(Jan. 20, HM). 
Looking with the glasses over the s-mootli ice away 
to tlie northward, we could see flying over the ice, or 
resting on it, fowl as far as the eye could reach. From 
the level of the ice where we sat the ducks resting on 
the water appeared only as indistinct lines. The geese 
were of course larger and darker, and made distinct black 
lines, while some very distant swans resting on the ice 
were magnified by the illusive effects of the mirage, so 
that they looked like detached white houses. While wc 
sat watching the canvasbacks, two or three small flocks 
of geese swung around over the air hole, but finding no 
spot where they might moisten the soles of their feet, 
they alighted on the ice just beyond it. 
We sat and watched the fowl until the increasing chill 
of the air and the sinking sun warned us to return to the 
house. As we arose without any precautions the can- 
vasbacks at once became alert, and as we pushed our 
way among the reeds away from the shore the whole 
mass rose with a mighty roar of wings and a splashing 
of water that made one think more of the noise of 
Broadway when traffic is heaviest than anything else 
that I can recall. 
That night it was again cold, and in the morning the 
Little Narrows was closed by ice, except for a few air 
holes, and the open water in the Sound was still less. 
The ice was not yet sufficiently strong to bear a man, 
and yet it was too heavy to be broken through 'by boat. 
Numbers of the shore gunners endeavored to get out to 
the air holes to shoot there, but none, I think, suc- 
ceeded. Those of us at the house shot at various nearby 
points, with moderate success, one man making the great 
score of sixty-six canvasbacks, besides some other ducks. 
That night after dinner one of the party stepped out 
on the porch of the house to look at the weather. The 
night was clear and cold, brilliant stars twinkled in the 
sky; through the branches of the trees over the boat 
house corner, and reflected in the placid waters of an air 
hole in the Narrows, shone the crescent of the young 
moon, embracing between its horns the dull globe which 
was yet to grow. The scene was odd and beautiful, like 
a stage effect of some mediaival scene. As he stood 
there, delighting in the beauty of the night, yet nipped 
a little by the keen frost, a curious sound — like that 
made by a river running over the pebbles of a shallow — 
came to his ear. It recalled to the veteran salmon 
angler the murmur of the Restigouchc as through forest 
and open and deep pool and murmuring shoal it hur- 
ries on its way to the Bay of Chaleurs. He wondered 
what could cause this soimd in this place, and above all 
on such a night, and walking down to the boat house 
passed through it and stood on the dock. Here the ex- 
planation of the sound was plain. The air holes which 
during the day had enlarged were crowded with feeding 
canvasbacks, and the murmur of the water was neither 
more nor less than the splashing made b}'^ the fowl as 
they dived for food. 
The freeze lasted for some days longer. _ The birds 
were abundant; but the weather, clear, windless and 
toward the last warm, was much against the gunning, 
since the fowl did not fly. Nevertheless one or two 
men at different times had good shooting — some of 
them better than they had ever enjoyed before or ex- 
pect ever to have again. This shooting was largely, at 
canvasbacks, since very few common ducks were shot. 
The freeze having closed their feeding grounds, they sat 
about on the ice, unwary and inert, waiting till the 
waters should open again, and in the meantime starving. 
Under such circumstances no one cared to kill them. On 
the other hand, the canvasbacks taken were unusually 
heavy and fine birds. 
Across the Sound, on the waters of a neighboring 
club, very great shooting was enjoyed, though they se- 
cured practically no canvasbacks. On the other hand, 
they made enormous bags of geese and swans, something 
which no one can regret, since the geese and the swans 
at Currituck Sound are so numerous that thej'' eat up 
vast quantities of the food which might better be con- 
sumed by the ducks. There are men long familiar with 
these waters who declare that the geese and the swans 
are constantly becoming more and more abundant and 
that ultimately they M'ill occupy these waters to the ex- 
clusion of more desirable fowl. This, however, is not 
likely to occur in our time, and the prophecy may be 
classed with another, made twentj' years ago by one 
of the most eminent ornithologists of this country, who 
declared that fifteen years from that time the blue peter 
■would be the game bird of Currituck Sound. The years 
have come and the years have gone, but there are still 
few canvasbacks left, and it is possible that when om' 
children tie out in Currituck Sound in just the right 
weather they, too, mav kill a few of these glorious birds. 
Yo. 
In the Wilderness, 
After twenty-four hours on the train we found our- 
selves at a small station on the Black River in south- 
ern Missouri. The morning was frosty, though smoky, 
as the forests were on fire. We had intended to cross the 
river to the east side, but there being no bridge and the 
nearest ferry forty miles, we procured a flatboat, loadeil 
our freight and proceeded down stream. Here came 
something we were not at all familiar with. For, al- 
though we had a complete camp outfit and plenty to eat 
except meats, some of us were slightly embarrassed at 
the sight of the dark water, for there was not a man in 
the crew that had ever run a boat. But being determined 
we managed affair^; very well, by all keeping busy guiding 
the boat and fishing while the rest were scanning the 
banks of their first-seen wild woods. Here we have all 
the conveniences, and can enjoy the pleasures of a hunt 
with all the attractions and excitement that was the 
privilege of the pioneers, while on the other hand we have 
many advantages of them. With our modern firearms 
such as repeating rifles and breechloading sliotguns 
one need not long remain at the disadvantage of being 
found at a critical moment with an empty gun. In this 
part of the country five minutes' -walk will bring you into 
as wild, rugged and untamed forests as exist. The area 
of these swamps are enormous, a very small portion 
being in cultivation, for a rise of the river of 2 feet would 
flood the country, and make travel almost impossible, ex- 
cept in boats. This naturally renders the country unfit 
for agriculture or anything else, save lumbering, and 
the timber will be cut off only to grow up in thicker 
cover for the deer, bears, wolves, panthers, catamounts, 
turkeys and an abundance of smaller game. 
i he first day was pleasantly spent, and not wishing to 
make the unaccustomed work too laborious, we pitched 
camp early in the afternoon. C^n the morning of the 
second day we procured some light poles to use in- 
stead of the oars. The boat was of sufficient width to 
allow the baggage to be loaded in the center, having 
room for walking on either side. This made the v/ork 
eas3^ as we could plant the pole while at the front, then 
trace the walk way for the rear. In this manner we 
could cover from sixty to seventy-five miles per day. 
When we were gone some five miles the Dutchman 
wanted to spread himself. "Oh, sec how she glides," 
and the Dutchman would put on more muscle. Presently 
we heard the clattering of boot heels over the rear of the 
boat, and a plunk in the water. To our amazement we 
saw a head pop up like a fish cork amid the waves of 
foam. Fortunately he was not far from the banks, and to 
stop the boat under full headway and in a strong current 
was out of the question. On landing we found him al- 
most petered out, but no time was lost in starting a 
rousing fire. After a change of clothes, we bathed him 
with whisky inside and out, and thereupon he was all 
smiles again. 
The next adventure was to be hung up on some drifts. 
For full an hour we worked and tugged, but all to no 
avail. Presently a gentleman came to our rescue with a 
skiff, taking two of the boys to shor^e^ and with a long 
rope quickly dislodged the boat. 
While resting for another attack we learned that our 
friend was cutting a "coon" tree, and to repay with a kind 
act, some of us set to work cutting the tree. While 
others were prowling through the cane no more than 
50 yards away, they walked on to a fine doe that made 
the cane fairly crack as she darted for the river and 
entered a few yards from where this chopping was going 
on. There was no little excitement, for every man made 
a break for his weapon — "which was a quarter of a mile 
down the river" — while the deer raised her banner in de- 
fiance, as she tilted off through the timber. Yes, it's 
very easy after all is over to think what might have been. 
Yet they all took the rounds of "I told you to bring 
your gun!" "Oh, if you had only had an axe with you," 
"Why didn't you take the skiff and go after him?" etc. 
But this was not catching any coon, and all was silent 
but the hack of the axes. Every one seemed to be kick- 
ing himself for not having listened to the others; but 
we had to be content with smaller game. At last tht 
tree fell and things took a new life. Away went three 
coons, the dogs and boys falling over each other in a 
mass. But the coons got to the river, closely followed 
by the dogs, and then came the swim for life. The dogs 
were too swift for them, but the coon can stand the water 
better. But the boys thought of the skiff this time, and 
greatly assisted in saving the whole, amid the cheers of 
those looking on. The boys came together for repairs 
after the coon excitement, and as their faces were 
scratched and bruised the arnica was freely administered. 
We learned our friend was from our own county, and 
we gave him our names; after which he had no hesita- 
tion about telling us that two miles up the river were 
the best hunting grounds to be found in all the country; 
and he advised us tb spend a few days in prospecting 
there at any rate. 
Taking him at his word, v^'set our camp, and each 
played his part, preparing supper, beds, wood, etc., A 
hearty supper was eaten by all, for we had forgotten all 
about dinner, and our rations had run short for lunch. 
Through the night the wolves kept up a continuous 
howl, as though there might be hundreds around the 
camp, and one could almost feel their teeth penetrate 
his flesh, but a few shots from the old buckshot gun 
put a quietus to their frolic, so in the latter part of the 
night one could sleep without any trouble. 
By the first echo of the owls we were preparing break- 
fast; and daybreak found the old hunter and myself on 
our way to the St. Francis River, a distance of about 
twelve miles east, through the most rugged wilderness 
one ever finds. There is no settlement nor wagon road 
of any sort, not even an axe mark to guide the way. 
Sometimes I had thoughts of retreating, but finally over- 
come this, and kept still; though it was all one could 
bear, through briers, swamps, thickets and everything 
diiiRcult to penetrate.'- At length the river was reached, 
and the hoiu- being noon, we ate our lunch. Then we 
went on north, for a .mile, so as to return in a new route. 
During tliis day of prospecting, four deer were seen, also 
a fine flock of about twenty-five turkeys, but we were im- 
able to bag any game, as we were forced to travel at a 
good step in order to cover the entire distance in one day. 
When night came on, it found us only one mile up the 
river from camp; we had borne to the right only that 
distance in a whole day's travel, on which we congratu- 
lated ourselves as being first-rate woodsmen. 
During the night we would hear the rain drops falling 
on the tent, and this being the first rain for many 
weeks, was welcomed by all. Every one was in great glee 
to get out early tlic next morning, for it was the first 
morning that a person could move without being heard 
for at least a quarter of a mile by the rattle of the leaves 
through the still, dry air. Going in all directions, we were 
well scattered by the time it was light enough to shoot 
well. The little visitor and myself went eastward until 
about noon, then turned to the southwest, so as to have 
some advantage of the wind. We were about to give up 
all hopes of anything for this day when near a large top 
were three deer feeding among the blackberry and spice. 
It was our intent to single out the largest of the group; 
but not always having things as we like, we were con- 
tent with a shot on a fawn at 75 yards. It fell dead in 
its tracks with a ball hole through its lower shoulders 
from a .40-65 Winchester. The other two ran south for 
some 200 yards and stopped broadside within 50 yards of 
the visitor. He fetched the buck to the ground, but no 
sooner did it fall than it was up to its feet again and out 
of sight in a few leaps. On examination we found no 
blood, only a strip of white hair lying across the way. 
He had evidently shot so low as to just crease the under 
part of the body. 
Shortly after reaching camp with our fawn, which had 
been nicely dressed and hung on a pole, one of the boys 
came in and announced that he had one that he could not 
manage by himself; so taking two others, they brought in , 
as fine a blue-coat as one ever saw. It was a three-point 
buck of about 125 pounds, with a ball hole through the 
heart. When it had been dressed and hung on the pole ] 
they gave three cheers, danced a tatoo, and drank a toast i 
in behalf of our good success. 
The few days following were crowned with no succes'i 
save for a number of squirrels and fish, until Thanksgiving 
morning found us a few miles further down the river, 
where there once had been an old farm; and from the 1 
looks of the timber and vines one would judge that it • 
had been a century since its cultivation. The morning 
was very frosty, which, with the dawn, to our great satis- 
faction, was gradually changing to a heavy fog. Just the 
kind of a morning, so the old hunter says, and we 
must do some work to-day. Deciding to try a breast 
hunt, we started in a half-moon line with the end men in ■ 
the lead. The space between one to another was about 
40 rods, and by this we could cover over a mile in width. 
The party had gone in rank near a mile, when all were 1 
brought to a halt by firing from the man on the right 
wing, who had started a bunch of seven deer; and with-, 
out losing a second, the next on the left took it up, then . 
the next, and so on until the whole party had the pleasure , 
of pulling trigger. Then on reaching the man on the 
left wing, they seemed to get excited at the two shots from 
a lo-gauge. and retraced their steps more than half-way 
down the line. All this time the cannonading was kept up 
without missing a note. Knowing we had some draying, 
to do, we set to work toting them to camp. The first toi 
.swing on the pole was a three-point buck with three ball 
holes — two in the hind quarters and one in the head. 
The next was a doe, with one ball hole in the brea.'^t ; the ( 
next a fawn, with two ball holes through back ofj 
shoulders. In all, we had five deer dressed and hung up ; 
and when the smoke was started under the jerk, a nice 
piece of venison was put in the pot. Then every man had 
a bit of experience to give, some talked of the cunning 
deer, some of guns, others of marksmanship, and one took 
a pencil and mapped out the whole affair. Such an ex- 
perience meeting we never expect to attend again. 
The next landing to speak of was some eighty miles 
further down, where we procured two men with teams, 
one being an ox team of great strength, and the other a 
span of Texas ponies, to take our baggage across the 
country some eighty miles into the sunken land district. 
The second day brought us to an old cattle farm that had 
long since been abandoned. Some of the btrildings were 
yet in fair condition, and there was a well of water which 
the natives had kept in good repair. We thought !)est to 
rest here for a day or two, and found quarters for the 
teams in the buildings. 
On Sunday Billy took a basket and started for some 
of the luscious persimmons. About an hour had elapsed 
when he appeared at camp pale as a ghost, with great 
drops of cold sweat standing on his forehead. "Why, 
Billy, what's the trouble; are you sick?" 
"Sick? No. Only half-scared to death. You know 
that big top down the road? Well, as I was comingi 
back along there, all at once I heard the terriblest snort 
and cracking of brush yoit ever heard. I thought I was 
gone sure, but I couldn't see anything till they got to that 
top. There I saw five somethings — I reckon they werei 
deer — jump clear over that top ; but I don't believe they 
were deer, for they were running straight from me, andi 
they looked white and as big as a cow," 
This settled the question; it was a plain case of buck: 
fever. The idea of deer as big as cows and jumping a 
tree top not less than 25 feet high ! This being Sunday 
they were left over imtil the next day, as the laws of 
Arkansas restrict the carrying of a gun under any con- 
sideration on the Sabbath. 
The next morning by 9 o'clock brought three deer to! 
camp. Two of those were killed by one man; he made a 
double shot, both proving fatal ; then climbing a tree, 
began to yell at the top of his voice. This attracted the 
attention of a large drove of razor-backed hogs that were 
on the range. No sooner did they find the deer and fresh 
blood than they made sure of a feast; and taking them 
to be real wild hogs, he was afraid to land from his lofty 
perch. Fortunately, one of the crowd hearing his cries, 
answered the summons, and after giving the hogs a load of. 
duck shot, succeeded in rescuing the badly mangled deer. 
During our brief stay at this place, seven deer were added 
to the list, with a few turkeys and some small game. ' 
The trip through the sunk land was mostly spent m 
sight Seeing. Passing over the natural levee, we found 
trees that actually measured 12 feet in diameter, the 
. principal timber being cypress, oak and gum. 
' On reaching the bay (a big cypress slough) we were 
compelled to wade to our waists, as the teams had all' 
they could handle, and to make matters worse, when about 
half-way through, the pony team mired down. After aui 
hour of prying and wading, we succeeded in getting, 
through, all safely, but with a good wetting. While in 
this wilderness the party sighted two panthers and one- 
catamount; and ohe deer was added to the list — an ex-' 
tremely large buck with a fine pair of horns, which 
measured 29 inches from base to tip, and each tore five 
points. 
For a few days we enjoyed ourselves in duck shootine 
and fishing on the St. Francis River. One particular 
day the party caught 17S pounds of fish, ranging from ^ 
to 17 pounds. 
Tiring of this sport, we agreed to return by a new, 
route to the boat, then go down the White River some' 
200 miles, where we might have some larger game shoot- 
ing. 
Our food supply had rurt short for the teams, and we 
were obliged to make it to the levee in one day. a distance 
of twenty-diree miles, and for more than half the way 
the rain poured down in torrents. This forced march 
lasted till 10 o'clock at night; and a tired out, wet and 
hungry set of fellows we were, glad to take shelter in an 
old shanty with a splint and clay fireplace in which a fir^ 
was made as quickly as wet wood would burn. After' 
emptying the water from our boots and guns, and a 
change of clothes, we were glad to lie down on the floor, 
for our bedding was thoroughly wet. All night the rain 
seemed to be increasing, and the next day was rainy, more'' 
or less, as was the remainder of our stay. The water by 
