142 WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



for ; there are some constajitly in the air, those com- 

 ing first set their wings, coming in to the decoys ; some- 

 where in sight of these, but unseen by us, are others, 

 perhaps a mile off. They see their kind circling 

 around or alighting, and go where they are ; others see 

 these and do the same. Thus while we see but few 

 coming in, several different lots are approaching us at 

 different distances, from various points. This is how 

 it happens that one often kills anywhere from 6 to 16 

 birds, almost as fast as he can load and shoot. But 

 why dwell on what we do for the next few hours ? 

 We have found their retreat, they come in from all 

 directions, not sufficiently fast to heat one's gun, but 

 with enough regularity to make it interesting, and not 

 tedious by long waits between shots. We enjoy the 

 sport, enjoy seeing one another make difficult shots^ 

 enjoy the keen air, the cool November day. As you 

 look at your watch a surprised look is seen on your 

 face, and much to your astonishment it is six o'clock. 

 Faintly we hear the whistles sounding that hour in the 

 adjacent towns. Do not let the excitement of the 

 evening flight cause you to forget the absolute neces- 

 sity of taking your bearings in the marsh, for when the 

 shades of night settle on the swamp, you will be lost 

 for the time being, and your lack of forethought may 

 force you to pass the night in j'our boat. Mark the 

 way you came in by some tall tree, or bluffs, that you 

 know in the darkness will loom up against the sky, or 

 any other way that you can depend on. If in a strange 

 marsh, or in unknown woods, don't take any chances i 

 for unless you have experienced it, you can form no 

 accurate idea of the perfect blank your whole sur- 

 roundings will present. Better lose the late shooting 



