134 upla:s'd .shooting. 



The cold nortli winds are very severe on tlie duck-dog, 

 and it takes a race of dogs with great courage and strength 

 to stand the work. The dog may have to go into the 

 cold water more than 100 times a day. and then be 

 obliged to stand or sit still when he is on the land. If 

 the dog could run around and warm himself, it would be 

 different; but he must keep close when not after his birds, 

 or he vnR frighten the passing birds away. 



A race of dogs has been bred on the shores of Chesa- 

 peake Bay which are very superior duck-dogs. Xo cold 

 water, ice, or snow can daunt them. They will go any- 

 where after wounded or dead ducks. The cold water is 

 almost home to them. I have used them three years, and 

 found them the best duck-dogs that I ever shot over. 

 They have a fine nose, and can trace a wounded duck 

 through the grass where it would seem almost impossible 

 for them to find their bird. They are quick, active, and 

 always read}"^ for work, and yet they are very docile and 

 kind, and so tender-mouthed 'that they will scarcely 

 ruffle a feather on a duck. They carrj' the largest goose 

 or swan with ease, and are always so delighted ^ith 

 their work that it is a great pleasure to see them jjer- 

 form. 



If the sportsman has never shot ducks on a pass, he 

 should not lose the first chance that is offered to have a 

 day or two of that kind of work. He will find it "royal 

 sport," and although he may count up a good many 

 misses, and only a few kills, yet he will be satisfied that 

 he has had the best of all shooting. 



The sportsman on a duck-pass should have a 10-gauge 

 gun, of about 10 or lOJ pounds weight. His shells should 

 be loaded with 4J drams of powder and 1} ounces 

 of shot. I think most of the shells ought to be loaded 

 with iS'o. 6 shot, but if the ducks fly high, say fifty or 

 sixty yards away, he vrUl require Xo. 3 or 4. 



