34 



LA.MELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS — ANSERES. 



Another ingenious, but very objectionable, way of taking this Duck, known as 

 " netting," was once resorted to. This consisted in sinking gill-nets a short distance 

 below the surface of tlie water, so that the Ducks, in diving, would get entangk-d 

 in the meshes ; and great numbers were secured in this way. But this has the elTeft 

 of completely driving the Ducks away ; and it was found that when taken in this 

 manner they were hardly fit to eat. 



Another successful mode of killing Ducks, and one that once was much in vogue, 

 is the use of what are known as " dugouts." These are small boats moored over 

 the flats, concealed from observation as far as possible by quantities of eel-grass 

 thrown over and about them, and surrounded by large numbers of decoys anchored 

 near the vessel. The occupant of the dugout patiently awaits the arrival of tho 

 Wild Ducks, which are attracted by the decoys. When the weather is favorable 

 and the Ducks are flying, this plan is very successful ; but it is not successful in cold 

 or boisterous weather. Jlore recently the old-fashioned dugout has been superseded 

 by the " surface-boat," or " battery," as it is called. This contrivance is am-nored on 

 the feeding-ground, and surrounded by decoys. Its construction is such that when 

 anchored out the water is on a level with the deck of the box, the occupant, when 

 reclining, being entirely concealed from observation, so that nothing can be seen 

 even at a distance of only a few hundred feet. Several double-barrelled guns are 

 usually in readiness ; and this battery is accompanied by a companion in a sail (jr 

 row boat, who keeps at a distance, ready to pick up the dead Ducks, or to render 

 such aid as may be required. The number of Ducks killed in this manner is said to 

 be incredible. 



A very ingenious contrivance for Duck-shooting was seen by Mr. Lewis on Elk 

 River. This ambush was prepared by taking advantage of low tides, and driving four 

 strong posts in a square into the soft mud, in the centre of a wide expanse of feedini,'- 

 ground, in the path of the Dutsks as they fly up and down the river. The upper por- 

 tions of these posts are perforated with large holes, permitting the introduction of 

 long hickory pins, which pass through and project several inches ; from these pins is 

 suspended a light frame, strong enough to bear the weight of the hunter, who is 

 concealed from observation by a pile of cedar-brush or eel-grass — the framework 

 being raised or lowered according to the condition of tl.- tide. This particular kind 

 of blind is well adapted fortius river, where the feeding-grounds are quite extensivi'; 

 and immense flocks of wild-fowl are occasionally tlius attracted. 



Another, and often very successful, device for shooting the Canvas-back is l\v 

 taking advantage of the severity of the weather, which drives the bird from its 

 favorite feeding-grounds, and then enticing them within reach of an ambush on 

 sliorc, by cutting a large hole in the ice directly over some choice feeding-shoal. 

 Large, numbers may be killed in this manner. 



This species, in and around Chesapeake Hay, has long been regarded as pre-eminent 

 for the richness and delicacy of the flavor of its flesh ; and it is claimed by miniy 

 that no wild-fowl in any part of the world can vie in this respect with the (Jauvas- 

 back of these waters. It has been hunted on the Chesapeake and its tributaries with 

 unrelenting greed, until its numbers have been greatly reduced, and many have been 

 driven to more southern regions. This bird always commands a ready sale ; and 

 even when sent to the nuirket by tlumsands, always brings a high i)rice. While a 

 few Canvas-backs are met with in the waters of the Hudson, tlie Delaware, and in 

 other eastern rivers, by far the larger portion of them resort to Chesapeake Bay and 

 the adjacent waters. Of late years its numbers have greatly increased along ilio 

 short rivers of North Carolina. It is also found in abundance on the western lakes, 



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