CANVASS-BACK. 263 



Ducks apparently following, although they may he equally 

 under the magic influence. 



This plan of killing Ducks, though practised by all the gentry, 

 as well as Pot Hunters who frequent the bay shore, is not altoge- 

 ther recognized as a sportsman-like way of bagging Game, and 

 is forbidden on some of the grounds in possession of the Clubs 

 that meet during the shooting season at different points in the 

 haj. Of the utility of this regulation we will not argue, as 

 the gentlemen composing these associations no doubt have good 

 reasons for this restriction. We must confess, however, that 

 we see no impropriety or unsportsman-like conduct in thus de- 

 coying this wary Fowl within reach of our gun, more particu- 

 larly in positions where all other modes of getting at them 

 would surely fail. But, on the contrary, we have always found 

 a great- deal in the sport to admire, as it is not unfrequently 

 attended with a high degree of pleasurable excitement, while 

 witnessing the playful antics of the Dog operating so strangely 

 upon his bewildered and silly victims that so soon pay the for- 

 feit of their idle curiosity in death. And, moreover, if we 

 desired to act the part of a sage, we might also draw a pretty 

 moral from the incident, in demonstrating to our brother Sports- 

 men that a foolish and idle curiosity even in the brute creation 

 often results in disastrous consequences to all parties con- 

 cerned. 



Along some shores on the Gunpowder and Bush Rivers, ex- 

 clusively devoted by their proprietors to Toling, the season for 

 this sport continues very late, as the Fowl are seldom or never 

 disturbed upon their feeding-grounds far out in the stream, to 

 which they take immediate refuge after being fired at, and there 

 remain in perfect security till enticed again within gunshot; 

 and this may be accomplished several times during the same 

 day, and the slaughter consequently is often enormous. This 

 method of killing Ducks is less injurious in its effects upon the 

 movements of Wild Fowl than any kind of boat shooting that 

 can be practised, as it never disturbs them on their feeding- 

 grounds, but attacks them only when foolishly wandering away 

 from their usual secure haunts. 



The proper and most destructive moment to shoot Ducks 

 when they have been Toled, is when they present a side view. 



