222 
ANAS VALISINERIA. 
forwards along' the margin of the water, and the docks, 
observing his manoeuvres, enticed perhaps by curiosity, 
gradually approach the shore, until they are sometimes 
within twenty or thirty yards of the spot where the 
f unner lies concealed, and from which he rakes them, 
rst on the water, and then as they rise. This method 
is called tolling them in. If the ducks seem difficult to 
decoy, any glaring object, such as a red handkerchief, is 
fixed round the dog’s middle, or to his tail, and this 
rarely fails to attract them. Sometimes, by moonlight, 
the sportsman directs his skiff towards a flock whose 
position he had previously ascertained, keeping within 
the projecting shadow of some wood, bank, or headland, 
and paddles along so silently and imperceptibly, as often 
to approach within fifteen or twenty yards of a flock of 
many thousands, among whom he generally makes great 
slaughter. 
Many other stratagems are practised, and, indeed, 
every plan that the ingenuity of the experienced sports- 
man can suggest, to approach within gunshot of these 
birds ; but of all the modes pursued, none intimidate 
them so much as shooting them by night ; and they 
soon abandon the place where they have been thus 
repeatedly shot at. During the day, they are dispersed 
about ; but towards evening, collect in large flocks, and 
come into the mouths of creeks, where they often ride, 
as at anchor, with their head under their wing, asleep, 
there being always sentinels awake, ready to raise an 
alarm on the least appearance of danger. Even when 
feeding and diving in small parties, the whole never go 
down at one time, but some are still left above on the 
look out. 
When the winter sets in severely, and the river is 
frozen, the canvass-backs retreat to its confluence with 
the bay, occasionally frequenting air holes in the ice, 
which are sometimes made for the purpose, immediately 
above their favourite grass, to entice them within 
gunshot of the hut or bush which is usually fixed at a 
proper distance, and where the gunner lies concealed, 
j eady to take advantage of their distress. A Mr Hill, 
