138 GAME SHOAL-WATER FOWL. 



That fork to the right is the noted stream 

 "Mud Creek." You may put down your oar 

 now, as the current is not quite as rapid as this 

 we're leaving, and get your gun ready; for in a 

 few rods the creek widens, and we then come to 

 the edge of the wild rice, which grows on either 

 side of the creek, until we come to the pond; 

 There are always a good many ducks sitting in 

 the edge of the rice along the creek, and by 

 moving quietly we can get very close to them 

 before they take alarm. Sit with the left side 

 rather more in advance, so that you can shoot 

 ducks crossing to the right more easily; and 

 don't shoot if you have to drop them too far 

 in the rice, for it will take more time to break 

 down rice and hunt them up than they are 

 worth. Wait until you get one over the creek 

 or close to the edge. We must not waste too 

 much time here, you know, for it may be more 

 valuable somewhere else. Now, no more loud 

 talk for a few moments, until we see if we can't 

 get a shot ; and remember this last caution : Be 

 cool ; and don't shoot until you get your gun just 

 right , for nothing but dead ducks count here 

 — cripples are of little use. 



Steady ! Well ! well ! Why didn't you shoot ? 



