DUCK-SHOOTING. 365 



jestically onward, regardless of the havoc that the 

 heavy discharges make in his ranks. Of nearly the 

 same size, of unsurpassable delicacy on the table, of 

 equal vigor, they differ utterly in their habits." 



" Speaking of types," said the unlucky man, re- 

 calling unpleasant reminiscences of numerous misses, 

 " you might call blue-bills types of the fast-flying 

 and dodging ducks. When they come down before 

 a stiff wind, and are making their best time, light- 

 ning is slow by comparison, and shot does not seem 

 to me to go quite fast enough." 



" They are the scaup or broad-bill of the East, Fu- 

 ligula Marila, and are aptly termed the bullet-winged 

 duck. They are undoubtedly the most difficult duck 

 to kill that flies. I have known a thorough sports- 

 man and excellent shot on quail, shoot all day at 

 them M'ithout killing one. You must make great 

 allowance for their speed." 



"And, moreover," added the President, " you must 

 load properly ; there must be powder enough behind 

 the shot to send it clear through the bird ; one pellet 

 driven in that way will kill a bird that would carry 

 off a dozen lodged beneath the skin or in the flesh." 



" Perhaps so, but T doubt its feasibility," was the 

 response ; " no small shot was ever, in my opinion, 

 driven through the body of a duck with any charge 

 of powder at over thirty yards. I use light powder 

 and plenty of shot." 



This announcement was received with unanimous 

 dissent, and the President expressed the general 

 feeling when he continued — 



