84 AMERICAN GAME. 
It has been supposed that Ducks in general, and the 
Widgeon in particular, are of keen scent; and I am 
more particularly induced to allude to this from the fact 
of my finding the following in the work of Dr. Lewis, 
who is usually so correct, that to point out an error of. 
opinion is in no wise to detract from its credit or utility. 
“The best weather for this sport”—paddling a punt 
upon flocks of Widgeon—“ is a clear, windy, half moon- 
light night,” says he, “provided the wind does not blow 
from you, as the ducks may smell you; in fact, it is 
always necessary to get to leeward of wild fowl of all 
kinds, as their power of scenting is very great.” 
That Dr. Lewis should have fallen into this error does 
not at all surprise me, since it is one prevalent among 
English gamekeepers, and American gunners and bay- 
men alike. Such men, who are invariably excellent 
observers of facts and judges of effects, and on whose 
advice, not to attempt to advance upon flocks of wild 
fowl feeding, down wind, either by land or water, it is 
very well to rely, are for the most part indifferent dedu- 
cers of causes; and I have rarely found one of either 
class, on whose judgment concerning the cause of any 
habit, instinct, migration, or movement, however well 
established as a fact, the least reliance could be placed. 
That this alleged fact, of wild fowl having the power 
of scenting an enemy, is an error, has been distinctly 
established by that excellent sportsman and judicious 
