GADWALL DUCK. 215 



The various methods of hunting them are very- 

 similar to those already described for other shoal- 

 water ducks. In Tennessee, next to decoy-shoot- 

 ing, my favorite way was to suddenly yet cau- 

 tiously come upon them in a boat from behind 

 the numerous little points along the lake-shore, 

 when they would be compelled to fly by me in 

 escaping, not being, able to rise so nearly per- 

 pendicularly above the high cypress timber which 

 bordered the little coves (or pockets, as they are 

 called by the natives) where they were almost 

 always to be found feeding. Many opportunities, 

 too, for sitting-shots at flocks were had in this 

 sport, and quite large numbers were often bagged 

 during the day. Light " dug-outs " are used by 

 the natives of this locality for shooting from, but 

 it is impossible to shoot broadside from them 

 with a heavy gun without upsetting ; consequently 

 many opportunities for flying shots are lost, and 

 for this reason they are not as useful as the 

 regular hunting-skiff. 



Gadwalls command a good price in market, 

 and are ranked with the mallard and redhead ; 

 these, with the canvas-backs, are denominated " large 

 ducks" by the hunters and market-men, all others 

 being classified as small ones. Their notes and 



