﻿88 ANATID.E. 



partially, and even then, some numbers remain about springy 

 places where the water is still unaffected by the frost. 



The time of migration from the north begins in October 

 and continues throughout November ; during this time the 

 flocks that pass over are immense, both with respect to num- 

 ber and extent ; these migrations are chiefly performed 

 during the night, but at times when circumstances hurry 

 them on, they continue the same during the day. The man- 

 ner in which they fly is in the form of a slanting line, as if 

 broken in its centre. When the journeys are to short dis- 

 tances, they are performed in small parties, following the 

 course of the water or of low wet grounds, and they sometimes 

 fly in a confused mass low over the ground. In the morning- 

 early, and late in the evening during the winter months, the 

 numerous flocks that remain about a favourite part of the coun- 

 try, namely wet and low meadows that are frequently inun- 

 dated, afford great sport to persons that lie in wait for them, 

 and although it requires much perseverance, very warm 

 clothing, water-tight boots or shoes, and patience, it is not 

 only amusing, but interesting to watch the approach of those 

 birds in the dark ; first of all one heai's the noise of the 

 wings at a considerable distance, next comes the cackling as 

 they approach nearer in the gloomy twilight, and then the sud- 

 den appearance and as sudden disappearance of the flock as 

 they rapidly pass over the sportsman. In order to enjoy this 

 the sportsman must place himself close to the water-side when 

 it begins to get dusk in the evening, near the stem of some tree 

 or bush, or he must sit down on the ground with his gun ready 

 for action, as there is no time to lose in cocking the gun or 

 taking it up. When these ducks are fairly on the wing, 

 the number of small parties, of couples and single birds that 

 sweep over his head, and in all directions, is incredible to 

 persons who have never pursued this pastime ; this fact is 



