A PIGEON HUNT ON THE OHIO. 313 



other. They all advance in the same direction, those 

 behind are continually rising up and fluttering to the front, 

 so that the surface presents a series of undulations like 

 sea waves. Frequently the birds alight on each other's 

 back, for want of room upon the ground, and a confused 

 mass of winged creatures is seen rolling through the 

 woods. At such times if the sportsmen can only " head" 

 the flock, he is sure of a good shot. Almost every bullet 

 tells, and dozens may be brought down at a single dis- 

 charge. 



In my progress through the woods, I had got separa- 

 ted from my companions, when I observed an immense 

 flock approaching me, after the manner described. I saw 

 from their plumage that they were young birds, and 

 not likely to be easily alarmed. I drew my horse, (I was 

 mounted) behind a tree, and awaited their approach. 

 This I did more from curiosity than any other motive, as, 

 unfortunately, I carried a rifle, and could only have killed 

 one or two at the best. The crowd came "swirling" for- 

 ward, and when they were within ten or fifteen paces 

 distant, I fired into their midst. To my surprise, the 

 flock did not take flight, but continued to advance aa 

 before, until they were almost among the horse's feet. I 

 could stand it no longer. I drove the spurs deeply, and 

 galloped into their midst, striking right and left as they 

 fluttered up around me. Of course they were soon off; 



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