268 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 
But to return to our work. As soon as we were at our 
stands, we divested ourselves of shot-pouches and powder- 
horns, hanging them on the bushes that we might the easier 
use them when required—for, once the game commences to 
arrive, every. moment is of value. Before we had been sta- 
tionary many minutes a few stragglers made their appear- 
ance, the advance-guard, doubtless, of the main body; some 
old and experienced veterans, I should think, are generally 
chosen for this duty, as these forerunners are wary in the 
extreme, and seldom or never come within gunshot. How- 
ever, we were not detained idle; a bunch of mallard passed 
within range, and a salute welcomed their visit; another 
and another party rapidly followed in such quick succes- 
sion that it was impossible to shoot at all. These birds, so 
far, had only flown past, and as night approached their 
numbers increased, and we being probably less conspicuous 
from decreasing light, the open water at our side was chos- 
en for their resting-place. Down they would come on the 
water, almost imperiling our heads, with the rustling sound 
of the eagle in the act of swooping upon his prey, while 
. some of their companions, less certain of the security of 
this halting-place, would sweep round and round our locale 
before they finally selected it. As soon as the birds struck 
the water they would commence bathing themselves, flap- 
ping their bodies with their wings, diving with short 
plunges, and cutting so many capers that one might imagine 
them stark, staring mad. The fact, however, is, that all 
this apparent eccentricity is caused by the necessity the 
ducks feel of cleaning themselves of the insects about their 
plumage, as well as the pleasure they experience in finding 
themselves again in a milder climate, with abundance of 
food around them, after enduring a hard journey from the 
stormy North, protracted possibly through a day and 
night. 
