124 WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



although I don't like that cap, a hat is much better; 

 it affords protection from both sun and rain, and you 

 will find a cap a nuisance in the rain, and very little 

 use in the sunshine. Your clothes, dead-grass color, are 

 all right for marsh shooting ; indeed, almost do equal- 

 ly as well in the timber. Hope your long rubber boots 

 are big enough for you. If there is one thing I dislike 

 more than another it's tight-fitting rubber boots. Mine 

 are always one size larger than my feet. You needn't 

 laugh, I don't have to have them made to order. 



" Now, be sure and dress warm. Duck shooting is 

 cold work, and although it's only the middle of No- 

 vember, a cold rain may set in, or a snow storm, and 

 it's far better to be dressed too •warm,vthan suffer the 

 slightest cold. Take your rubber coat along, no matter 

 what kind of a morning it is. I never go without one. 

 I did once, and stood out in the rain all day without 

 any protection, or place to go to get dry. The only 

 comfort I had -all that time was sympathy. This, from 

 my companion, who, warmly ensconced in a long rubber 

 coat, continuously throughout the day, dried my shiver- 

 ing bones with sympathy. I learned a lesson that day 

 and haven't forgotten it. Sympathy is very good to take 

 in small doses, but sheds water poorly ; a long rubber 

 coat is far preferable. My rubber coat is dead grass 

 color, and I have often stood in it in pelting rain 

 for hours, without discomfort. 



" In the morning at three o'clock I will call for you. 

 Pretty early ? I know, but we want the early morning 

 shooting, and we must be on the ground at break of 

 day. I will take Don along. He will retrieve for both 

 of us. Well, good day. I am going to the warehouse 

 to get boat and decoys ready." 



