222 
ANAS VALISINERIA. 
forvvai’tls along the margin of the water, and the duck*) 
observing his manoeuvres, enticed perhaps by curiositf’ 
gradually apjiroach the shore, until they are sometiW-’* 
within twenty or thirty yards of the spot where th® 
gunner lies concealed, and from whicli he rakes the'''’ 
first on the water, and then as they rise. This metho® 
is called tolling them in. If the dmdts seem difficult t® 
decoy, any glaring object, such as a red handkerchiet, J’ 
fixed round the dog’s middle, or to his tail, and tbi’ 
rarely fails to attract them. SonnUimes, by mooulighh 
the sportsman directs his skiff’ towards a flock who?* 
position he had previously ascertained, keeping with'® 
the projecting shadow of some wood, bank, or he.adla''®’ 
and paddles along so silently and imperceptibly, as ofto® 
to approach within fifteen or twenty yards of a flock o 
many thousands, among whom he generally makes gr®* 
slaughter. 
Many other stratagems are practised, and, inde«®’ 
every plan that the ingenuity of the e.xperienced sport®" 
man can suggest, to ajiproach within gunshot of the®* 
birds ; but ot all the modes pursued, none intimidat* 
them so much as shooting them by night; and tbr/ 
soon abandon the jtlace where they have been th"- 
refieatedly shot at. During the day, they are disperse? 
about ; but towards evening, collect in large flocks, 
come into the mouths of creeks, where they often rid* 
as at anchor, with their head under their wing, aslecp’ 
there being alw.ays sentinels awake, ready to raise 
alarm on the least appearance of danger. Even whr® 
feeding and diving in small parties, the whole never 
down at one time, but some are still left above on tb 
look out. 
When the winter sets in severely, and the river 
frozen, the cauvass-backs retreat to its confluence 
the bay, occasion.ally frequenting air holes in the 
which are sometimes made for the purpose, immediate}, 
above their favourite grass, to entice them with' 
gunshot of the hut or bush which is usually fi.xed at 
proper distance, and where the gunner lies couceale ’ 
ready to take advantage of their distress. A Mr ' 
