196 FIELD SHOOTING. 



much too tempting to be neglected. I could not 

 forego the opportunity, and sitting upon that log, 

 and shooting as they flew until all my ammuni- 

 tion was expended, I killed and secured ninety- 

 five mallards. Some few, which fell on the other 

 side of the creek, I did not get. With plenty 

 of cartridges and a breech-loader I believe 1 

 could have killed two hundred ducks. They 

 were all mallards. The date was April 7. 

 Most of the mallards flew in pairs, and their 

 route was towards the north. I have no doubt 

 they were beginning their migratory flight from 

 our neighborhood to the high latitudes. 



In hard, severe weather, when the wind is 

 strong and keen-cutting, it is to be noted that 

 ducks and other water-fowl are apt to seek the 

 protection of the timber. At such times they will 

 be found in creeks whose banks are well wooded, 

 and about ponds in the timber. In these places 

 the shooter need not go to the trouble of build- 

 ing a blind. There are in such situations so 

 many old logs, stumps, etc., that if he sits down 

 in clothes of the proper color, the ducks will 

 not make him out in time to change the di- 

 rection of their course in flight. Thus on the 

 great day at Skunk's Island, in the Winnebago 



