become more cautious, and 

 are no longer deceived in this way. The Canvass-Back Toles 

 better than any other Duck ; in fact, it is asserted by some 

 Sportsmen that this particular variety alone can be decoyed in 

 this mode. There are always numbers of other Ducks feeding 

 with the Canvass-Back, particularly the Eed-Heads and Black- 

 Heads, who partake of the top of the grass that the Canvass- 

 Back discards after eating off the root, which is a kind of celery. 

 These Ducks, though they come in with the Canvass-Backs when 

 Toled, do not seem to take any notice whatever of the Dog, but 

 continue to swim along, carelessly feeding, as if intrusting them- 

 selves entirely to the guidance of the other Ducks. 



"As far as we have been able to judge, we are inclined to 

 this opinion also, and do not recollect ever having succeeded in 

 Toling any other species of Duck unaccompanied by the Can- 

 vass-Back, although we have made the effort many times. 

 These Ducks are a very singular Bird, and although very cun- 

 ning nnder ordinary circumstances, seem perfectly bewildered' 

 upon this subject. "We were one of a part}^, several years 

 since, who actually succeeded in decoying the same batch of 

 Ducks three successive times in the course of an hour, and 

 slaying at each fire a large number. We counted out over 

 forty at the conclusion of the sport. 



"Although the Toling of Ducks is so simple in its process, 

 there are few Dogs who have sufficient industry and persever- 

 ance to arrive at any degree of perfection in the art. The Dog, 

 if not possessed of some sagacity and considerable training, is 

 very apt to tire and stop running when the Ducks have got 

 near the shore but too far off to be reached by the guns, which 

 spoils all, as the Birds are very apt to swim or fly off if the 

 motion of the animal is arrested for a few moments."* 



* On some particular days, even in the midst of the Toling season, without 

 any appai-ent reason, the Toler is obliged to relinquish his sport, as no artifice on 



