,the ,celebrated ,sporting ,works ,,of ,,robert ,b4 ,,roosevelt4 ,i4 ,the ,game ,fish of the ,north ,,ii4 ,superior ,fishing4 ,,iii4 ,the ,game ,birds of the ,north4 ,all published uniform with this volume1 handsomely bound in cloth1 price #b4jj4 ,sent free by mail on receipt of price1 ,,by ,carleton1 ,publisher1 ,new ,york4 ,,the ,,game-,,birds ,,of ,,the ,,coasts ,,and ,,lakes ,,of ,,the ,,northern ,,states ,,of ,,america4 ,a ,,full ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,sporting ,,along ,,our ,,seashores ,,and ,,inland ,,waters1 ,,with ,a ,,comparison ,,of ,,the ,,merits ,,of ,,breech-,,loaders ,,and ,,muzzle-,,loaders4 ,,by ,,robert ,b4 ,,roosevelt1 ,,author ,,of 8,,the ,,game-,,fish ,,of ,,north ,,america10 8,,superior ,,fishing10 8,,country ,,life10 ,,etc41 ,,etc4 ,,new ,,york3 ,carleton1 ,publisher1 #dac ,broadway4 ,m ,,dccc ,,lxvi4 ,entered according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahff1 by ,,geo4 ,w4 ,,carleton1 ,in the ,clerk's ,office of the ,district ,court of the ,united ,states for the ,southern ,district of ,new ,york4 ,,the ,,new ,,york ,,printing ,,company1 #ha1 #hc1 and #he ,centre ,street1 ,,new ,,york4 ,,contents4 ,,page ,,chapter ,i4 ,game of ,ancient and ,modern ,days4--,its ,protection and ,importance4--,the proper ,shooting ,seasons4--,the ,impolicy of using ,batteries and ,pivot-,guns4 #g ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,guns and ,gunnery4--,breech-loaders compared with ,muzzle-loaders4--,a ,sharp ,review of the 8,dead ,shot40--,the ,field ,trial4 #bg ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,bay-snipe ,shooting4--,the ,birds1 their ,habits1 ,peculiarities1 and places of ,resort4--,stools and ,whistles4--,dress and ,implements appropriate to their pursuit4--,their ,names and ,mode of ,capture4 #ff ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,the ,new ,jersey ,coast4--,jersey ,girls and their pleasant ways4--,the peculiarities of ,bay-snipe further elucidated4--,mosquitoes rampant4--,good ,shooting and 8,fancy0 ,sport4--,shipwrecks and ,ghosts4 #ih ,,chapter ,v4 ,bay-,birds4--,particular ,descriptions and ,scientific ,characteristics4--,a ,complete ,account of each ,variety4 #adj ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,montauk ,point4--,american ,golden ,plover or ,frost-,bird4--,a ,true ,story of ,three ,thousand in a ,flock4--,lester's ,tavern4--,good ,eating1 ,fine ,fishing1 and ,splendid ,shooting4--,the ,nepeague ,beach4 #agh ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,rail and ,rail-,shooting4--,seasons1 ,localities1 and ,incidents of ,sport4--,use of ,breech-loader or ,muzzle-loader4--,equipment4 #aij ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,wild-,fowl ,shooting4--,general ,directions1 from ,boats1 ,blinds1 or ,batteries4--,retrievers from ,baltimore and ,newfoundland4--,western ,sport4--,equipment4 #bje ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,duck-,shooting on the ,inland ,lakes4--,the ,club ,house4--,practical ,views of ,practical ,men4--,moral ,tales4--,a ,day's ,fishing4--,the ,closing ,scenes4 #bai ,,chapter ,x4 ,suggestions to ,sportsmen4--,a ,definition of the ,term4--,crack ,shots4--,the ,art of ,shooting4--,the ,art of not ,shooting4 #bga ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,trap-,shooting4--,its ,justification4--,the ,assistants4--,rules and ,regulations4--,care of ,birds4--,tricks of the ,trade4 #bhh ,,appendix4 ,ornithological ,descriptions of the ,geese and ,ducks1 with ,remarks and ,suggestions on their ,habits4--,rules of ,trap-shooting4 #cjc ,,the ,,game ,,birds ,,of ,,the ,,north4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,game ,,and ,,its ,,protection4 ,by the ancient law of #a and #b ,william ,,iv41 chap4 #cb1 under the designation of game1 were included 8hares1 pheasants1 partridges1 grouse1 heath or moor game1 black game1 and bustards40 ,hunting and hawking date back to the earliest days of knight-errantry1 when parties of cavaliers and ladies fair1 mounted on their mettlesome steeds caparisoned with all the skill of the cunning artificers of those days1 pursued certain birds of the air with the falcon1 and followed the royal stag through the well preserved and extensive forests with packs of hounds4 ,the term game1 therefore1 had an early significance and positive application1 but was confined to the creatures pursued in one or the other of these two modes4 ,the gun was first used for the shooting of feathered game in the early part of the eighteenth century2 it soon became the favorite implement of the sportsman1 and was brought into use1 not only against the birds1 but the beasts1 of game4 ,the huntsman no longer depends upon his brave dog and cloth-yard shaft1 but upon his own powers of endurance and of marksmanship4 ,instead of watching the savage falcon strike his prey far up in the heavens1 he follows his high-bred setters1 till their wonderful natural instinct betrays to him the presence of the game4 ,where he once rode after the yelping pack1 sounding the merry notes of his bugle horn1 he now climbs and crawls laboriously1 until he brings the wary stag within range of the deadly rifle4 ,no more brilliant parties of lovely dames and gallant men1 chatting merrily on the incidents of the day1 ride gaily decked steeds2 no more the luxury of the beautiful faces and pleasant companionship of the gentler sex is to be enjoyed2 the ladies of modern times--except in ,england1 where they occasionally follow foxes1 which are rather vermin than game--preferring the excitement of ball-room flirtations to outdoor sports and pleasures1 take no part in the pursuits of the chase4 ,together with the change in the mode of capturing game1 comes a necessity for a change in its former restricted meaning4 ,who would think of not including among game birds1 the gamest of them all--the magnificent woodcock2 nor the stylish ,english snipe1 nor even possibly the brave little quail--unless he can be scientifically proved to be a partridge--which is at least doubtful6 ,migratory birds were not included in the sacred list1 and the quail in ,england1 as the woodcock and snipe of both ,england and ,america1 are migratory1 although the mere temporary character of their residence does not1 in our view1 at all alter the nature of their claims4 ,the larger ,european woodcock is by no means so delicious or highly flavored a bird as our yellow-breasted1 round-eyed beauty1 and is much scarcer2 while the foreign quail1 on the other hand1 is smaller than ours1 and in southern ,europe is found in vast flocks2 but both are entitled to high rank among modern sportsmen4 ,the term ,game ,birds1 therefore1 should be1 and has been by general consent1 greatly extended in its application1 and applied to all the numerous species which1 whether migratory or not1 are killed not alone for the market1 but for sport2 and which are followed on the stubble fields1 in brown ,november1 with the strong-limbed and keen-nosed setter1 or shot from blind in scorching ,august2 slain from battery in freezing ,december1 or chased in a boat1 or misled by decoys4 ,all wild birds that furnish sport as well as profit are therefore game2 and the gentle dowitchers along our sea-coast1 lured to the deceitful stools1 are as much entitled to the name as the stately ruffed grouse of our wild woods1 or the royal turkey of the far west4 ,to constitute a legitimate object of true sport1 the bird must be habitually shot on the wing1 and the greater the skill required in its capture1 the higher its rank4 ,the turkey1 therefore1 although frequently killed on the wing1 is more a game bird by sufferance than by right1 and partly from his gastronomic as well as from his other qualities4 ,under this classification1 then1 we must include1 not merely the ruffed and pinnated grouse1 which1 although the only species in our country coming within the ancient definition1 furnish far less sport than many other varieties1 but woodcock1 snipe1 quail1 geese1 ducks1 bay birds1 plover1 and rail2 without regard to the fact that all1 except the quail1 are migratory1 and most were unknown to our ,british ancestry4 ,it has been even supposed that the quail1 in parts of our country free from deep rivers and impassable barriers1 are also in a measure migratory2 but this has no other foundation than their habit of wandering from place to place in search of food1 and collecting late in the season1 as they will do where they are numerous and undisturbed in large packs4 ,to the protection of this vast variety of game it is the sportsman's duty to address himself1 in spite of the opposition of the market-man and restaurateur1 the mean-spirited poaching of the pot-hunter1 and the lukewarmness of the farmer4 ,the latter can be enlisted in the cause2 he has indirectly the objects of the sportsman at heart2 and with proper enlightenment will assist1 not merely to preserve his fields from ruthless injury1 but to save from destruction his friends the song-birds4 ,as the true sportsman turns his attention only to legitimate sport1 destroying those birds that are but little if at all useful to the farmer2 and as at the same time1 out of gratitude for the kindness with which the latter generally receives him1 he is careful never to invade the high grass or the ripening grain--so also1 from his innate love of nature1 and of everything that makes nature more beautiful1 he spares and defends the warblers of the woods and the innocent worm-devourers that stand guardian over the trees and crops4 ,the smaller birds destroy immense numbers of worms2 cedar-birds have been known to eat hundreds of caterpillars1 and in this city have cleared the public squares in a morning's visit of the disgusting measuring-worms1 that were hanging by thousands pendent from the branches4 ,and who has not heard the 8woodpecker tapping0 all day long in pursuit of his prey8 ,with the barbarous and senseless destruction of our small birds1 the ravages of the worms have augmented1 until we hear from all the densely-settled portions of the country loud complaints of their attacks4 ,peach-trees perish2 cherries are no longer the beautiful fruit they once were2 apples are disfigured1 and plums have almost ceased to exist4 ,worms appear upon every vegetable thing2 the borers dig their way beneath the bark of the trunk and cut long alleys through the wood2 weevils pierce the grain and eat out its pith2 the leaf-eaters of various sorts punch out the delicate membrane by individual effort2 or collecting in bodies1 throw their nets1 like a spider-web1 over the branches1 and by combined attacks deliberately devour every leaf4 ,while these species are at work openly and in full sight1 others are at the roots digging and destroying and multiplying2 until the tree that at first gave evidence of hardiness and promise of long utility to man1 pauses in its growth1 becomes delicate1 fades1 and finally dies4 ,the destruction of these vermicular pests is a question of life or death to the farmer4 ,he may attempt it either with his own labor1 by tarring his trees1 fastening obstructions on the trunks1 or by killing individuals2 or he may have it done for him1 free of expense1 by innumerable flocks of the denizens of the air4 ,the increase of worms must be stopped2 the means of doing so is a question of serious public concern1 and none have yet been invented so effectual as the natural course--the restoration of the equipoise of nature4 ,it is true that the robin1 as we call him1 now and then steals a cherry1 and has been blamed as though he were nothing more than a cherry-thief2 but surely we can spare him a little fruit for his dessert1 when we remember that his meal has been composed mainly of the deadly enemies of that very fruit6 ,swallows are accused of breeding lice1 which1 if true1 would not be a serious charge1 considering that their nests are generally in the loftiest and least accessible corner they can find2 but when we consider how many millions of noxious flies and poisonous mosquitoes they destroy1 how they hover over the swamps and meadows for this especial purpose1 and how much annoyance their labors save to human kind1 we owe them gratitude instead of abuse4 ,every tribe of birds has its allotted part to play2 and if destroyed1 not only will its pleasant songs and bright feathers1 gleaming amid the green leaves1 be missed1 but some species of bug or insect1 some disgusting caterpillar or injurious fly1 will escape well merited destruction1 and increasingly visit upon man the punishment of his cruelty and folly4 ,the beautiful blue-birds1 the numerous woodpeckers1 the tiny wrens1 the graceful swallows and noisy martins1 are sacred to the sportsman1 and constitute one great division of the creatures that he desires to protect4 ,it is true that enthusiastic foreigners1 with cast-iron guns1 are seen peering into trees and lurking through the woods1 proud of a dirty bag half filled with robins1 thrushes1 and woodpeckers2 but let no ignorant reader confound such persons with sportsmen4 ,their satisfaction in slaying one beautiful little warbler1 as full of melody as it is bare of meat1 with a deadly charge of ,no4 #d shot2 or in chasing from tree to tree the agile red squirrel1 who1 with bushy tail erect1 leaps from one limb to another1 emulating the very birds themselves with his agility1 is as unsportsmanlike as to kill a cheeping quail1 that1 struggling from the thick weeds in ,september before the pointer's nose1 with feeble wings1 skirts the low brush2 or to murder the brooding woodcock1 that flutters up before the dog in ,june1 and1 with holy maternal instinct1 endeavours to lead the pursuer from her infant brood4 ,from such acts the veritable sportsman turns with horror2 they are cruelty--the slaughter of what is useless for food1 or what1 by its death1 will produce misery to others2 and no persons in the community have done more to repress this wantonness of destruction than the ,sportsmen's ,clubs4 ,it was at their request that the killing of song-birds was prohibited altogether2 and they are the most earnest to restrict the times of lawful sport to such periods as will not1 by any possibility1 permit its being followed during the season of incubation4 ,not alone by obtaining the passage of appropriate laws and their vigorous enforcement1 have these clubs effected a great reform2 but by their personal example and social influence1 often1 too1 at considerable loss to themselves4 ,for while the poacher1 taking the chance of a legal conviction as an accident of business1 and but a slight reduction of his unlawful profits1 anticipates the appointed time1 true sportsmen1 restrained by a feeling of honor and self-respect1 although they know that the birds are being killed daily in defiance of the statute1 wait till the lawful day arrives1 and thus often1 especially in woodcock shooting1 sacrifice their entire season's sport for a principle4 ,this honorable spirit1 if encouraged and extended1 is the best protection for song-birds and game that can be had4 ,the laws are only necessary to deter those who are dead to honor and decency1 and to fix the proper times--which ought to be uniform throughout our entire country4 ,but to enforce them requires the assistance of public opinion4 ,every encouragement should be given to sportsmen's associations4 ,the absurd prejudice that has originated from confounding them with a very different class of the community should be overcome1 and their efforts to have good laws passed1 and to make them effectual1 should be sustained4 ,the vulgar idea1 that confounds laws for the protection of the wild creatures of wood1 meadow1 lake1 and stream1 with the monstrous game-laws of olden time--that made killing a hare more criminal than killing a man--should be corrected4 ,in this country1 where every man is expected to be a sort of volunteer-policeman1 all should unite in enforcing the laws2 and then1 in spite of the irrepressible obstinacy of the ,german enthusiast1 and the mean cunning of the sneaking poacher1 our cities would soon be rid of the disgusting worms that make their trees hideous1 our farms protected from the devastations of the curculio1 the weevil1 the borer1 and the army-worm2 the country would once more be populated with its native feathered game1 and our fields would resound with the glad songs of the little birds that there build their homes4 ,so long as the ignorant of our nouveaux riches1 imagining themselves to be epicures1 will pay for unseasonable game an extravagant price1 so long will unscrupulous market-men purchase1 and loafing1 disreputable1 tavern-haunting poachers shoot or otherwise kill their prey4 ,it must be made a disgrace1 and if necessary punished as a crime1 for any modern ,lucullus to insult his guests by presenting to them game out of season2 and eating-house keepers should not only be taught--by persistent espionage1 if necessary--that illegal profits will not equal legal punishments2 but their customers should also discourage1 by withdrawing their patronage1 conduct that is so injurious to the public interests4 ,woodcock would not be shot in spring1 nor quail in summer1 unless the demand for them were sufficiently great to pay both the expense of capture and the danger of exposure2 and1 with a diminution of purchasers1 will be an increased diminution of the number of birds improperly killed4 ,birds and fish1 except in their proper seasons1 are always tasteless1 and often unhealthy food4 ,a setting quail or a spawning trout is absolutely unfit to eat1 and to do without them is no sacrifice2 but for the sportsman to restrain his ardor as the close-time draws towards an end1 and when others less scrupulous are filling their bags daily1 or when in the wilder sections of country there is no one to complain or object1 requires the heroism of self-denial4 ,nevertheless1 the effect of example should not be forgotten1 and the duty of the true sportsman is clear and unmistakable3 he must abide by the law2 or1 where there is no law1 must govern himself by analogous rules4 ,in the wilderness1 it is true1 where birds are abundant to excess1 he may without blame supply his pot with cheeping grouse or wood-duck flappers1 if he can offer hunger as an excuse2 but not even there1 unless driven by extremity1 can he slay the parent of a brood that will starve without parental care4 ,in the settled regions1 no matter how great the provocation1 the true sportsman will never forget the chivalric motto1 noblesse oblige4 ,the close-times of the present statutes are not altogether correct2 and in so extensive a locality as the ,united ,states1 where diverse interests are to be considered1 it is nearly impracticable to make the laws perfect4 ,for instance1 where quail are abundant1 as in the ,south1 there is no objection to killing them during the entire month of ,january2 but1 as at that period they are often lean and tough1 and have to contend1 in the ,northern ,states1 against dangers of the elements and rapacious vermin1 with not too favorable a chance for life--it is undesirable1 where they are in the least scarce1 to continue the pursuit after ,december4 ,if it were possible to make a uniform law for the entire ,union1 and to enforce it everywhere1 ,english snipe and ducks should not be killed at all during the spring4 ,the latter at the time of their flight northward are poor and fishy2 but if they can be slain in ,new ,jersey1 it is hardly worth while to protect them in ,new ,york4 ,for every duck or snipe that passes towards the hatching-grounds of ,british ,america in the early part of the year1 four or five return in the fall and winter4 ,could proper protection1 therefore1 be enforced1 the sport in the latter season would be four times as great as in the former4 ,as matters stand1 however1 the seasons for killing game birds should be3 ,for woodcock1 from ,july fourth to ,december thirty-first2 for ruffed and pin nated grouse1 from ,september first--and quail from ,november first--to the same period1 both days inclusive2 for wood-duck from ,august first till they migrate southward4 ,it is desirable to fix upon anniversaries or days that are easily remembered4 ,woodcock are often young and weak in early summer1 and the three days gained between the first and the fourth of ,july are quite an advantage4 ,although the first brood of quail may be fully grown in ,october1 a vast number of the birds are too small1 and the brush is too dense and thick before the first of the ensuing month2 whereas it is simply monstrous to slay pinnated grouse1 put up by the panting1 overheated pointer from the high grass of the western prairie1 in the month of ,august1 ere they can half fly4 ,but the migratory birds of the coast--the waterfowl and snipe1 the waders and plovers--may continue to be shot when they can be found1 till their rapidly diminishing numbers shall compel a more sensible and considerate treatment4 ,the bay-snipe lead the advancing army of the game birds that have sought the cool and secluded marshes of ,hudson's ,bay and the ,northern ,ocean to raise their young1 and are hastening south from approaching cold and darkness to more congenial climes4 ,next come the beautiful wood-duck1 and1 almost simultaneously1 the ,english snipe2 then the swift but diminutive teal2 after him the broad-bill or the blue-bill of the west2 and then a host of other ducks1 till the hardy canvas-backs and geese bring up the rear4 ,from ,july1 when the yellow-legs and dowitchers abound2 throughout ,august1 in which month the larger bay-birds are continuously streaming by2 during ,september1 when the ,english snipe are on the meadows and the wood-ducks in the lily-pad marshes of the fresh-water lakes2 in ,october1 when the teal and blue-bills are abundant in the great west2 all through the fall and into winter1 when the geese and canvas-backs arrive1 the bayman finds his sport in perfection4 ,many of the upland birds are disappearing2 the quail is being killed with merciless energy1 and his loved haunts of dense brush are cleared away from year to year2 the woodcock can hardly rest in peace long enough to rear her young1 and finds many of her favorite secluded spots drained by the enterprising farmer2 the ruffed grouse disappears with the receding forest1 and the prairie chicken with the cultivation of the open land4 ,but although innumerable ducks1 snipe1 and plovers are killed every season1 and by unjustifiable measures are driven from certain localities1 their vast flights throughout the whole country--amounting to myriads in the west--are apparently as innumerable as ever4 ,from the first of ,august to the last of ,december they stretch athwart the sky from the ,atlantic to the ,pacific2 and although in localities they may appear scarce1 still constitute countless hosts4 ,were it possible to stand on some peak of the ,rocky ,mountains1 and take in at a glance the vast stretch of heavens from ocean to ocean1 with the moving myriads of migratory flocks1 the mind would be astonished2 and it would seem impossible ever to reduce their numbers4 ,this is to a certain degree true2 for so long as the lagoons of the ,south shall remain undisturbed1 and the shores of the bays and rivers unoccupied to any great extent1 this abundance of the migratory birds will continue4 ,but when the ,southern shores shall be frequented with gunners as plenteously as those of ,long ,island and ,new ,jersey1 the last days of the bay-fowl will have arrived4 ,at present we suffer more from improper modes of pursuit than from absolute scarcity of game4 ,the habit of using 8batteries0 in the ,south ,bay of ,long ,island1 and locating them on the feeding or sanding-grounds1 has resulted in frightening away the birds4 ,where1 a few years ago1 ten ducks stopped in the water adjoining that famous sand-pit1 there can hardly be found one at present4 ,after being disturbed on their feeding-grounds by murderous discharges from an unseen foe in their midst1 they become alarmed and leave the locality altogether4 ,to be sure1 for a year or so1 the number killed from that ingenious mode of ambush will be enormous2 but it is at a terrible sacrifice of the supply1 and will eventuate in ruin to those engaged in it4 ,at present on ,long ,island it is hardly possible to obtain a decent day's sport without using a 8battery20 but in the ,south1 along the ,chesapeake and ,potomac1 where the use of these inventions has never been allowed1 the ducks are as abundant as ever4 ,there is no meaner mode of shooting than from a battery4 ,in attaining destructiveness1 every idea of beauty1 comfort1 or sportsmanship is sacrificed4 ,the shooter lies on his back in a species of coffin sunk to the level of the water1 with his decoys near by2 and whenever a flock approaches1 he rises to a sitting posture and fires4 ,he cannot leave his battery nor move it1 nor hardly turn round in it1 and is unable to retrieve his ducks without the aid of an assistant4 ,it is an invention suited solely to the market-gunner1 and utterly unfitted to the sportsman4 ,bad weather prevents its use altogether2 and in a moderate breeze the water is apt to break over the narrow rim and destroy the comfort1 if not absolutely endanger the safety1 of the sportsman4 ,when ducks are scarce the confinement is wearisome2 and when they are abundant the excitement1 united to the awkwardness of position1 often leads to terrible accidents4 8,cribbed1 cabined1 and confined10 the duck-shooter lies for weary hours exposed to the cold winds of winter1 unable to keep his blood in circulation by exercise1 and is hardly remunerated by the sport2 although1 if money be his object1 he may be paid by the commercial value of his game4 ,it is this ignoble mode of warfare that1 more than anything else1 has brought discredit upon wild-fowl shooting2 for the upland shooter1 accustomed to the free motion and active exertion of his favorite pursuit1 naturally feels disgusted at being thrust into a box scarcely large enough to contain his body1 and which cramps his every motion4 ,at the ,south1 where the sportsman shoots from behind a blind1 and calls to his aid the courage and intelligence of his faithful 8retriever0 to recover his game1 the walk to and from the stand warms his blood1 and he can move around at will4 ,in the ,west1 where duck-shooting is to be had in perfection1 the sportsman pushes his light and narrow boat through the weeds and lilies of the marshes1 and has many a long chase after wounded birds that will bring into play his muscles1 and send the circulation through his veins4 ,even in shooting through the 8sneak boxes0 of ,barnegat ,bay1 there is much exercise and a certain amount of liberty of motion2 but in the battery1 a man is a mere death-dealing machine1 expected to mind neither cold nor cramp1 and to demand neither comfort nor pleasure4 ,one of the most necessary reforms in the game-laws would be the absolute prohibition of the use of a battery4 ,at the ,south this was done by the good sense of the people2 and many a stranger from ,long ,island1 who was unaware of the customs of the country1 and had brought with him his battery to teach the natives 8,new ,york tricks10 has been warned to move his quarters by the whistle of a rifle-ball skipping across the water4 ,it is surprising that the gunners of the great ,south ,bay did not long ago discover that their interest lay in discontinuing the use of this machine4 ,for the first few years1 perhaps1 after its prohibition1 they might not have as good success2 but in time the birds would resume their old habits and renew their visits to what should be the paradise of both ducks and sportsmen4 ,they all know and regret the diminution of wild fowl1 and most of them are satisfied from what cause it arises2 but as the immediate losses from a change would fall upon themselves heavily at first1 they shrink from decided action4 ,if1 however1 the birds are to be retained1 and prevented from gradually withdrawing1 year after year1 until they shall desert us in toto1 the use of the battery must be prevented4 ,when that is done1 we shall soon again have such days as we once had in and about old ,raccoon ,beach1 when sportsmen innumerable collected to welcome the advent of their prey2 when the tale and song filled up the long evenings1 and the ducks quacked their hosannas at early dawn2 when every point was occupied by a happy sportsman1 and every boat came home loaded with game4 ,the use of pivot-guns is another reprehensible practice that has been so earnestly condemned1 even among market-gunners1 that it has been in a great measure abandoned4 ,still1 however1 in some quiet bay of one of the great lakes of the ,west1 where there is no one to observe the iniquity1 or of a moonlight night on the ,chesapeake1 the poaching murderer1 sculling his boat down upon an unsuspicious flock crowded together and feeding or asleep1 will discharge a pound or two of coarse shot from his diminutive cannon2 and wounding hundreds1 will kill scores of ducks at the one fatal discharge4 ,the noise1 however1 reverberating over land and water1 scatters the tidings of the guilty act far and wide2 and often brings upon the criminal detection and punishment4 ,to avoid this the pivot-shooter will sometimes1 as soon as he has fired1 throw his gun overboard with a buoy attached to it1 and if pursued1 pretend he has used nothing but his small fowling-piece4 ,the practice of pivot-shooting1 however1 has almost ceased1 never having been extensively adopted2 and has nothing whatever sportsmanlike about it1 being a mixture of cruelty and theft4 ,another mode of pursuing ducks1 which is at the same time attractive1 exciting1 and injurious1 is by the use of a sail-boat4 ,not only is there the excitement of the pursuit1 the rushing down wind with bellying sail and hissing water--the crested waves parting at the prow and lengthening out behind in two long lines of foam--but there is the free motion and the pleasant breeze to stimulate the sportsman4 ,this is really a delightful sport1 combining the excitement of shooting with the exhilaration of sailing2 but as it disturbs the flocks upon their feeding-grounds1 as it gives them no rest during the noontide hours1 when it appears that ducks--like all other sensible people--love to indulge in a quiet nap1 it eventually drives them away2 and not only makes them shy of the locality1 but injures the sport of the point-shooter1 who depends upon their regular flights for his success4 ,it is not often very remunerative1 but is uncommonly attractive1 and is only condemned with great reluctance on proof of its injurious results4 ,every one--whether the gentleman who1 in search of health or pleasure1 visits the muddy bays or sand-spits of our coast1 or the market-gunner who has learnt naught of useful labor for many years but to handle skilfully his heavy double-barrel--every one1 we say1 who pursues wild-fowl1 whether for sport or business1 is interested in enforcing upon his friends and neighbors the necessity of discontinuing the use of the battery and pivot-gun4 ,although the results of the day's shooting may be diminished for a time1 they will both gain in the long run2 and we shall once more see the crowds of geese1 brant1 and ducks stretching in interminable lines across the sky2 and have them flying by the points where we hide1 or dropping to our stools near by1 as plenteously every day as we can now kill them1 in exceptional cases1 from the battery4 ,when their feeding-grounds are undisturbed1 their multitudinous hosts will again cover the waters of our bays1 and hold their noisy consultations over the many theories and crotchets which are disputed in duck philosophy4 ,then the true sportsman will visit his favorite tavern1 located conveniently at the edge of the salt meadows1 certain1 in the proper season1 of having fair sport2 and the willing bay-man will again reap rich and permanent harvests1 either for his patron or himself4 ,now a good bag is so rare that gentlemen seldom go to ,long ,island for duck-shooting1 and the inhabitants lose a valuable custom in consequence2 and although1 by selecting a propitious occasion1 the market-man sometimes still kills a great number1 he experiences a vast majority of poor days4 ,it is1 therefore1 the manifest interest of both classes to repress these unjustifiable and murderous modes of shooting1 and to encourage1 by all possible means1 the return of wild-fowl to their former favorite haunts--the bays1 lagoons1 and inlets of our own beloved coast4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,gunnery--,,muzzle-,,loaders ,,and ,,breech-,,loaders4 ,to the young sportsman1 armed with the finest of implements1 and trusting much to them for his success1 it is a matter of mortification and surprise how well a bad gun will shoot in good hands2 nevertheless1 no true sportsman ever lived but1 if he were able by any self-denial to scrape the means together1 would purchase a valuable and necessarily expensive fowling-piece4 ,not only is a well made and handsomely finished gun safer and lighter than a cheap affair manufactured for the wholesale trade2 not only does it ordinarily carry closer and recoil less2 but it needs fewer repairs1 lasts infinitely longer1 and is always a matter of pride and delight to its owner4 ,many guns of inferior workmanship throw shot as strongly as those turned out by the best makers--although this is not the fact in general--but greater weight has to be given to insure tolerable safety1 and the locks1 if not the barrels1 are sure to give out in a few years2 whereas the high-priced article will be as perfect at the end of a dozen years--which have accustomed its owner to its easy1 rapid1 and effective management--as it was in the beginning1 and will endure until failing sight1 wasting disease1 or accumulating years1 shall compel its transfer into younger hands4 ,unless a man has continual practice1 or is an excellent shot1 it is a serious undertaking to change his gun and accustom himself to another1 which1 although apparently identical in weight and shape1 will inevitably differ in some slight point that will be sufficient to destroy1 for a time1 accuracy in aim and prompt execution in cover4 ,some persons require months to acquire the effective use of a new gun under difficult circumstances2 and in those dense thickets where so much of our shooting is done1 and where it is by instinct founded upon long habit that the sportsman is enabled at all to kill his game1 and where he cannot indulge in the deliberate care that more open shooting allows--this deficiency will be most painfully apparent4 ,for such persons to purchase a new piece1 is equivalent to throwing away the sport of an entire summer or fall1 and when we consider that few of us can expect to average more than forty summers or falls1 the loss of one-fortieth part of life's enjoyment is no trivial deprivation4 ,a very cheap gun is dangerous2 but it is not expected that any person reading these lines will trust his life with an instrument that common sense tells him is manufactured to kill at both ends4 ,a gun of moderate price1 that is1 about one hundred dollars1 is as safe as the most expensive--the iron is not so tough1 but more of it is used2 but in a short time the barrels will wear away2 the locks1 losing their original quick spring and sharp click1 will become dull and weak1 till they will scarcely discharge the cap2 and the stock1 warping with the weather1 will exhibit yawning fissures between itself and the iron lock-plates or false breech4 ,in lightness1 however1 is the great superiority of the highly wrought implement2 and in hard tramping through a dense swamp of a hot ,july day1 or deep wading in a soft snipe-meadow1 or in a wearisome trudge over hill and dale after ,november quail1 a pound will make itself felt in the additional weight of the fowling-piece1 and not only so1 but a light gun can be handled more readily4 ,in open shooting1 especially for the wild fowl of our bays and coasts1 mere weight is a positive advantage2 but in the tangled thickets1 where birds flash out of sight like gleams of party-colored light1 and the instantaneous use of the piece can alone secure success1 a light gun is an absolute necessity4 ,moreover1 on certain occasions1 when the barrels are exposed to an extraordinary strain1 when the piece built for light charges and upland shooting is used temporarily upon the larger game of the coasts or woods1 and the two and a half drachms of powder and ounce of fine shot are replaced by a dozen buckshot1 or an ounce and a half of ,no4 #c driven by five drachms of powder--then it is pleasant to feel that the iron is of the utmost possible tenacity and the workmanship in every way faultless4 ,a learned dissertation on the science of gunnery is neither appropriate to the occasion nor possible to the author1 and would probably prove as little entertaining as instructive to the reader4 ,the majority of purchasers cannot form an exact opinion relative to the merits of a gun prepared with the utmost skill and ingenuity to deceive them1 and must rely mainly on the word of the seller or reputation of the maker4 ,there is something1 to be sure1 in the smooth working of the locks1 and still more in the perfect fitting of the stock2 but after all1 even to the experienced sportsman1 there is little difference in appearance between the ,shamdamn and the purest laminated steel4 ,american importers have a peculiarly moral and respectable habit of vending ,german guns stamped with the names of ,english makers1 and pacify their consciences with the idea that the manufactures of ,germany are not inferior to those of ,england2 but they would give more satisfaction to the public and more ease to their consciences by proving this in open contest1 and establishing the reputation of the ,german makers1 than by appropriating the names and reputations that good work has made famous4 ,so far is this deception carried1 that some houses even order from the ,belgian manufacturers a certain number1 nominally1 of each of the leading gun-makers4 ,it may be that there is little real difference1 although on the continental guns you sometimes pay for useless ornament1 money that should have been expended where it would tell1 on locks and barrels2 but the mode of proceeding is certainly not creditable4 ,in a highly finished article the locks usually work with a smooth oiliness that can be distinguished with a little practice1 and are fitted with great accuracy into the stock1 so that projections of wood will be left standing not thicker than a piece of blotting-paper4 ,the barrels will be without flaw or indentation1 and if looked through with the breech removed1 will exhibit a perfect ring of light flowing up evenly1 as they are raised or lowered4 ,the mountings will be faultless1 and the cuts in all the screw-heads will point in the same direction2 the screws will work easily and yet perfectly1 and the triggers and trigger-plate1 which are invariably neglected in a poor gun1 will be admirably finished and fitted4 ,examine all these particulars1 but especially the last1 and you can form some judgment whether the piece comes from a good maker or a spurious imitator4 ,the greatest attention1 however1 in the selection of a gun should be paid to the form of the stock and the pull of the triggers2 if the former is unsuited to the shape of the purchaser1 or the latter are stiff or dissimilar1 the consequence will be utter failure that no amount of practice will remedy4 ,if the purchaser's arms and neck are long1 the stock may be long and crooked2 but if the contrary is the case1 the stock must be short and straight4 ,if possible1 the person intending to use a gun should select it for himself2 and if it does not 8come up right0 the first time he brings it to his eye1 he should refuse it positively4 ,he must not allow himself to be persuaded to try it again and again2 for after one or two trials he will instinctively adapt his eye to its construction1 and will imagine the gun suits him--an impression that the rapid flight of the first quail he endeavors to cover will dissipate4 ,the triggers should give back at a weight of four or five pounds2 the hammers of a muzzle-loader at ten or twelve1 and of a breech-loader at twelve or fourteen4 ,for the former1 the best cone is what is called the inverted1 where the bore is larger at the top and receives the entire flame from the cap4 ,the shape of the breech for the muzzle-loader formerly gave rise to much learned disquisition and many plausible theories2 but1 in all probability1 had no influence on the shooting1 which is due mainly to the form and quality of the barrels4 ,joe ,manton founded his fame on the idea that the lines of force1 if reflected from a hollow cup1 like rays of light from a reflector1 would be directed parallel to one another and lengthwise of the barrel2 but later experiments have tended to destroy this theory4 ,the simple fact appears to be1 that powder exerts just so much force1 and1 as it cannot escape sideways1 it must go out at the end of the barrel2 and that the shape of the breech1 except so far as it may affect the rapidity of ignition1 has no influence whatever4 ,these questions1 however1 are being effectually disposed of by the march of events and the general diffusion of breech-loaders2 to the latter1 as they are not generally known or appreciated in our country--to which1 by its nature and its game1 they are peculiarly adapted--the writer's remarks will be mainly confined4 ,feeling entirely convinced1 even from a short experience1 of their superiority in most particulars1 and their equality in all1 he regards the consequence as inevitable that they will utterly supersede the old-fashioned fowling-piece2 the few defects that were originally alleged to exist in them having been either removed or remedied1 and the supply of ammunition for them in this country having become sufficient4 ,they have won their way slowly into public favor against the interested opposition of gun-makers on one hand1 and the ignorance and superstitious dread of change of gun-users on the other4 ,they are a ,french invention of twenty years' standing1 and proved their superiority long ago2 but prejudice was too strong for them1 as it has been for many another good thing4 ,their merits1 nevertheless1 slowly conquered opposition1 convinced the intelligent1 and confounded the obstinate2 till at last in ,england--the very hot-bed of prejudice and the favorite abiding-place of antiquated ideas--there are now sold five breech-loaders to one muzzle-loader4 ,as they are not extensively used with us1 the description of them will have to be somewhat minute1 and would be better understood if the reader would take the trouble to examine one for himself4 ,the best and most generally adopted of the various kinds is the ,lefaucheux1 or some slight modification of it2 and to that the attention will be principally directed4 ,in this gun the breech1 which in the muzzle-loader screws into the barrel1 is omitted1 and the barrels are open at both ends2 they are fastened to the stock by a pin and joint a few inches beyond the guard4 ,when free1 the muzzle hangs down1 and the breech end presents itself several inches above the stock1 so that the cartridge can be readily inserted2 when the barrels are pressed back into their place for firing1 they are caught by a bolt that can be opened or closed by a lever lying along the under part of the stock1 between the guard and the joint4 ,the false breech is flat1 solid1 and heavy1 and completes the barrels1 taking the place and performing the duty of the breech in the muzzle-loader4 ,the hammers have a flat surface on the striking end1 and the locks are back-actioned1 to avoid interfering with the other mechanism4 ,a cartridge is made of stout paper1 shaped like a short section of the barrel1 with a brass capsule on one end and open at the other2 it is two or three inches long1 and has a pad of thick paper beneath the capsule4 ,in this pad a hole is punched on the inside and the percussion-cap is inserted1 with a brass pin resting in it and projecting above the capsule on the outside4 ,the percussion-cap is entirely within the cartridge-case1 and the brass pin passes through a hole drilled in one side of the capsule1 just large enough to admit it and exclude moisture entirely4 ,a blow on the projecting end of the pin drives the other end into the cap1 and discharges the latter4 ,the cartridge-case is prepared already capped1 and is sold in ,england for from thirty to fifty shillings the thousand2 it may be recapped by an instrument made for the purpose with a peculiar cap1 and may be used1 on an average1 three times4 ,the cartridge must be loaded as the gun would be1 only by the use of a short ramrod or a special loading implement2 the powder is poured in1 a wad placed above it1 and the shot and another wad follow4 ,the cartridge may then be trimmed down and the end bent over1 so as to retain the load securely1 if it is to be carried for a considerable distance2 but where the shooting is from a boat or stand1 the case should be left untrimmed and of full length4 ,a chamber is cut away in the lower part of the barrel1 which corresponds exactly with the cartridge-case1 so that the latter fits perfectly in it2 but1 if there is an interval between the end of the cartridge and the shoulder in the barrel1 no injury to the charge or the shooting appears to result4 ,a small notch is cut in the upper edge of the barrel to contain the brass pin1 and allow it to project so as to receive the blow from the hammer4 ,when the bolt is withdrawn and the barrels are allowed to fall so as to bring the open breech fairly into view1 the loaded cartridge is inserted1 the barrels are sprung back to their place with a sharp snap that sends them home at once1 and are ready to be discharged4 ,to allow the cartridge to be inserted1 the hammers must be drawn to half or full cock2 and when the trigger is pulled1 they fall upon the pin1 which penetrates the cap and fires the load4 ,the entire mechanism is so simple that it can hardly become deranged1 and will last as long as the barrels4 ,the greatest care is necessary in making the chamber that receives the cartridge of a proper shape1 for if this is faulty the cartridges are apt to stick after explosion4 ,there is no decided improvement on the original ,lefaucheux model1 except in the modification of the machinery1 and a convenient method of separating the barrels from the stock2 and no other innovation of a like character need be particularly described4 ,the needle-gun1 which is made on a somewhat similar principle1 is more curious than valuable1 being both dangerous and complicated1 and possesses no advantages over the other pattern4 ,in it the cartridge has a percussion-cap so disposed at its base that it is penetrated by a needle1 which is projected by a spring through a hole in the lower end of the cartridge2 but the composition of the cartridge1 and the manner of its insertion1 are altogether different from the same in the ,lefaucheux gun4 ,according to the arrangement of some ,english guns1 on a plan invented by ,jeffries1 the lever1 instead of closing forward1 lies under the trigger-guard1 when the barrels are closed2 and provision is made for tightening the bolt1 in case it wears loose by long usage4 ,this invention permits of the use of forward-action locks1 and the easy separation of the barrels from the stock1 and has come into vogue in ,england2 it is undoubtedly convenient in both these particulars1 and has as yet developed no corresponding drawbacks4 ,personally1 the writer has always preferred ,british to ,french or ,belgian guns1 although chance has compelled him to own as many of the latter as the former4 ,the ,english gun is made for work2 even when cheaply manufactured1 it will be found effective where efficiency is necessary2 and it is far more beautiful to the eye of a true sportsman1 with its plain blued lock-plates1 and total deficiency of ornament1 than the ,continental weapon1 covered with engraving and ornamentation1 but defective in some of those minuti that lend nothing to its beauty1 but add much to its usefulness4 ,this is particularly the case with breech-loaders1 which1 if not manufactured carefully1 are almost useless1 and which1 although originally invented in ,france1 are at this day produced in more serviceable style--unless where the highest-priced article is obtained--in ,england than in the country of their origin4 ,great discredit was brought upon breech-loaders among us at their first introduction1 in consequence of the importation of inferior articles1 and they still labor under the disadvantages of that failure1 although rapidly overcoming all objections4 ,there are a few implements that are necessary to the use of a breech-loader1 which are much simpler than they at first appear4 ,to load the cartridge is required either a short ramrod and a machine for turning over the edges of the case upon the wad1 to retain it in its place1 or an apparatus1 also invented by ,jeffries1 that combines all the requisites for loading1 and by the aid of which a hundred cartridges can be loaded in an hour4 ,as the case can be used several times1 and the cap1 which is of a peculiar size1 has to be placed in its exact position to receive the pin1 a capper invented for the purpose is employed1 by which the cap is inserted1 and the pin pressed into it without the least difficulty2 a pair of tweezers are used to withdraw the pin after a discharge1 in order to free the old cap and make room for the new1 and a large gimlet will be found useful for extracting any discharged caps that may happen to stick4 ,a cleaning-apparatus is also occasionally used1 consisting of a brush at one end of a string and a small weight at the other2 the weight is dropped through the open barrel and the brush drawn after it2 but1 as the gun may be fired ten times as often as a muzzle-loader without fouling1 a plain rag and cleaning-rod will answer4 ,cartridge-cases1 of course1 cannot be obtained like powder and shot at every country store1 and to obviate the danger of finding oneself1 after extraordinary good-luck with a gun1 without the means of firing it1 it is well to carry a couple of brass cases1 which can be used with a common ,french cap1 and reloaded indefinitely almost as quickly as a muzzle-loader4 ,the sportsman1 by the aid of these implements and a couple of scoops with handles for powder and shot1 recaps the cartridges which have been discharged1 loads them as he would a gun1 only much more rapidly1 and lays them aside for future use4 ,in the field1 he carries them in a leather case1 or1 which is the preferable plan1 in a belt round the waist1 or in his pockets1 being able to store in the pockets of his vest alone at least twenty4 ,the ,english sportsmen carry them loose in the pockets of their shooting-coats2 but a belt is convenient and commodious1 holding from thirty to fifty1 and distributes the weight pleasantly4 ,where the shooting is to be done from a boat or stand1 of course they will be kept in an ammunition-box1 without having their edges turned over1 as there will be nothing to loosen the wads4 ,the reader may naturally suppose that there is risk in carrying a number of loaded cartridges about the person2 but in this he is entirely mistaken4 ,in the first place1 the difficulty of discharging a cartridge1 except in the gun1 is surprising2 no pressure will explode the cap1 and no ordinary blow1 unless the cartridge is retained in a fixed position2 and if one falls1 the weight of the shot compels it inevitably to fall on the end3 but in case these difficulties are overcome1 the result is merely the discharge of a large fire-cracker4 ,the writer instituted a number of experiments1 and having succeeded1 after many trials1 in setting off the cartridge1 found that the powder burst the paper1 but failed to drive the wad out of the case4 ,this was tried with cartridges in all positions1 horizontal and perpendicular1 but produced invariably the same result1 with unimportant modifications2 and it was farther ascertained that the fire from one would not communicate to another4 ,so that1 if a cartridge does explode accidentally1 it may scorch the clothes or even burn the person slightly1 but can inflict no serious injury4 ,these remarks1 however1 do not apply to the brass cartridge-cases1 which must be handled more carefully4 ,the common paper-cases may therefore be carried with perfect impunity1 and transported1 if carefully packed1 without risk4 ,a more curious idea--for the dread of danger from the loaded cartridge is natural--prevailed at one time1 that the barrels were weakened because they were open behind1 instead of being closed by the breech-screw2 as if a cylinder would be rendered more cohesive by screwing another piece of metal into one end4 ,in fact1 if the breech-screw has any effect whatever upon the strength of the gun1 its presence is probably an injury4 ,the charge1 it will be observed1 presses against the shot on one side and the false breech on the other1 and would not be retained any more securely by the addition of a breech-screw1 which tends to separate instead of closing the barrel4 ,so1 also1 it must be borne in mind there is no strain worth mentioning on the hinge-bolt1 and no danger of the barrels blowing away with the charge2 while the disposal of the metal at the false breech1 and the omission of the ramrod1 tends to make the gun light at the muzzle--a great advantage in snap-shooting4 ,there is absolutely no escape of gas at the break-off2 none can escape unless the brass capsule1 which closes the joint hermetically1 can be driven out1 and this is a sheer impossibility4 ,the gas cannot penetrate the paper of the cartridge1 and if it bursts the latter1 still cannot escape except through the brass2 and although the least perceptible amount may come out alongside of the pin1 it is scarcely traceable1 and nothing like what is lost at the percussion-cap in the common gun4 ,these cartridges are wonderfully close1 as the reader may conclude when he is informed that a loaded breech-loader1 left entirely under water for fifteen minutes1 was discharged as promptly as though it had never been wet2 while a muzzle-loader1 that had not been half so long exposed1 would not go at all1 and required an hour's cleaning4 ,in fact1 the breech-loader is entirely impervious to any ordinary wetting1 will not fail in the worst rain1 and the average number of miss-fires1 in well made cartridges1 is one in a thousand4 ,in the handling of this gun there is one peculiarity3 the pins rise from the middle of the cartridge1 and not at one side1 like the ordinary cones1 thus bringing the hammers closer together4 ,to the beginner this may appear awkward1 but is no real disadvantage4 ,it would seem also desirable to use more powder with a breech-loader1 although this is not necessary to so great an extent as it was formerly2 but1 on the other hand1 the weight at the breech appears either to diminish the recoil or reduce its effects on the shooter2 as the testimony of persons using breech-loaders is unanimous that the recoil is less perceptible than with muzzle-loaders1 although the scales have refused to verify their impression4 ,one immense advantage of the breech-loader is its safety in loading1 especially in a confined position1 as on a boat or in a battery4 ,whereas1 in the muzzle-loader1 immediately after the discharge1 while the smoke is still pouring from the barrel1 and while the fire may be smouldering invisible below1 the sportsman deliberately pours in a fresh charge of powder1 holding his hand and the entire flask over the muzzle1 endangering his life1 and incurring injury far more frequently than most persons suppose2 with the breech-loader1 the barrels are opened and fall into such a position that no discharge can take place1 and never point towards the person of their owner4 ,several of the writer's friends have been maimed for life by the premature discharge of a load in the muzzle-loader from a spark remaining in the barrel2 the risk connected with it has always seemed very great2 and even with the patent flasks1 which are hardly practical inventions1 more or less unavoidable4 ,this danger is entirely obviated by the breech-loader1 which cannot go off until the barrels are restored to position after the charges are inserted2 cannot leave hidden sparks to imperil the owner's life or limb2 never expose the hand over the loaded barrel1 that may have been left at half-cock1 if the sportsman is liable to thoughtlessness or over-excitement2 and which can be loaded without difficulty in the most confined position4 ,so1 not only do we have rapidity1 but entire safety in loading4 ,the objections1 however1 urged against breech-loaders have not been few1 and1 if well founded1 forbid the use of the gun2 if1 as has been said1 the target is not so good1 nor the shot sent with as much force1 the requisites of a first-class sporting implement are wanting4 ,these charges1 freely advanced1 have been sustained in a measure by the wretched performance of poor guns1 but have finally been brought to the only true test--actual experience1 under equal conditions2 and by this test have been so utterly annihilated that their discussion is only necessary on account of popular ignorance of the experiments4 ,when breech-loaders first came prominently before the ,english public1 their supposed merits and demerits were discussed in the sporting papers in an animated and violent manner2 and in order to settle the questions at issue1 the editor of the ,london ,field determined to have an open trial1 where the breech-loaders and muzzle-loaders could be fairly matched against one another4 ,the contests took place in #aheh and #ahei1 and being carefully conducted1 settled the dispute for the time being1 and1 even before the latest improvements1 established more fully the superiority of the breech-loader4 ,the best guns and gun-makers of ,england were represented2 and in spite of occasional variation and accidental luck--as in the pattern of the first muzzle-loader--the prejudices against the modern arm were so entirely dissipated that the old-fashioned guns are at present rarely sold4 ,since that trial considerable advance has been made in the minuti of the manufacture2 and now it is the general impression of those acquainted with the arm1 that the breech-loader1 with a slight additional increase of powder1 shoots both stronger and closer than its rival4 ,in the pigeon-match between the nobility and gentry of ,england in #ahfc1 described in the ,london ,field1 volume xxiii41 p4 #chi1 where it is to be supposed that the best implements the country could furnish were used1 and where some of the shooting was done at thirty yards1 the first and second prizes were both taken by breech-loaders4 ,with all allowance for the quality of the marksman1 the quality of the gun that wins a match at ,english 8blue-rocks0 must unquestionably be good2 and this1 the universal experience of those matter-of-fact ,john ,bulls1 who test everything by success1 has entirely confirmed4 ,a trial of guns was made in #ahei1 and the results were published in tabular form in ,the ,shot-,gun and ,sporting ,rifle1 by ,stonehenge1 p4 #cjd4 ,the targets were made of double bag-cap paper1 #ij lbs4 to the ream1 circular1 thirty inches in diameter1 with a centre of twelve inches square1 and were nailed against a smooth surface of deal boards4 ,the centres were composed of forty thicknesses for forty yards1 and twenty for sixty yards1 and weighed eighteen and nine ounces respectively1 with such slight variation as will always occur in brown paper4 ,the powder was ,laurence's ,no4 #b1 the shot ,no4 #f1 containing #bij pellets to the ounce1 and the charges were weighed in every instance4 ,,tables ,,of ,,the ,,field ,,trial4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ,name of ,maker4 ,kind of ,gun4 ,bore4 ,length of ,weight of ,charge of ,barrel4 ,gun4 ,powder4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- in4 lb4 oz4 drs4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ,pape1 ,newcastle ,muzzle-loader #ab #cj #f4aa #b ,prince ,green1 ,london 8 #ab #cj #g4f #b ,pape 8 #ab #bi #f4h #b ,egen1 ,bradford ,breech-loader #ab #cj #g4h #c ,prince ,green 8 #ab #cj #g4b #c ,pape 8 #ab #cj #g4j #c ,pape ,muzzle-loader #ac #cj #g4j #b ,needham1 ,london ,breech-loader #ac #bi #f4aj #c ,egan ,muzzle-loader #ac #bh #f4ad #b ,culling1 ,dowtham ,market 8 #ab #bi #f4aj #b ,reilly1 ,london ,breech-loader #af #cj #g4d #c ,elliott1 ,birmingham 8 #af #bh #g4d #b ,needham 8 #ac #bh #g4d #c ,hast1 ,colchester 8 #ab #ca #g4h #c ,reilly 8 #ab #cj #g4d #c ,elliott 8 #ac #bh #e4d #c ,francotte1 ,liege 8 #ad #bi #g4h #c ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ,averages ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ,no4 of ,name of ,maker4 ,charge of ,no4 of ,marks on ,no4 of shots ,shot4 ,face of ,targets4 ,sheets through pierced4 #bj sheets4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- oz4 at #dj yds4 at #fj yds4at #dj yds4 at #fj yds4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,pape1 ,newcastle #a #aeh #aah #fc #fj #bh #cc #e #b ,prince ,green1 ,london #a #adh #ih #eb #fe #bh #bb #a #b ,pape #a #aaf #abi #df #dj #be #bh #a #a ,egen1 ,bradford #a #add #ij #cb #eh #bh #cj #j #b ,prince ,green #a #ajc #ic #fj #fb #bd #ca #b #d ,pape #a #acb #ic #ee #ch #bf #cc #b #c ,pape #a #aag #ga #dg #fa #bi #cg #d #h ,needham1 ,london #a #fe #ace #bd #ed #bi #ci #j #a ,egan #a #aac #aac #bd #df #bc #cd #j #a ,culling1 ,dowtham ,market #a-c_/af #ajf #ajc #ce #ca #bb #cb #j #j ,reilly1 ,london #a #ie #aje #ej #ca #bj #bg #b #j ,elliott1 ,birmingham #a #gc #ii #bb #db #cj #dj #j #a ,needham #a #ig #ie #ca #bj #bb #bf #j #j ,hast1 ,colchester #a #ajj #gg #cb #bh #cc #be #j #j ,reilly #a #hh #ia #cg #ca #bb #bg #b #a ,elliott #a #ij #hg #bj #bh #bj #ca #a #j ,francotte1 ,liege #a #fj #dh #ca #dj #be #bc #j #j ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- #ajf #ig #cc #dc #bf #cj #a #a ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------- ,name of ,maker4 ,total on face ,tot'l thro'gh ,recoil in of #d targets4 #d targets4 pounds4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,pape1 ,newcastle #cii #fh #fh #fb ,prince ,green1 ,london #cfc #ec #ff #fe ,pape #cca #ee #fh #fd ,egen1 ,bradford #cbd #fj untested4 ,prince ,green #c #h #fa 8 ,pape #cah #fd #gj #fh ,pape #bif #gh untested4 ,needham1 ,london #bgh #fi #fd #fb ,egan #bif #eh #fh #fh ,culling1 ,dowtham ,market #bge #ed #ei #fa ,reilly1 ,london #bha #di untested4 ,elliott1 ,birmingham #bcf #ga #fd #ff ,needham #bdc #dh #fe #fa ,hast1 ,colchester #bcg #eh #gb #fi ,reilly #bdg #eb #gf #gc ,elliott #bbe #eb #fd #fh ,francotte1 ,liege #agi #dh #gd #fh ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- #bhe #ei #fg #ff ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,,tables ,,of ,,the ,,field ,,trial4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ,name of ,maker4 ,kind of ,gun4 ,bore4 ,length of ,weight of ,charge of ,barrel4 ,gun4 ,powder4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- in4 lb4 oz4 drs4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ,o4 ,smith1 ,derby ,muzzle-loader #ae #cj #f4ad #b ,culling 8 #ad #bh #f4aa #b ,dougall1 ,glasgow 8 #ad #bg #e4ad #b ,joe ,manton1 ,london 8 #af #ca #f4ab #b ,culling 8 #ad #bi #f4j #b ,reilly ,breech-loader #ae #cj #f4ad #c ,lang1 ,london 8 #ae #bi #f4h #c ,reilly ,muzzle-loader #ad #bi #f4d #b ,prince ,green ,breech-loader #ae #cj #g4j #c ,prince ,green ,muzzle-loader #ad #cj #g4j #b ,hast 8 #ae #cj #f4h #b ,reilly ,breech-loader #ae #bh #f4d #b ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ,averages ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ,no4 of ,name of ,maker4 ,charge of ,no4 of ,marks on ,no4 of shots ,shot4 ,face of ,targets4 ,sheets through pierced4 #bj sheets4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- oz4 at #dj yds4 at #fj yds4at #dj yds4 at #fj yds4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,o4 ,smith1 ,derby #a #aja #aba #dh #ee #ch #bb #c #e ,culling #a #adg #he #db #dh #bd #ai #j #j ,dougall1 ,glasgow #a #acj #ib #cj #fj #be #bg #b #j ,joe ,manton1 ,london #a #abb #hf #hf #eg #bg #bh #b #j ,culling #a #aja #ajc #cj #ee #ba #be #j #a ,reilly #a #aje #ajf #fc #bf #bi #cc #f #a ,lang1 ,london #a #abi #eg #de #eb #bj #bh #j #c ,reilly #a #ii #ii #cd #db #cb #bg #j #h ,prince ,green #a #gg #ajj #da #ca #cc #bf #e #j ,prince ,green #a #ga #ib #eb #bg #bj #bi #j #j ,hast #a #hc #ee #dd #bd #bh #bi #e #j ,reilly #a #hc #aja #cd #g #ah #bh #j #j ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- #ajd #ib #db #dj #bf #bg #b #a ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------- ,name of ,maker4 ,total on face ,tot'l thro'gh ,recoil in of #d targets4 #d targets4 pounds4 ---------------------------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,o4 ,smith1 ,derby #cbe #fh #fh #eh ,culling #cbb #dc #ec #ed ,dougall1 ,glasgow #cab #ed #fe #fh ,joe ,manton1 ,london #cja #eg #fd #fb ,culling #bhi #dg #fj #dd ,reilly #cjj #fi #fi #gf ,lang1 ,london #bhc #ea #fd #fj ,reilly #bgd #fg #fh #gd ,prince ,green #bdi #fd #ga #gc ,prince ,green #bdb #di #fi #fd ,hast #bjf #fc #fh #fg ,reilly #bbe #df #fh #gb ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- #bgg #ef #fe #fd ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,the guns were classified according to their weight4 ,the breech-loaders1 which used one quarter of a drachm more powder1 showed about an equal recoil2 the recoil differed surprisingly1 ranging from #dd to #gf lbs41 and was no indication of the power with which the shot was driven--a greater number of sheets being pierced where the recoil was under the average4 ,the patterns produced by the muzzle-loaders varied from those of the breech-loaders less than they did from one another1 and far less than that of one barrel differed from that of the other2 in fact1 the right-hand barrel seems to have shot much the best1 and some of the guns that excelled at #dj yards fell far behindhand at #fj yards4 ,in penetration1 which is a more valuable quality in a gun than even pattern1 the breech-loaders took the lead2 one pierced through #dj sheets and another through #ci sheets1 so that the vaunted superiority of the old gun in this particular was found not to exist4 ,it was further noted that a great improvement in this particular had taken place in the breech-loaders since the trial of the year previous1 which improvement has been going on steadily since4 ,the trial also proved that1 although the breech-loaders required an extra amount of powder to give them force1 it caused in them no additional recoil1 and was objectionable in so far only as it entailed extra expense and weight of ammunition4 ,the muzzle-loader was left1 to offset its numerous inferiorities1 nothing more than a claim to diminished weight of gun and ammunition1 and a trifling saving in expense2 in force and pattern it was equalled2 in safety and handiness it was far surpassed by its competitor4 ,a book called the ,dead ,shot1 which has been circulated extensively in our country1 remarkable more for the wonderful number of mistakes1 if not absurdities1 that it contains1 than for any other quality1 denounces the breech-loaders in unmeasured terms1 and1 among others1 gives the following categorical objections1 to each of which the writer appends1 from personal experience1 what he considers an answer4 ,the ,dead ,shot says3 8#a4 ,the breech-loader does not shoot so strong nor kill so far as the muzzle-loader1 though allowed a quarter of a drachm of powder extra40 ,the contrary was proved at the ,field trial1 as shown by the foregoing tables1 and is proved in the field daily4 8#b4 ,the breech-loader is1 of necessity1 much heavier than a muzzle-loader of the same gauge40 ,about one quarter of a pound4 8#c4 ,it is more expensive as regards ammunition1 and also as to the gun itself--the latter by reason of its not lasting so long1 and its greater liability to get out of repair than a muzzle-loader40 ,the cartridge-cases cost about twenty dollars a thousand2 so that if they are used but once1 a single additional quail or woodcock will pay for ten of them4 ,the same wise economy raised this objection of expense against percussion-caps when first introduced4 ,the gun lasts longer1 as there is no breech to become rusty or burnt out with percussion powder1 and the barrels may always be kept in perfect cleanliness4 8#d4 ,the recoil on discharge is heavier and the report louder than that produced by the muzzle-loader40 ,the first portion of this paragraph is answered by the foregoing tables1 and the second is not only false but childish4 8#e4 ,the penetration of wet and damp in rains1 fogs1 or mists1 between the false breech and barrels1 and often into the cartridge itself1 cannot be avoided in the present form of breech-loader1 more especially in one that has been much used4 ,and if the cartridge-case gets damp1 it adheres to the barrel1 and cannot be removed without considerable difficulty40 ,that rain cannot penetrate the cartridge-case is pretty well proved by the experience already mentioned of firing a gun that had been under water fifteen minutes2 and if dampness gets in between the false breech and barrels1 or under the latter1 the parts should be wiped dry after use4 ,the residue of this paragraph is answered below4 8#f4 ,there is obviously a greater risk of bursting2 indeed1 the safety of a breech-loader1 after much usage1 becomes doubtful by reason of the escape of gas between the false breech and barrels1 particularly after the trying vibrations of heavy charges40 ,there is no such escape of gas1 and 8obviously0 can be none1 unless it can find its way through nearly a quarter of an inch of solid paper and brass4 ,does the comparatively excessive escape of gas at the cone and vent of a muzzle-loader endanger its safety8 and will the 8trying vibration0 of one cartridge affect the strength of another not in the barrel at the time8 8#g4 ,the time and trouble required in filling the cartridges1 and the danger attending that operation before going out shooting1 are very considerable2 and it is with one peculiar form of cartridge only that the breech-loader can be used2 and if purchased of the gun-maker ready filled1 they come very expensive40 ,this paragraph is unanswerable2 as no source of danger in loading the cartridges is specified1 the writer is at a loss to know what is meant--there being1 in his experience1 no danger whatever4 ,as for the trouble1 it is far less than that of loading the gun4 8#h4 ,the operation of making and filling the cartridge is to a sportsman a tedious1 dirty1 dangerous1 and laborious one--quite as much so as making fireworks40 ,this may be true of making the cartridges1 which no sportsman ever thinks of doing more than he would of making percussion-caps1 which is a far more dangerous employment4 ,the filling them is identically the same as loading a gun1 omitting capping1 but without its dirt or danger4 ,if loading a gun is akin to making fireworks1 so may be loading cartridges4 ,in fact1 using cartridges is merely loading at a convenient season expeditiously1 and may be done to the extent of thousands without soiling the hands4 8#i4 ,another serious objection to the breech-loader is the weight of ammunition that must be carried in the shape of ready-made cartridges when going to the ,highlands or any remote shooting quarter4 ,and then arises the difficulty of keeping them perfectly dry in damp weather2 and every one knows how very soon the damp will penetrate through a paper case1 and cake1 and weaken the force of the gunpowder40 ,if the cartridge cases are carried unloaded1 the bulk of ammunition is increased2 if loaded--and they are as safe as powder in mass--neither the weight nor bulk is at all increased4 ,the powder might be injured in very damp weather in the course of years2 but such an occurrence has not yet come before the public4 8#aj4 ,the cartridges must be carried in a strong case with divisional compartments4 ,in the event of their being carried loose1 they become damaged2 and the danger of so carrying them is excessive1 by reason of the results which may ensue in the event of a fall or accident in getting over a hedge1 or otherwise1 whereby a blow or friction is given to the metal pin which explodes the cap40 ,friction will not discharge them1 and no ordinary blow2 and1 in case of explosion1 the danger is merely what may result from the discharge of a charge of powder in the open air--by no means so great1 but about as probable as from the explosion of the caps in the cap-pocket4 ,the writer has never heard of such an occurrence1 and ,english sportsmen universally carry cartridges loose in their pockets4 8#aa4 ,the extra weight incurred in being obliged to carry a sufficient number of cartridges for a day's sport1 in a very cumbersome leather case1 with iron compartments1 considerably exceeds the ordinary weight of powder-flask and shot-pouch1 with ammunition for a similar amount of sport40 ,this may be1 if any one is fool enough to use iron compartments2 but in a proper receptacle--a leather belt--the weight is much less4 8#ab4 ,another of the principal defects in the breech-loader is the flat surface of the breech1 which scientific and practical experimenters have proved to be erroneous1 by reason of the much greater power and extra force which may be obtained from the conical interior form of solid breech--the rule being that #8force cannot be expended and retained also2' and as it must1 of necessity1 be expended to a certain degree by explosion and recoil on a flat-surfaced breech1 extra powder is required to produce like effects to those which result from the solid conical breech4 ,the recoil is also considerably greater on a flat surface than on a tapering one40 ,so much of the foregoing as is comprehensible1 the tables of the ,field trial 8and practical experimenters0 have found to be erroneous4 ,it will also be borne in mind that the inside end of the cartridge-case is conical4 8#ac4 ,joints1 joinings1 slides1 and bolts1 are all inferior to a well-made screw1 as regards soundness of the breech4 ,a perfectly solid breech1 free from all suspicious joinings1 curves1 and openings1 must be by far the safer and more effective one in any instrument1 in which so searching a substance as gunpowder has to be compressed and exploded40 ,if this last objection is correct the others are superfluous1 as it disposes of the discussion2 and the statement will be true whenever it can be shown that the cohesion of a tube is increased by forcing a screw into it4 ,to silence1 however1 such senseless cavils1 gun-makers construct the breech end of the barrels slightly heavier than in the muzzle-loader4 ,these being the greater disadvantages1 the ,dead ,shot then adverts to the minor ones3 8,on reloading1 it is necessary to draw out the case of the discharged cartridge before inserting a full one4 ,it is true the discharged cartridge may generally be withdrawn almost instantly2 but if intended to be refilled and used another day1 it must be carefully replaced in the cartridge-case in one of the divisional compartments1 for if carried loose in the pocket it is soon spoilt4 ,therefore1 if these important minuti be taken into consideration1 it will be found1 after all1 that there is very little saving of time in re-charging the breech-loader40 ,this is the acme of captiousness2 as though the cases might not be placed in the pocket till a favorable opportunity presented to return them to their compartments4 ,to any one who1 with numbed hands on a bitterly cold ,december morning1 is watching for ducks at daybreak1 and who looks to reloading as a difficulty and recapping an impossibility1 the large1 easily handled cartridge is a blessing that he will never forget2 and any one who1 having used a breech-loader1 will pretend that it cannot be loaded on the average infinitely faster than the muzzle-loader1 is guilty of prevarication4 ,in truth it can be reloaded in less time than the other gun can be recapped4 8,with regard to refilling the cartridge-cases1 the makers warrant that the discharged cases may be refilled and used again with the same facility and effect1 some of them two or three times4 ,this1 however1 is not always so2 on the contrary1 the cases expand so much on explosion of the powder1 that when refilled they are sometimes not only difficult to thrust into the barrel1 but on second explosion they stick so fast that in many instances the copper end comes off1 on the case being attempted to be withdrawn1 and the paper is left inside4 ,and then1 unless a loading-rod is at hand with which to force out the paper case1 your breech-loader is powerless40 ,were it not for the next clause1 one could suppose that ,dead ,shot had never heard of an extractor1 which is a little instrument not so large as a cone wrench1 always carried in the shooter's pocket1 and with which the paper can be pulled out in about two seconds' time1 without possibility of failure2 until this is done1 and for those two seconds1 8your breech-loader is indeed powerless40 8,none but those who have experienced the difficulty of extracting a bursted cartridge-case1 which adheres firmly to the sides of the barrel1 can imagine the annoyance it causes2 and if the cases get damp1 or if refilled ones are used1 the difficulty is constantly occurring4 ,and then the #8extractor' is of little use1 beyond pulling away the brass bottom of the cartridge and leaving the paper case more difficult to remove40 ,new cases1 whether they burst or not1 scarcely ever stick in passably well-made guns1 and reloaded ones rarely2 but when they do1 the extractor will1 in nine times out of ten1 withdraw them at once2 and if on this tenth occasion the brass capsule is torn off1 the extractor1 by the aid of a hook at the end1 made expressly for the purpose1 will tear out the empty paper instantly4 8,unless the brass pin which explodes the cap is made very precisely1 a miss-fire is inevitable4 ,if there is any corrosive substance upon it or upon the sides of the hollow in which it is to travel1 the hammer will fail to drive it home or explode the cap4 ,the hammer must strike it in exact position1 or the pin will bend2 any extra length or protrusion of the pin1 or any dampness or foulness which causes it to stick1 or if the pin be nipped in any way so as to weaken the force of the hammer1 a miss-fire will probably be the result2 and the pins must not be too loose1 or they will drop out of the cartridges on any sudden or violent exertion on the part of the sportsman40 ,all but the last clause of this paragraph is prejudice stated as fact1 and that is simply ridiculous4 ,it happened that one hammer of the writer's breech-loader was broken and so badly mended that it did not fall true upon the pin1 and yet the only miss-fires he has ever met with arose from his own neglect1 in omitting to recap one or two of the discharged cartridges before reloading4 ,the average of miss-fires with a cartridge is asserted by ,mr4 ,eley1 the celebrated gun-maker1 to be one in a thousand--an assertion openly made1 and1 as yet1 uncontroverted1 and which is confirmed by the experience of the writer and his friends4 ,so far from the pin's being liable to fall out by any exertion whatever1 even if the sportsman turned acrobat for the nonce1 it is simply to be said that it cannot be withdrawn with the fingers1 and requires a small pair of pliers4 8,if in drawing out an unexploded cartridge the brass end comes off or breaks away from the paper case1 it will not be advisable to use the cartridge in that state3 it cannot be safe to explode it in the barrel of a breech-loading gun2 in fact1 it would be almost as unsafe as a loose charge of powder4 ,and in the event of the cap missing fire in a breech-loading cartridge1 it is not desirable to recap the cartridge4 ,when once the brass and the pasteboard part company1 the power of retaining the explosive force within the case is considerably weakened1 and so is the expulsive force40 ,on reading the foregoing1 one would suppose the author of such statements had never seen a breech-loader4 ,where the brass end breaks away from the paper case1 the cap comes off with it1 and the cartridge cannot be discharged unless touched off with a lucifer match or a lighted cigar--a performance that probably few persons out of a lunatic asylum would attempt4 ,and as for recapping a cartridge that once missed fire1 it cannot be done1 as the cap is inside4 ,what species of cartridges the ,dead ,shot must have used1 the writer of this cannot imagine4 ,in case of a miss-fire the cartridge has to be unloaded1 and may then be recapped and reloaded like any other4 ,the writer experimented extensively in reloading cartridges1 using some a dozen times1 and has experienced the annoyance of sticking cases and separating capsules1 and tested it thoroughly2 and he must say that if a cartridge is loaded over three times with heavy loads it is apt to stick1 especially if it is loaded shortly after being discharged1 and while it is still soft from the heat4 ,the cases should be left for several hours before they are reloaded1 until they are dry and hard1 and1 if there is time1 should be reloaded in the mould--a block bored out to the exact size1 in which they fit accurately1 and in which they cannot spread4 ,they rarely stick1 however1 before the third discharge1 and then may be pulled out by force--in pieces1 if necessary1 and thrown away4 ,if1 however1 they cannot be forced in1 and are torn apart before they are discharged1 which never happens except after repeated use1 the charge is wasted2 the powder should be at once poured out1 the wads pushed aside by the extractor to let the shot escape by the muzzle1 and the empty case torn away--an operation implying neither danger nor difficulty4 ,it is desirable to pour the shot out at the muzzle1 lest a pellet lodge under the breech-end of the gun and interfere with its operation4 8,the rapidity with which a succession of shots may be made is urged as one of the chief recommendations of the breech-loader2 but rapidity of firing is seldom desired1 and the barrels may become heated to danger4 ,the sportsman's every-day success frequently depends on the range of his gun1 but seldom on the loading and firing of it40 ,the ,dead ,shot is an ,english book2 and in ,england there are no rail or bay-snipe2 the author1 therefore1 has never whistled a flock of marble-winged willet or golden-brown marlin back1 time after time1 to the fatal stand1 and delivered repeated discharges into their thinning ranks4 ,but ducks abound there2 and for any person who has been present at the early morning or late evening flight1 and has seen and heard the rush of wings innumerable1 when a dozen guns and men to load them would hardly have been enough1 to say that 8rapidity of firing is seldom desirable10 is marvellous indeed4 ,the italicized portion of the last objection further implies that ,dead ,shot has never used a breech-loader2 for1 while in the muzzle-loader the heat of repeated discharges may be dangerous1 in a breech-loader it cannot1 as paper intervenes between the barrel and the powder4 ,the writer has fired his breech-loader until it was so hot he could not bear his hand on it4 ,this is the last of ,dead ,shot's objections1 and none of them merit the attention they have received1 except from the fact that this book has been extensively circulated in our country1 where the merits of breech-loaders are little known4 ,the objections so manifestly arise from prejudice or ignorance1 that they need no contradiction to any one acquainted with the true state of the case1 and are worthy of an author who1 in his opening1 says3 8,he only can be called a #8,dead ,shot' who can bring down with unerring precision an ,october or ,november partridge1 whenever it offers a fair chance1 i4 e4 rises within certain range20 which range he afterwards1 at page #hf1 puts at forty yards1 in the following words3 8,with judicious loading and a regard to the principles of deadly range1 a partridge may be killed with certainty at forty yards40 ,the partridge resembles1 in many points1 our quail1 and sportsmen can tell whether quail can be killed 8with certainty at forty yards10 or whether the best shot alive can kill them every time at any distance4 ,in discussing the merits of any new invention1 prejudice is one of the strongest grounds of opposition to overcome2 and prejudice in favor of a weapon that we have tried and found trustworthy1 that years of service have enabled us to use skilfully and have endeared to our affections1 that has never1 under all diversities of trial1 failed to merit our confidence1 is not merely a natural but praiseworthy feeling in the human mind4 ,prejudice1 when at last driven to a corner and forced to give up as untenable the objection to the safety or shooting qualities of the breech-loader1 will say3 8,i can shoot fast enough with a muzzle-loader40 ,for woodcock and quail-shooting1 rapidity in loading is not essential1 although frequently after a bevy of quail has flushed1 one or two birds will loiter long enough to be killed by the reloaded breech-loader1 that would fly before the muzzle-loader could be recharged4 ,but for killing ,english snipe1 that have a habit of rising one after another in tantalizing succession before the unloaded gun2 for ducks and rail2 but above all for bay-snipe1 one-half if not two-thirds of the bag depends upon celerity in loading4 ,duck shooting is frequently best in wet weather1 when even ,eley's 8central fire double water-proof0 caps will not always insure the ignition of the powder2 and in thick covert the caps1 especially if they do not fit perfectly1 will occasionally be brushed off2 whereas the breech-loader is impervious to wet1 and is not liable to the last difficulty2 above all1 where different kinds of game are expected1 and it may be important to change quickly the load for ducks1 to buckshot for deer1 or double ,b's for geese1 the breech-loader has an infinite superiority4 ,the comparative merits of the two guns may be stated as follows3 ,for shooting quail or woodcock1 where there is no necessity for great rapidity in firing1 there is little advantage in a breech-loader2 and1 unless loaded cartridges sufficient for the entire trip are carried1 the reloading them during the evening after a hard day's fag will be found annoying4 ,but for all the shore-birds1 and even for ,english snipe1 the breech-loader has an immense advantage4 ,it requires a quarter of a drachm of powder extra1 and1 on this account as well as from the cost of the cases1 is more expensive in use2 with the extra allowance of powder1 however1 it shoots stronger1 with as good a patten and as little recoil as its rival2 it is somewhat heavier to carry1 infinitely safer to load1 rarely misses fire1 and may be cleaned ere the tow can be prepared for the muzzle-loader4 ,of course the better the barrels1 the better it will shoot1 to a greater degree even than the old gun2 and it is being daily made more perfect4 ,the weight has already been reduced1 for field-guns even of ,no4 #ab bore1 to six pounds ten ounces1 which is as light as any double-gun should be1 and the mechanism of the parts is very fine4 ,of course the friction on the hinge will in the end wear it loose1 but the expense of a new one is trifling1 and its construction might almost be entrusted to a country blacksmith4 ,the barrels are said to spring slightly at the discharge when the load is heavy1 so that a piece of thin paper pasted across at the break-off along the ridge will be rent2 and1 on the other hand1 ,mr4 ,dougall1 of ,glasgow1 claims to have made an invention called by him the 8,lockfast10 that removes this difficulty4 ,the objection1 however1 is not important2 and ,mr4 ,dougall's invention1 by which the barrels slip into a shoulder-cut on the face of the breech1 is considerably slower in action than the other patterns3 it cannot be made to spring shut like the ,lefaucheux1 but must be drawn back into place by a short lever4 ,the price of a superior breech-loader1 made by ,jeffery of ,guildford1 several of whose make have been imported and given entire satisfaction1 is thirty guineas1 and by ,dougall of ,glasgow about forty guineas1 although of course the price varies to suit purses2 and some of the best ,london makers1 who spare neither labor nor expense1 and who turn out work that is unsurpassable1 charge double these sums4 ,it has even been asserted that ,purdey has received over a hundred pounds for a breech-loader2 but this is merely a fancy price1 and makes the gun neither safer nor more useful than one at a third of the cost4 ,a breech-loader to shoot creditably must be well made1 and consequently is expensive2 and at the best an extra quarter drachm of powder must be allowed4 ,this is supposed to be required by the yielding of the comparatively soft material of the cartridge-case1 which must fit rather loosely in the chamber of the barrel to allow of its ready insertion1 and any defect of workmanship increases this difficulty materially4 ,there are several descriptions of cartridge--those made by ,eley of ,england or ,gevelot of ,france being the best4 ,eley manufactures two qualities at different prices1 and those persons who object to reloading their cartridges1 may purchase the lower-priced article1 which is not intended to be used more than once4 ,the first quality cost three pounds a thousand1 unloaded but capped2 or they may be purchased at a proportionally higher price loaded1 ready for instant use1 as they can be transported even across the ocean without material risk4 ,the brown-paper cartridges of ,chaudun are also good1 but not quite so fine an article as ,eley's2 they may be reloaded1 however1 several times4 ,in carrying the loaded cartridges1 it is natural to suppose that there would be danger of their exploding in consequence of a sudden jar1 and they are generally packed in sawdust to avoid this risk1 but experience has proved that the danger is slight2 generally speaking1 they cannot be so discharged1 and there is but one case reported where it happened2 in this instance1 a railway porter in ,england let fall a large box of them1 when a single cartridge exploded1 without doing any damage or discharging the others4 ,there are1 properly speaking1 no gun-makers in ,america2 a few workmen import ,english locks1 stocks1 and barrels1 and fitting them together1 stamp them with their names2 but ,i know of no establishment where the smallest portion even of the fowling-piece is manufactured4 ,it is a matter of great difficulty to get any good work done1 and the simplest repairs are generally bungled in our best shops in a way to disgrace the trade and disgust the owner2 as for having a gun made1 we have not advanced the first step towards it1 not even having a compulsory proof-stamp4 ,it is hardly necessary to add that breech-loaders must be imported4 ,they and their equipment are kept for sale at our principal metropolitan shops1 and their mechanism is so simple that any accident to it can be repaired2 but as they are not in general demand1 really fine articles are difficult to find1 and had better be purchased specially on the other side4 ,this can be done by the party himself1 by sending to any ,european maker the length from the foremost trigger to the heel-plate1 and the drop from the line of the barrels to the cheek-piece of the stock--that exist in his present gun1 and which he wishes to retain4 ,or any of our dealers will take the measure of his gun1 and import him a breech-loader that will 8come up0 like the old gun he has handled for years4 ,much space has been devoted to the breech-loader1 for the reason that the writer1 while recognising its adaptability to general use1 has considered it specially advantageous for the pursuit of the game of which this work particularly treats2 that it has defects is not denied1 but these are vastly overborne by its advantages4 ,prejudice is strong2 for twenty years the ,lefaucheux has been in common use among the ,french1 who had satisfied themselves of its superiority2 and it required that time for an invention so simple and easy to test1 to cross the narrow channel between the continent and ,england4 ,americans are always ready to try a new discovery and judge of its advantages by their own experience2 so that it is not probable that the breech-loader will be as long in crossing the 8broad ,atlantic10 and locating itself securely on our shores4 ,there are now some twenty or thirty of these guns in use among our sportsmen1 and they have generally given satisfaction4 ,of course it requires a short time to accustom oneself to a new implement2 and a cheap piece1 which it is natural to purchase on an experiment1 is a poor affair1 and especially so with a breech-loader2 but the invention is steadily winning friends4 ,in ,england1 where the nature of the game is not so well calculated for its use as here1 the highest authority on sporting gunnery1 the editor of the ,field1 who writes under the name of ,stonehenge1 speaking of the two guns1 says3 8,indeed1 so near is the performance of the two1 that we cannot think for a moment that for general purposes there can be a doubt of the superiority of the breech-loader1 when quickness of loading1 safety1 and cleanliness are taken into consideration40 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,bay-,,snipe ,,shooting4 ,the various writers on the different kinds of sport in our country have generally devoted their attention to upland shooting2 to the quail1 woodcock1 ,english snipe1 ruffed grouse of the hills1 dales1 and meadows1 to the prairie-chicken of the far west1 or to the larger game--the ducks1 geese1 and swans of our coast2 and the few suggestions to be found in ,frank ,forester's ,field ,sports1 or ,lewis's ,american ,sportsman1 are of little assistance in discussing the mode of capture of their less fashionable and less marketable brethren called bay-snipe4 ,having no guides to aid me but my own experience1 and differing frequently in my views from the opinions expressed by the scientific ornithologists1 ,i approach the consideration of this subject with diffidence2 and for the many errors that a pioneer must inevitably commit1 ,i crave the indulgence of the public4 ,the birds that are shot along our shores upon the sand-bars or broad salt meadows1 or even upon the adjoining fields of upland1 are among sportsmen termed bay-birds or bay-snipe2 and although including several distinct varieties1 present a general similarity in manners and habits4 ,they are ordinarily killed by stratagem over decoys1 and not by open pursuit2 different varieties frequent the same locality1 so that many species will be collected in the same bag2 they are for the most part1 except the upland birds1 tough and sedgy1 and at times hardly fit for the table2 and they arrive and may be killed at certain periods in vast numbers4 ,although despised by the upland sportsman1 who regards the use of the dog as essential to the pure exercise of his art2 and by the pot-hunter1 because they do not generally bring high prices in market2--to the genuine lover of nature and the gun they furnish splendid sport1 requiring1 if not as high a degree of skill as may be needed to cut down a quail in the dense coverts1 at least as many fine qualities in the sportsman1 and as thorough a knowledge of their habits as any other bird4 ,in upland shooting the dog does the largest part of the work1 and invariably deserves the credit for a super-excellent bag2 and truly glorious is it to follow the dog that can make that bag1 and wonderful to watch his powers2--but in bay-snipe shooting there is no trusty dog to look to1 who can retrieve by his superiority his master's blunderings4 ,the man relies upon himself1 and himself alone2 he it is that must1 with quick observant eye1 catch the faint outline of the distant flock1 and with sharp ear distinguish the first audible call2 his experience must determine the nature of the birds1 his powers of imitation bring them within gunshot1 and his skill drop them advantageously from the crowded flock4 ,to excel in all this requires long patience1 much experience1 and great qualities of mind and body2 and few are the sportsmen who ever deserve the compliment paid by old ,paulus ,enos of ,quogue1 when he remarked1 8,colonel ,p4 is a werry destructive man--a werry destructive man in a flock of birds40 ,it is true that quail-shooting is almost a certainty2 and day after day of fair weather1 with well-trained animals and good marksmen1 will produce nearly the same average1 so that an entire failure will be almost impossible2 whereas1 with bay-snipe everything1 in the first instance1 depends upon the flight2 and if there are no birds1 the result must be a total blank2 but when the season is propitious--and this can be determined by the experienced sportsman with tolerable accuracy--the sport is prodigious1 and the number of shots enormous4 ,nor is it so easy to kill the gentle game that approaches the decoys with such entire confidence1 and often at so moderate a pace4 ,the upland sportsman1 who can cover the quail through the thick scrub-oaks1 or the woodcock in the dense foliage of the shady swamp1 and send his charge after them with astonishing precision1 and who will expect easy work with the bay-snipe1 will find himself wonderfully bothered by their curious motions and irregular flight1 till he has acquired the knack of anticipating their intentions4 ,he will learn that their speed is irregular2 that while at times they will hang almost motionless in the air1 at others they will dart past at the rate of a hundred miles an hour2 that although usually flying steadily1 they will frequently flirt and twist as unexpectedly as an ,english snipe2 and that often they will either suddenly drop from before his gun and alight1 or1 taking the alarm1 will whirl fifty feet into the air2 and when one barrel has been discharged into a flock1 the rest will 8skiver0 so as to puzzle even the best marksman4 ,it is not enough to kill one bird with each barrel from a flock1 as in quail-shooting1 but a number must be selected at the moment they cross one another1 so that several may be secured with each barrel2 to do this will require much practice and entail many total misses1 and is rarely thoroughly learned by the upland sportsman4 ,it will not answer to follow the example of an enthusiastic ,french gentleman1 whom ,i once left in the stand while ,i went to the house for dinner2 and who1 on my return1 in an excited way remarked3 8,ah6 ,i have vun beautifool shot1 ,i make ze lovely shot2 tree big birds come along--vat you call him80 8,willet80 ,i suggested4 8,no1 no2 ze big brown birds40 8,sickle-bills60 8,no1 not ze seeckle-bills40 8,jacks80 8,no1 no2 not ze jacks40 8,marlin60 8,yes1 yes2 tree big marlin come close by1 right ovair ze stool2 zay all fly near ze other2 ,i am sure to kill zem1 it was such beautifool shot4 ,i take ze gun and miss zem all60 ,moreover1 the excitement of a rapid flight is intense2 the birds arrive much faster than the muzzle-loader can be charged1 and a flock will hover round the stand1 returning again and again in the most bewildering manner2 as there are usually two sportsmen in each stand1 and the stands are often in sight of one another1 a sense of rivalry is added to the other difficulties of the position4 ,as the birds approach1 great judgment is required in selecting the proper time to fire1 both as regards the condition of the flock and their position relative to the associate sportsman2 they must be allowed to come well within the reach of both1 and yet be taken when they are most together1 and not allowed to pass so far as to endanger the success of the second barrel4 ,each sportsman must invariably fire at his side of the flock1 and wait till it is well abreast of him1 and never either shoot over his neighbor's corner of the stand or at his portion of the birds4 ,nothing is so disagreeable as to have a gun discharged close to one's head1 except perhaps to have it discharged at one's head2 the noise and jar produce painful and dangerous effects1 and unsettle a person's nerves for hours4 ,no man who will fire by his associate without presenting his gun well before him1 can know the first principles of gunnery--or who1 if knowing them1 wilfully disregards their effects1 is a fit companion4 ,the concussion from the explosion is exceedingly unpleasant1 even if the gun is several feet off1 and will produce a slight deafness4 ,of the number of birds which can be bagged1 it is hardly possible to speak within bounds--more than a hundred having been killed at one shot--but probably a hundred separate shots are occasionally fired by each sportsman in the course of a day1 and with the breech-loader even more4 ,there have been times when twenty-five pounds of shot have been expended by one gun1 but those days exist no longer1 and it is rare to use more than five pounds where the load does not exceed an ounce and a quarter4 ,the uncertainty of the flight is the principal drawback to bay-snipe shooting1 although experience can in a measure overcome the difficulty2 but to the citizen confined to certain days1 a selection of time is an impossibility4 ,the height of the season extends from ,august #aeth to the #beth for the bay-birds proper2 and from ,august #bhth to ,september #hth1 for golden plover2 and if a north-easterly storm should occur at this period1 it will be followed by an immense flight4 ,dry seasons are never good1 and so long as the weather remains warm the birds will tarry in their northern latitudes2 when the meadows are parched for want of rain1 they become too hard for the birds to perforate1 and the latter1 being unable to feed1 must migrate elsewhere2 but when they are soft with moisture1 the older snipe that have left their progeny at the far north1 linger on the feeding-grounds and wait for the latter to arrive4 ,they seem to make it a point to send back portions of their number from time to time to look after the young2 and on such occasions1 both the messengers and the young stool admirably4 ,thus flocks of old birds will frequently be seen wending their way towards the north1 while the main flight is directed southward2 and these flocks will invariably come to the decoys1 although the main body will take no notice of them4 ,of course when the meadows are too parched to furnish food1 the birds cannot return on their tracks1 but must continue their flight to more hospitable shores1 and in this way one of the best chances for good shooting is lost4 ,there are probably1 in addition1 many ease-loving gluttons among the troupe1 who if they find the feeding-grounds well supplied1 stop for a time to enjoy the luxury after their long abstinence in the inclement north2 and in passing to and from their favorite spots1 are said by the native human species to have established 8a trade0 to those places4 ,these birds1 of course1 wherever they see a flock apparently partaking of a plentiful repast1 naturally pause to obtain their share1 and thus fall a prey to their appetites4 ,bay-snipe fly during the day and night high up in the heavens1 or close to the earth1 in rain or shine1 but especially during a cold north-easterly storm1 which1 from its direction1 is favorable to their southerly migrations2 and they have a vigor of wing that enables them to traverse immense distances in a short time4 ,in proceeding with the wind1 it is usually at a considerable distance from the earth2 but when facing an adverse current1 they keep close to the surface1 and consequently are apt to be attracted by the stools4 ,they do not move much during foggy weather1 for the simple reason that they cannot see their course1 but do not seem to be troubled by a rain4 ,although clear--that is to say1 not rainy--weather is preferable on many accounts1 for their pursuit1 good sport is frequently had1 especially on ,long ,island1 during a rain4 ,their line of flight is peculiar4 ,except the plover1 they do not follow the entire coast1 and are not found to the eastward of ,massachusetts1 but appear to strike directly from their northern haunts to ,cape ,cod1 where1 in the neighborhood of ,barnstable1 there was in former times excellent shooting2 thence they proceed to ,point ,judith1 or even somewhat to the westward of it1 and then they cross ,long ,island ,sound1 rarely much to the eastward of ,quogue2 from ,long ,island they make one flight to ,squan ,beach1 and so on along the bays and lagoons of the southern coast to the ,equator1 or perhaps beyond it to the ,antarctic region4 ,the plovers follow the coast more closely1 and strike the easternmost end of ,long ,island in their career4 ,it is very remarkable1 that these birds which generally pass northward in ,may1 and require only three months for incubation and growth of young1 live the other nine months apparently in comparative idleness at the south4 ,this peculiarity has led to the suggestion that they may travel to the ,antarctic ocean during their absence from the north--which1 although probable1 is as yet1 from our entire ignorance of their habits1 a mere suggestion4 ,during the northward flight in ,may1 there is often good sport1 but the time is more uncertain than in ,august2 nor do the birds1 which are old and wary1 stool quite so well as on their return4 ,in the spring they pursue the same course as in the autumnal flight2 which1 although it is the most direct line1 and follows the principal expanse of salt meadow1 necessitates considerable journeys far out at sea4 ,but it is doubtless the fact that these birds1 in consequence of their stretch and power of wing1 could sustain an unbroken flight from north to south1 and accomplish the distance in a wonderfully short space of time4 ,unabated speed of one hundred miles an hour is equivalent to twenty-four hundred miles in a day1 and portions of the flock may not pause between ,labrador and the swamps of ,florida4 ,when the wind is strong and continuous from the westward1 it is supposed that they pass far out to sea2 and during these seasons there will be no flight of birds either at ,long ,island or on the ,jersey coast4 ,at such periods sportsmen often conclude that the entire race has been destroyed1 till the easterly winds and soaking rains of the following year1 bring them back more numerous than ever4 ,as they must migrate1 and are not to be found anywhere on the land1 it is clear that they must have the power of completing their journey in one unbroken flight4 ,the principal varieties are the sickle-bill1 jack-curlew1 the marlin and ring-tailed marlin1 the willet1 the black-breast or bull-head1 and golden plovers1 the yelper1 yellow-legs1 robin-snipe1 dowitchers1 brant-bird1 and krieker4 ,the upland or grass-plover is pursued in a different manner1 and the smaller birds are not pursued for sport at all4 ,the sickle-bills1 so named after the beautiful sweeping curve of the bill1 which has been known to measure eleven inches in length1 are the largest of them all4 ,they are colored much like a marlin1 have a beautiful bright eye1 a short reed-like call1 and a steady1 dignified flight4 ,in stretch of wings they exceed three feet1 and nothing can be more impressive than the approach of a large flock of these birds with wings and bills extended and legs dropped in preparation for alighting amid the stools4 ,they are often shy in the first instance1 but as soon as one of their number is killed1 they return again and again to the fatal spot--apparently in blind confidence that he must have alighted instead of fallen1 or out of brotherly anxiety for his fate4 ,i have on several occasions attracted a large flock that was hesitating whether to approach or not1 and almost resolving to depart1 by killing one of their number that incautiously ventured within long range--for immediately on seeing him fall1 they approached1 in spite of the report1 with full confidence4 ,they are easily killed1 by reason of their moderate speed and customary steadiness1 although they can dart rapidly when alarmed1 and will often1 like all the bay-birds1 carry off much shot4 ,their flesh is tough1 very dark1 and scarcely fit for the table1 except perhaps when they first come on from feeding on the more dainty repasts furnished by the uplands of ,labrador4 ,the jack-curlew is a still more wary bird1 and although he comes to the stools1 rarely pauses over them1 and never returns after being once fired at4 ,he is seldom seen in large flocks1 and flies rapidly and steadily4 ,his cry is longer than that of the sickle-bill1 and1 like it1 easy to imitate4 ,from his wariness and rarity he is regarded as the greatest prize of the sportsman1 although his flesh is little better than that of the sickle-bill4 ,the marlin is quite common1 very gentle1 stools admirably1 and goes in large flocks4 ,in color it is similar to the sickle-bill1 but it is much smaller and has a straight1 if not slightly recurved1 bill4 ,it is attracted by the same call1 and is equally tough and sedgy as food4 ,the ring-tailed marlin differs from it entirely in color1 resembling a willet--except that its wings are darker1 and its tail black with a white ring--but it has the long1 straight1 marlin bill4 ,it is a rare bird1 seldom collects in large flocks1 and is often fat and tolerable eating4 ,it does not stool as well as its plainer brother1 but from its scarcity and higher gastronomic claims1 it is more highly prized4 ,the willet is greyish in general color1 with a white belly and broad bands of black and white across its wings4 ,it has a loud1 shrill shriek1 stools well1 flies steadily1 congregates in large flocks1 and when fat is quite eatable4 ,it often associates with marlins and sickle-bills1 where its light colors make a beautiful contrast4 ,the last four varieties are nearly similar in size and greatly exceed the following1 but are far less desirable in an epicurean point of view4 ,the golden plover is one of the finest birds that flies2 it associates in flocks of a thousand1 stools well1 is extremely fat1 is delicious on the table1 and has a peculiarly musical whistle4 ,it frequents the uplands1 and feeds on grasshoppers4 ,its back is marked with a greenish red that faintly resembles gold1 and gives rise to its name4 ,the young are quite different in plumage4 ,the black-breast or bull-head is a shy and rather solitary bird--although it occasionally collects in large flocks--but it is quite fat1 and frequently killed in the salt marshes over the stools used for the ordinary bay-birds4 ,the yelper has a strong1 rapid1 and often irregular flight1 and a loud cry4 ,it stools well1 but escapes rapidly as soon as shot at1 darting from side to side in a confusing way1 and returns less confidently than the willet or marlin4 ,it pursues its course generally high in the clouds1 whence it will drop like a stone when coming to the stools4 ,on ,long ,island it goes by the name of big yellow-legs2 its call can be heard at an immense distance1 and is repeated continually as it flies4 ,gastronomically considered1 it is passable1 and1 when fat1 really excellent4 ,the yellow-legs1 or little yellow-legs1 as it is termed on ,long ,island1 is similar in appearance to the yelper1 but has a softer and more flute-like note1 and congregates in larger flocks4 ,it stools admirably1 and is killed in immense numbers4 ,its flight is rapid and irregular1 especially when it is frightened2 and1 as food1 it ranks with the yelper4 ,the brant-bird is a beautiful bird1 and stools well2 it rarely consorts in large flocks1 and is quite acceptable on the table4 ,the robin-snipe is a graceful1 beautiful1 and delicious bird2 its favorite localities are the meadow-islands of the salt bays and lagoons2 its flight is steady1 and it does not collect in such immense flocks as the last named variety4 ,its whistle consists of two clear shrill notes1 by which it is readily attracted2 and its predominant colors are grey on the back and red on the breast4 ,the dowitcher1 which is considered ornithologically as the only true snipe of them all1 has the habits of the sandpiper and the distinctive attributes of the scolopax2 it is abundant1 extremely gentle1 and excellent eating4 ,it stools admirably1 coming to any whistle whatever2 and although it can skiver when alarmed1 it usually flies steadily4 ,it associates with the smaller birds4 ,the krieker feeds on the meadows1 remains till late in ,october1 becomes extremely fat1 and is an epicurean delicacy2 it utters a creaking cry1 but will not stool at all4 ,it also flies with the smaller snipe4 ,having thus mentioned the peculiar distinctive qualities and characteristics of each bird1 of which a fuller description will be given in another place1 we will now pass to a consideration of the best mode of their pursuit4 ,this being by stratagem1 the more thorough the deception1 the more favorable will be the result2 and although they can frequently be attracted by an accurate imitation of their call within reach of their destroyer1 crouched in the open field and unaided by decoys1 they will approach much better to the concealed sportsman and well made stools4 ,a stand is usually erected near some pond or bar where the birds are in the habit of alighting--and this can be built in half an hour of bushes or reeds--high enough to conceal the sportsman comfortably seated in his arm-chair2 and as the grass has become by the latter part of ,august a dull yellowish green1 he may even shelter himself from the sun's rays by a brown cotton umbrella1 if he be delicate or ease-loving4 ,his clothes should assimilate to the color of the landscape1 and be as cool as possible--for the temperature is often oppressively hot2 and a waterproof should always be at hand in case of rain1 to cover1 not so much the sportsman as his gun and ammunition1 which may be seriously injured by dampness and salt air combined4 ,if it is impracticable to build a stand1 and the locality is sandy1 a hole may be dug1 with the excavated sand banked around it1 and the sportsman may deposit himself upon his ,mackintosh at the bottom4 ,however1 to one unaccustomed to the posture1 it is difficult to rise and shoot from such a position1 and a comfortable seat is far preferable2 and besides1 the mosquitoes are thicker near the earth2 the breeze has less effect and the sun more4 ,the stools should be so placed that they can be readily seen from the line of flight1 not too high above the water1 and the farthest not more than thirty-five yards from the shooter4 ,if too near a bank1 they will be confounded with the grass1 and be invisible even to the keen eye of the snipe4 ,they should be scattered sufficiently to allow each one to be distinct1 and must be headed in different directions1 so that some may present their broadsides to every quarter of the heavens4 ,they should tail down wind1 in a measure1 from the stand1 as the birds1 no matter what direction they come from1 head up wind in order to alight1 and will make a circle to do so4 ,in this way they reach the lower end of the imitation flock first1 and are led safely close to the sportsman1 giving him an admirable opportunity to make his selection from their ranks4 ,as the tide varies according to the wind and moon1 and will often cover with several feet of water places usually dry1 it is well to have two sets of sticks--one set for deep water much longer than those for ordinary use2 otherwise1 it will occasionally be found impossible to set out the stools at all1 or they will stand so high above the ground as to resemble bean-poles more than birds4 ,it is customary to have in the flock1 which should not be less than forty1 imitations of the different species--some being brown to represent marlin1 others grey1 with white breasts and a white and black streak over the tail to stand for willet1 and so on2 but a more important point is to have them large4 ,small stools cannot be seen far enough to attract a yelper sailing amid the clouds1 or a marlin sweeping along the distant horizon2 and although it is pretty and appropriate to have them of suitable colors1 size is more necessary4 ,a sickle-bill is a large bird1 and ,i have seen one tethered among the stools towering above them1 so that the imitations looked puny by comparison1 although larger than they were usually made4 ,the word stool is derived from the ,danish stoel1 and signifies something set up on less than four legs1 but of the mode or reason of its adoption we have no record2 it is in universal use1 to the exclusion of the more elegant and appropriate term1 decoy1 which is confined to imitation of wild fowl4 ,stools are ordinarily made of wood1 and occasionally painted with great artistic care and skill2 and although a rough affair1 coarsely daubed1 seems often to answer nearly as well1 there are times when the birds1 rendered wild by many hair-breadth escapes1 look sharply ere they draw near1 and will not approach unsightly blocks of wood1 no matter how sweetly they seem to whistle4 ,as wooden stools take up much room and are troublesome to carry for any distance1 tin ones have been made that will pack together in a small space4 ,by heading these1 different ways1 they present a good view to the snipe1 except when the latter are high in air1 from which position they are invisible4 ,to remedy this defect1 it has been suggested that a strip of tin of the width of the body may be soldered along the upper edge2 and thus1 while they pack snugly1 a section of the object is presented in every direction4 ,wooden stools are decidedly the best1 especially where it is desirable that the birds should alight1 and are in general use4 ,they are made of pine1 and painted the distinctive colors of their prototypes2 thus sickle-bills1 marlin1 and jacks1 are all brown with dark spots on the back and wings2 willet1 as heretofore described2 yellow-legs1 dark mottled grey on the back and wings1 and white beneath2 dowitchers brown on the back and wings1 and yellowish-white below2 bull-head plover light on the back1 with dark breasts2 robin-snipe light grey on the back and side1 and reddish beneath4 ,but the snipe are not always discriminating1 and a few varieties will answer every purpose4 ,stools are easily made and moderate in cost1 and every sportsman should have not less than twenty-five of his own1 so that in case those that he finds at the country taverns for the public use are engaged1 he may have some to fall back upon--although twenty-five are not a full supply4 ,they may be carried in a bag or basket1 with their feet and bills removed2 and the basket will be useful to hold lunch1 ammunition1 or game4 ,extempore representations can be made from the dead birds1 although they are not quite so good as the wooden ones1 by cutting a forked stick with one end much longer than the other1 and thrusting the longer point into the bird's neck and the shorter one into its body4 ,it may then be stood up in the sand1 and will make a decoy scarcely distinguishable by man from the living prototype1 but apparently more unnatural to the birds--which are sometimes alarmed at its ghastly appearance--than the ordinary stools4 ,very perfect stools are made of ,india-rubber1 which1 being compressible and light1 can be readily transported1 and are a deceptive imitation2 their principal defects are their liability to injury from shot--which is also the case with wooden ones--and the facility with which the hole where their long leg is inserted becomes torn--an accident that entirely destroys their usefulness4 ,they can be packed in a small compass1 and are infinitely the best article where they are to be carried long distances4 ,although of necessity undersized1 their full plump shape makes them visible at a considerable distance4 ,to prevent the bills1 which are the most delicate part1 from being injured1 it is necessary to make them rather thicker than those of the living bird2 they are to be painted dark-brown1 blue1 or grey1 according to circumstances2 and their loss1 although it may not diminish the attractiveness1 destroys the beauty of the fictitious flock4 ,more important than perfection of decoys1 is accuracy in whistling2 this should be a perfect imitation and answer to the call of the bird1 and will often allure him to the fowler without any decoys whatever4 ,it is impossible to describe the calls on paper1 and long practice will alone give a thorough knowledge of them2 they are generally shrill and loud2 the shriller and louder the better--for man's best efforts will rarely equal the bird's natural powers4 ,the yelper has a clear1 bold cry1 and the willet a fierce shriek that can be heard for miles2 and if listened to from a distance1 it will be found that the bird's call can be heard twice the distance of the man's answer4 ,it is true that when the snipe are near at hand and about alighting1 a lower whistle is better1 for the reason that it is more perfect1 and because the cry changes to a note of welcome when the flock receives its fellows4 ,and often1 when the birds once head for the stools1 if not distracted by neighboring stands1 or alarmed1 they will come straight on without any whistling1 although this is by no means invariably the case4 ,many persons find insuperable difficulty in whistling the clear1 shrill1 sharp calls2 and for them artificial whistles have been manufactured with a hole at the lower end1 which1 being opened or closed by the finger1 like the holes in a flute1 regulates the sound4 ,these artificial whistles are not so good as a perfectly trained natural one2 the sound is not sufficiently reed-like1 and they occupy and confine one hand when it should be free to seek the gun4 ,they are suspended from the button-hole by a string1 so that they can be dropped in an instant2 but are only used out of necessity4 ,a curious one1 to be held in the mouth1 has been invented of a wedge-shaped piece of tin in the form of an axe-head1 with two holes through the sides4 ,the sound is regulated by the tongue1 and is altogether more correct than that of any other whistle2 but more time and patience are required to learn the use of this invention than of the lips4 ,it will be far better for the sportsman who intends to pursue this sport1 to practise with the organs that nature has given him1 however much time or perseverance may be necessary1 and then there will be no danger of leaving his whistle at home4 ,as before remarked1 the great drawback to the sport of shooting bay-snipe is its uncertainty2 if the flight has not come on1 or a westerly wind has driven the birds to sea1 or a heavy north-easter carries them with it high in air and prevents their stopping--there will be no shooting2 and the most experienced hand will often receive the comforting assurance which is always bestowed upon the inexperienced1 that if he had only come two weeks sooner1 or deferred his visit two weeks longer1 he would have been sure of fine sport4 ,there are nevertheless certain general rules that furnish a tolerable criterion2 and laying aside the spring shooting1 which occurs in ,may1 and is extremely uncertain1 the main flight of small birds--such as dowitchers and yellow-legs--commences about the tenth of ,july1 and of large birds about the fifteenth of ,august4 ,each lasts about two weeks4 ,the flight of large birds usually terminates with a short flight of yellow-legs1 and is followed by the plover1 which are succeeded by the kriekers4 ,an easterly storm generally brings the birds1 either by bearing them from their northern homes1 or by forcing them in from the sea1 where the main body is supposed to fly2 and if such a storm occur at either of these periods1 and be succeeded by a south-westerly wind1 it will surely be followed by an abundance of the appropriate birds4 ,during an easterly blow they will be seen passing by ,point ,judith in an almost unbroken line2 and after it1 they abound throughout the whole length of the coast1 as though they had been carried to all parts of it at once4 ,but if no such storm occur1 the catching the flight is a mere chance2 and where the summer has been dry1 the snipe will be scarce4 ,if the meadows have been kept moist by continual showers1 there will be a moderate supply of game the summer through2 but if there has been a drought1 the surface becomes too hard for the snails and insects to inhabit1 or for the birds to penetrate2 a scarcity of food results1 and there will be no flight whatever4 ,scattering birds1 wandering away from their fellows and exhausted with hunger1 delighted at beholding their friends apparently feeding1 will be killed perhaps in numbers sufficient to make now and then a decent bag2 but what is known as the 8flight0--when the great army moves its vast cohorts1 division after division1 regiment after regiment1 company after company--will not take place4 ,how they reach the south no one can accurately tell2 they either fly inland or out at sea high in the air1 or late at night2 but their returning myriads in the spring following1 prove that in some way they did reach their southern winter homes4 ,notwithstanding the greatest experience1 and despite the most favorable signs1 the oldest gunner will find that more or less uncertainty exists in obtaining sport1 and that his unlucky expeditions generally outnumber his lucky ones4 ,often a flight will commence unexpectedly and without any apparent reason2 and a change of weather1 after a long continuance of wind from one quarter1 will be followed by good shooting for some days1 although such weather is not intrinsically favorable4 ,the follower of bay-birds must therefore make up his mind to disappointment1 and on such occasions live on his hopes for the future1 or his recollections of the past4 ,for this sport a heavy gun1 such as is commonly employed for ducks1 is not at all necessary2 inasmuch as many of the birds are small and the flocks frequently scattered1 it is rarely desirable to use two ounces of shot and five drachms of powder2 and to fire such a charge at a solitary dowitcher1 as is often done1 is simply ridiculous4 ,a light field-gun1 with an ounce and a quarter of shot and three drachms and a half of powder1 7or1 as ,i prefer1 an ounce of shot and three drachms of powder17 is amply sufficient--will confer more pleasure and require more skill in the use1 will cut down a reasonable number from a flock1 and will kill a single bird handsomely4 ,the gun should be kept at half-cock1 and may be laid upon a bench beside the sportsman2 there is always time to cock it1 even if a flock is not seen till it is over the stools2 and a gun at full cock in a stand1 is a danger that no reasonable man will encounter4 ,in field-shooting1 ,i do not approve of carrying the gun at half-cock1 believing1 for certain reasons unnecessary here to repeat1 that it is less dangerous at full-cock2 but in a stand or in a house1 or in fact anywhere but in the field where it is always in the sportsman's hand1 it should be never otherwise than at half-cock4 ,it is common to pass in front of guns lying on the bench in the stand1 and they often fall off1 and are usually reached for by the sportsman while his eye is on the advancing flock1 and does not note whether his hand grasps the barrel or the triggers2 and there is an excitement1 when the flight is rapid1 sufficiently perilous of itself in connexion with fire-arms1 without uselessly increasing it4 ,every precaution should therefore be taken2 and if by accident the gun which cannot go off at half-cock shall be discharged in cocking or uncocking it1 it will point forward1 away from the stand1 and in such a direction that injury to human life cannot follow4 ,next in importance to care in preventing the gun's injuring a fellow-creature1 is care in preventing its being injured4 ,the least dampness1 whether from fog or rain1 and even the salt air alone1 will rust the delicate steel and iron1 and1 penetrating farther and farther1 make indentations that will spoil its beauty and injure its effectiveness permanently4 ,to prevent this1 oil frequently applied is the only remedy2 a rag well oiled1 and a bottle to replenish from1 should be among the ordinary equipments1 and invariably taken to the shooting-ground2 the first symptom of rust or even discoloration should be removed1 and every portion of the iron-work kept well lubricated4 ,at night a waterproof covering should be used1 and the charge invariably left undrawn1 as the dirt prevents oxydization for a time2 and during a rain the utmost care should be taken to protect1 if not the entire gun1 at least the locks and trigger-plate4 ,kerosene oil is excellent to remove rust1 but is too thin to form a coating1 and not so good a protection as sweet or whale oil4 ,varnish is highly recommended1 but ,i have never known any one to try it2 and in case no oil can be obtained1 the gunners on ,long ,island are in the habit of shooting a small snipe1 which is often extremely fat1 and using its skin as an oiled rag4 ,of course with a breech-loader the charge is withdrawn1 and the cleaning apparatus may be forced through every evening1 although this is unnecessary1 as the dirt is rather a protection2 and after the cleaning1 whether of the muzzle-loader or breech-loader1 the barrels should be well oiled both inside and out4 ,if1 however1 the gun is to be left for a long time unused and exposed to salt air1 a piece of greasy rag wound upon a stick may be thrust into the barrels to the bottom1 and oil should be liberally applied to the exposed parts4 ,moreover1 the locks1 however well they may fit1 will be injured after a while1 and should be removed and examined occasionally4 ,the size of shot used should be changed according to the season and character of the flight2 in ,july1 when the yellow-legs and dowitchers are the principal victims1 ,no4 #h is abundantly large2 but in ,august1 when curlews1 marlin1 and willets are flying1 all of which are able to endure severe punishment1 ,no4 #f is preferable4 ,eley's cartridges are often useful with grass-plover1 although they ball so frequently that the majority of sportsmen have lost faith in them4 ,favorable seasons for snipe1 when heavy or repeated rains have saturated the meadows1 and filled every hollow with stagnant pools of dirty water1 are also favorable for mosquitoes4 ,persons who suffer from the bites of this pestiferous insect--and the difference between individuals upon this subject is remarkable--should prepare themselves with mosquito-nets and ill-scented oils1 as they would for a visit to the wild woods2 while those who are much affected by the sun should bring unguents with which to temper its intensity and assuage the pain that its burning rays inflict4 ,shoes are the proper things for the feet1 as boots become heated and uncomfortable2 and a brown linen jacket with white flannel pantaloons1 thick enough to resist the attacks of a mosquito1 and with the necessary underclothes for an exceptionally cold day1 constitute the most practical rig4 ,if the sportsman use a muzzle-loader--which he should not do if he can afford to buy a breech-loader--he must have a loading-stick which he can extemporize from his cleaning-rod by substituting a ramrod head for the jag4 ,this he does by simply having a piece of brass of the proper size and shape to screw into the place of the latter4 ,he should also have two guns1 or he loses the chance at the returning flock1 which is the most exciting1 as it is often the most successful shot4 ,the powder should be coarse2 the large grain of the ducking-powder being alone fitted to withstand the deleterious effects of the moisture that is an invariable concomitant of the salt atmosphere of the ocean4 ,one great difficulty that the writer has encountered in preparing this work1 is a proper selection of names--the natural history of our country is popularly so little understood2 to copy ,english names and apply them to creatures bearing a faint resemblance in general coloring1 though neither in habits nor scientific distinctions1 was so natural to the first immigrants1 and the introduction of a proper appellation is so nearly impossible1 that the confusion in nomenclature of our birds1 beasts1 and fishes is hardly surprising4 ,this confusion existing in every department of natural history--confounding fish of all varieties1 leaving birds nameless1 or giving them too many names--culminates among the bay-snipe4 ,although the bony-fish or mossbunkers of ,new ,york become the menhaden of the ,eastern ,states1 and king-fish are transformed into barb in ,new ,jersey1 and perch become pickerel in the west--there are rarely more than two names1 and every fish has some designation2 but with bay-snipe1 after an infinite multiplication of names for certain species1 others are left entirely unnamed4 ,many that are frequently killed are without a popular designation1 and more still are called frost-birds1 and meadow-snipe1 and beach-birds--names that might with justice be applied to the entire class1 and which are so utterly confused1 that persons from different sections of the country do not know what others are talking about4 ,to make matters worse1 the scientific gentlemen have stepped in1 and after indulging in plenty of bad ,latin1 have added fresh ,english appellations1 more unmeaning and less appropriate if possible than the common ones4 ,from this mass of incongruities the writer has endeavored1 while preserving the best name1 to select the one in general use1 bearing in mind that names are mere substitutes1 and not descriptive adjectives4 ,the name frost-bird or frost-snipe--which belongs to entirely different creatures--is applicable to every bird that appears after a frost1 and as nearly a hundred varieties are in this category1 it is not distinctive2 the names meadow-snipe and beach-bird are ridiculous1 but the latter1 being applied to an unimportant class1 is allowed to stand4 ,the snipe that is herein called a krieker1 or1 as it may be spelled1 creaker1 which utters a hoarse1 creaking note1 is called in various places meadow-snipe--although most of the bay-birds haunt the meadows2 fat-bird1 whereas others are equally fat2 and short neck1 in spite of the fact that its neck is longer than some species2 while ornithologists call it pectoral sandpiper1 probably because it has a breast4 ,so also with the brant-bird1 which is called on the coast of ,new ,jersey horsefoot-snipe1 because it feeds on the spawn of the horsefoot2 notwithstanding that the yellow-legs and several others do the same4 ,the name1 however1 is not satisfactory on account of its similarity to the brant or brent-goose2 and probably the scientific designation1 turnstone1 if it were at all in common acceptation1 would be better4 ,it is to be hoped these names will at some day be harmonized by universal consent1 and these pages will at least make mutual comprehension open the way for that desirable result4 ,the sickle-bill1 jack-curlew1 marlin1 willet1 golden-plover1 yelper1 dowitcher1 and krieker1 are excellent2 and the ring-tailed marlin1 black-breast plover1 yellow-legs1 and robin-snipe1 are at least descriptive4 ,were these generally accepted1 a simple and tolerably accurate system of nomenclature would be obtained2 and it has been my effort1 while placing the preferable name at the head of the description of each variety1 to collate all the other names that in any section of our vast territory are applied to the same bird4 ,in this attempt ,i can only be partially successful2 for the ingenuity of the ,american people in coining new names1 added to a profound ignorance of ornithology1 has produced a confusion that no one man can reduce to order4 ,bay-snipe1 except the plovers1 kriekers1 and a few others1 are not considered delicate eating1 contracting along the salt marshes a sedgy flavor2 but on the shores of the western lakes1 where the fresh water appears to remove this peculiarity1 the yellow-legs and yelpers--which are often found in considerable numbers1 and are called by the general appellation of plovers--are almost equal in tender1 juicy delicacy to the ,english snipe4 ,whether the same change is noticeable in the larger varieties1 ,i cannot say of my own knowledge4 ,the gunners have an ingenious way of stringing them in bunches of a half dozen each1 on the longest feathers taken from their wings1 a pair of these being tied together by the feather ends1 and the quillpoints thrust through the nostrils of the birds4 ,it is desirable to put them up in small bunches1 as under the warm temperature of summer they will1 unless every precaution is exercised1 soon become tainted4 ,to prevent this1 the entrails should also be carefully removed without disturbing the plumage2 and a little salt1 or1 as many persons recommend1 coffee1 rubbed inside1 and they should be at all times carefully protected from the sun4 ,their sedgy flavor grows stronger with every day they are kept2 and being extremely oily1 the least taint renders them1 together with all the wild inhabitants of the coast1 unfit for food4 ,bay-snipe are essentially migratory1 rarely stopping on our shores to build their nests and rear their young2 during the spring months they pass to or beyond the coast of ,labrador1 and attend to the duties of maternity in the vast levels and swamps that surround ,hudson's ,bay1 and constitute a large portion of the northern part of ,british ,north ,america4 ,in my ramblings through the ,provinces1 ,i was frequently informed that they abounded during the latter part of summer on the marshes near the ,bay ,chaleur in ,new ,brunswick4 ,this must evidently have been during their return flight2 but whether they were our bay-birds in their vast variety1 or whether they were merely the flocks of golden plover that follow the winding of the coast and subsequently visit ,nantucket and ,montauk ,point1 ,i had no opportunity to determine by personal experience4 ,with us they make their appearance in the neighborhood of ,boston ,bay1 and thence they are found1 with various intermissions1 caused by the nature of the ground1 all the way to the ,state of ,texas4 ,the innumerable bays1 sounds1 and lagoons of our ,southern ,states1 inclosed by broad meadows and including thousands of marshy islands1 are their favorite feeding-grounds1 and are visited by them in unnumbered thousands4 ,the larger varieties may be seen there all through the fall quietly feeding1 and scarcely noticing the approach of man4 ,in ,texas they seem to congregate in vast bodies1 and probably move off to or beyond the equator in the early winter months1 although this has never been positively ascertained4 ,they are not killed as game south of ,virginia1 and rarely south of ,new ,jersey2 in fact1 it may be said that only on ,cape ,cod1 ,long ,island1 and the shore line of ,new ,jersey1 are they scientifically pursued4 ,at these places the sport has greatly diminished of late years2 a few years ago ,barnstable beach was a celebrated resort2 and at ,quogue1 parties used no stools1 but stationed themselves along the narrow neck that connects the beach with the main land1 and fired till their guns were dirty or their ammunition exhausted4 ,then it was no unusual thing to expend twenty-five pounds of shot in a day1 where now the sportsman that could use up five would be fortunate4 ,of all the locations on this extent of meadow and beach1 no place is so famous1 from its natural advantages and its ancient reputation1 as ,quogue4 ,it is true that the best pond is permanently occupied by a famous ,governor1 a still more famous ,general1 and a notorious ,colonel--although the latter is not 8in the bond20 but there are other good stands1 and for small birds--yellow-legs1 dowitchers1 and robin-snipe--it has no equal4 ,although many flocks pass it high in air1 all those that follow the coast1 low down to the earth1 must cross the meadows that are compressed to a narrow strip at this point1 which is the dividing-ground between the two great bays on the south side of ,long ,island4 ,unfortunately1 a watering-place for the summer resort of the exquisites of ,new ,york has been established in the vicinity1 and the consequent advantages of comfortable beds and a good table are more than overborne by the annoyance of such companionship4 ,if there be a flight of birds1 every unfledged sportsman takes out his elegant fowling-piece1 and1 daintily dressed1 proceeds to the meadow1 where he would be comparatively harmless1 and dangerous only to himself1 were there room for him and his fellows4 ,but as the ground is limited1 and the favorable points few1 he is sure to interfere2 and1 while killing nothing himself1 ruins the prospects of those who could do better4 ,at ,quogue1 decoys were first used about the year #ahej1 and the best day's sport of late was one hundred and thirty-eight birds4 ,west of ,quogue there are some snipe1 and occasionally a good flight at ,south ,oyster ,bay1 and more rarely still at ,rockaway2 but the large birds are not numerous north of ,new ,jersey4 ,squan ,beach1 ,barnegat1 ,egg ,harbor1 and ,brigantine ,beach are famous for the large birds--the sickle-bills1 curlews1 willets1 and marlins--that visit them2 the same number of shots cannot be obtained as at ,quogue1 but the bag is larger4 ,at the former places there is also a flight1 of greater or less extent1 of dowitchers and yellow-legs1 but these are not so abundant as along the margin of the ,great ,south ,bay of ,long ,island4 ,on the other hand1 a bag of one hundred of the larger varieties is not unusual2 while at ,egg ,harbor the robin-snipe1 which affect marshy islands are exceedingly numerous4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,the ,,jersey ,,coast4 8,a ,girl from ,new ,jersey40 ,why is it that every one who visits ,new ,jersey comes away with an ecstatic impression of ,jersey girls that he never can forget8 ,lovely they are1 it is true1 but not more beautiful than other fair ones of ,america2 affable1 gentle1 graceful1 sprightly--but these qualities are common in our angel-favored country4 ,yet no one that has been blessed with their company can forget them1 but carries for ever in his heart the image of one1 if not two or three1 ,jersey girls4 ,these reflections were suggested to the writer by the recollection of his first trip1 many years ago1 to the ,jersey coast4 ,the summer had been oppressively hot1 and being detained in town during the fore part of ,august1 he was glad to avail himself of the first chance to escape from the city and betake himself to the cool1 invigorating breezes of the seashore4 ,not knowing precisely what route to follow1 he trusted himself on board the train without any definite destination1 and1 upon inquiry1 was informed that a good place for bay-shooting was at ,tommy ,cook's1 near the coast1 and about four miles from one of the last stations on the road1 where1 under the charge of the ,quaker host1 considerable comfort could be had4 ,to ,cook's1 therefore1 upon reaching the station1 the writer told the driver of what seemed to be a mongrel public coach1 that he wanted to go2 but in thoughtlessness1 never conceiving that there could be two ,cooks1 he omitted the ,tommy that should have preceded the direction4 ,his surprise was by no means moderate to find1 upon reaching his destination1 the supposed ,quaker host slightly inebriated1 dancing a solitary hornpipe to an admiring circle4 ,thinking perhaps that that was the custom of ,jersey ,quakers--for the ,state is exceptional in certain things--he took a glass of bad whiskey with the jovial landlord1 made proposals1 much to every one's surprise1 to go shooting the day following1 and retired early4 ,next morning a short walk dissipated all idea of finding game1 and having made the discovery that he was still fifteen miles from the proper shooting-ground on the beach1 he returned to the house1 and in order to enjoy a few hours ere the wagon for his further transportation would be ready1 joined a bathing party4 ,it was quite a sociable affair2 both sexes1 dressed in their bathing clothes--the girls without shoes--crowded down in the bottom of an open wagon4 ,but surely it is not fair to tell how one of the flannel-encased nymphs nearly fell from the wagon1 and was caught in the arms of the writer1 who had jumped out for the purpose2 nor how the rest drove off to leave them2 nor how he bore his lovely burden--plastic grace and beauty personified--bravely in pursuit2 nor how his foot chanced to trip--accidentally1 of course--and they fell and rolled in the sand together4 ,if he would tell1 he could not2 words do not exist for the purpose4 ,try1 male reader1 to carry one hundred and twenty pounds of essential loveliness with only a single flannel garment to protect it2 feel it give to your pressure2 clasp its exquisite but yielding contour2 press it to your heart1 and then in an ecstasy roll over and over with it in the sand4 ,having done so1 endeavor to describe the sensation1 or forget that particular girl in a life-time4 ,the road to the beach lay through a village formerly known by the euphonious and distinctive title of ,crab ,town--a village of a thousand inhabitants4 ,it was evening ere ,crab ,town was reached1 and just beyond1 the driver came upon a bevy of female acquaintances4 ,in a moment the suggestion was made that they should ride2 after a little demur they accepted1 and were crowded in4 ,the stage was not large1 but there would have been room if they had been twice as numerous2 they filled every seat1 and every lap besides4 ,there are days in one's lifetime that should be celebrated as anniversaries2 and if any gentleman has carried in his arms1 and rolled in the sand1 one charming ,jersey girl in the morning1 and has had another equally charming sit on his lap in the evening1 he may look upon that day as never likely to repeat itself4 ,there was a hum of pleasant voices--words like1 8,oh6 ,deb1 we should not have got in20 8,why1 ,mary1 we may as well ride--it's all in our way40 8,now1 ,lib1 don't say ,i'm married40 8,well1 your husband is a good way off40 ,but who could attend to what is occurring around him when seated in the dark with a lovely angel in his lap8 ,so situated1 the ride appeared very short1 and the next mile1 which was as far as our delightful freight would go1 was passed seemingly in about a minute and a half1 decidedly the fastest time on record4 ,at the end of it1 on a suggestion from the driver1 who lived in that section and knew the country1 toll was taken of their rosy lips as passage-money4 ,jersey is a glorious place4 ,passing ,charley's1 as he is generally called1 the son of the old man1 who for years was famous as the first hunter in that land1 we turned off beyond1 down the beach4 ,the bay between the mainland and the sand-bar1 known everywhere as 8,the ,beach10 was narrow1 widening slowly as we advanced1 until1 at the end of our seven miles' journey1 it was nearly three miles across4 ,there was little vegetation beside salt grass and bay-berry bushes2 but of the animal kingdom the only representatives--the mosquitoes--were thicker than the mind of man can conceive2 they rose in crowds1 pursuing us fiercely1 covering the horses in an unbroken mass1 settling upon ourselves1 flying into our eyes1 crawling upon our necks1 stinging through our clothes1 and filling the air4 ,although small1 they were hungry beyond belief1 and1 following their prey relentlessly1 compelled us to fight them off with bushes of bayberry for our lives4 ,mosquitoes are found plentifully at our summer watering-places1 and still more numerously in the wild woods1 grow abundantly in ,canada1 and are over-plentiful at ,lake ,superior2 but nowhere are they so merciless1 fierce1 and numerous1 as1 on occasions1 at the ,new ,jersey beach4 ,they are a beautiful little creature1 delicate1 graceful1 and elegant1 but obtrusive in their attentions2 although the ardent lover was anxious to be bitten by the same mosquito that had bitten his lady-love1 that their blood might mingle in the same body4 ,one good effect they had1 however1 was to compel the driver to urge on his weary team1 and leave him no time to gossip at ,jakey's ,tavern1 over the beach party that was to be held there next day4 ,a beach party is another delightful institution of the ,jerseyites1 and consists of a congregation of the youths of both sexes1 especially the female1 collected from the main shore1 and meeting on the beach for a frolic1 a dance1 and a bath4 ,as it rarely breaks up till daylight1 the pleasantest intimacies are sometimes formed1 and soft words uttered that could not be wrung from blushing beauty in broad day4 ,the establishment of the 8old man0--the sporting 8old man10 not the political one--since he has been gathered to his forefathers1 is kept up by his son-in-law1 usually known by the abbreviation--,bill4 ,it is not an elegant place2 sportsmen do not demand elegance1 and willingly sleep1 if not in the same room1 in chambers that lead into one another2 but it is situated within a hundred yards of the best shooting ground1 and is as well kept as any other tavern on the beach4 ,sportsmen do not mind waiting their turn to use the solitary wash basin1 drawing water from the hogshead1 or wiping on the same towel1 but are thankful for good food1 and the luxury of a well filled ice-house4 ,in addition to the general directions heretofore given1 it may be well in this connexion to describe more particularly the mode of killing bay-snipe4 ,a number of imitation birds1 usually called stools1 are cut from wood1 and painted to resemble the various species2 they have a long stick1 or leg1 inserted into the lower part of the body1 and a sufficient number to constitute a large flock are set up in shallow water1 or upon some bar where the birds are accustomed to feed4 ,they are made from thin wood1 or even from tin1 and are headed various ways so as to show in all directions2 the coarsest and least perfect imitations will answer4 ,the most remarkable trait of the shore birds1 or bay-snipe1 is their gregarious nature and sociability4 ,a flock flying high in air1 apparently intent upon some settled course1 will1 the moment they see another flock feeding1 turn and join it4 ,their natural history1 or the object which they evidently have in thus joining forces1 does not seem to be understood2 but the baymen1 by imitation-birds and calls1 take advantage of this instinct4 ,farther south1 along the shores of ,florida and ,texas1 these snipe collect in crowds2 and either this is the first step towards that purpose1 or they are merely attracted by the feeding birds to a promising place for a plentiful repast4 ,although ordinarily they will come to the stools of themselves1 if they happen to be at a distance flying fast and high1 the gunner must trust to the shrillness of his whistle and the perfection of his call1 to attract their attention4 ,if they turn towards the decoys and answer the whistle--which they will do at an immense distance--they are almost sure to come straight on1 and their confidence once gained1 rarely wavers4 ,there is a common expression among the baymen1 that birds have a trade1 or are trading up and down over a certain course1 by which they mean that they fly backward and forward at regular hours1 and to and from regular places4 ,snipe that are thus engaged trading are not only in the finest condition1 but come to the decoys1 or stool1 as it is termed1 the most readily4 ,they are probably stopping on the meadows1 and fly to their feeding-grounds in the morning and back at night4 ,the great migratory bodies1 which frequently stretch in broken lines almost across the horizon1 and which are pursuing their steady course to their southern homes1 rarely heed the whistle1 or turn to the silly flock that is eating while it should be travelling4 ,the best days are those with a cloudy sky1 and a south-westerly wind4 ,on such occasions the birds often come in myriads1 delighting the sportsman's heart1 testing his nerves1 and filling his bag to repletion4 ,when the object is to kill the greatest number possible1 they are permitted to alight among the stools and collect together before the gun is fired2 then the first discharge is followed rapidly by the second1 which tears among their thinned ranks as they rise2 and1 if there be a second gun1 by the third and fourth barrel1 till frequently all are killed4 ,the scientific and sportsmanlike mode is to fire before they alight1 selecting two or three together and firing at the foremost4 ,it is a glorious thing to see a flock of marlin or willet1 or perhaps the chief of all1 the sickle-bills1 swerve from their course away up in the heavens1 and after a moment's uncertainty reply to the sportsman's deceitful call and turn towards his false copies of themselves4 ,as they approach1 the rich sienna brown of the marlin and curlew seems to color the sky and reflect a ruddy hue upon surrounding objects2 or the black and white of the barred wings of the willet makes them resemble birds hewn from veined marble4 ,the sportsman's heart leaps to his throat1 as crouching down with straining eye and nerve1 grasping his faithful gun1 he awaits with eager anxiety the proper moment2 then1 rising ere they are aware of the danger1 he selects the spot where their crowding bodies and jostling wings shut out the clouds beyond1 and pours in his first most deadly barrel2 and quickly bringing to bear the other as best he may among the now frightened creatures as they dart about1 he delivers it before he has noticed how many fell to the first4 ,dropping back to his position of concealment1 he recommences whistling1 and the poor things1 forgetting their fright and anxious to know why their friends alighted amid a roar like thunder1 return to the fatal spot1 and again give the fortunate sportsman a chance for his reloaded gun4 ,it was for such glorious sport as this1 with fair promise of success--for the flight was on1 as the saying is1 when the snipe are moving--that ,i prepared myself the next morning4 ,rising at earliest daybreak1 a friend1 the gunner1 and myself sallied out to the blind1 and having set out our stools1 possessed our souls in patience for what might follow4 ,a blind is another ingenious invention of the devil--as personified by a bayman1 in pursuit of wild fowl--and is constructed by planting bushes thickly in a circle round a bench4 ,seated upon this bench and concealed from the suspicious eyes of the snipe by the dense foliage of the bayberry bushes1 the sportsman1 in comparative comfort1 awaits his prey4 ,in less civilized localities he hides himself among the long sedge grass1 or scoops out a hole in the sand and lies at length upon a waterproof blanket4 ,the wind had hauled1 in nautical language1 to the south'ard and west'ard1 and the sun's rays driving aside the hazy clouds1 illuminated the eastern sky with fiery glory4 ,the land and water1 dim with the heavy night fog1 stretched out in broad1 undefined outline1 and the heavens seemed close down upon the earth4 ,through the hazy atmosphere and sluggish darkness the rays of light penetrated slowly1 bringing out feature after feature of the landscape1 lighting the tops of distant hills1 and revealing the fleecy coursers of the sky4 ,amid the fading darkness we soon heard the welcome cry of the bay-snipe pursuing his course1 guided by light that had not yet reached our portion of the earth's surface4 ,instantly we responded with a vigor and rapidity on behalf of each1 that must have impressed the travelling birds with the belief that we constituted an immense flock4 ,again and again1 long before our straining eyes could catch the outline of their forms1 came the answering cry4 ,our eagerness increased with the approaching sound1 until from out the dim air rushed a glorious flock of marbled willet1 and swooping down to our stools dropped their long legs to alight--we feeling as though little shining goddesses were descending upon us4 ,without pausing to discuss their angelic character1 but mercilessly bringing our double-barrels to bear upon the crowded ranks1 we poured in a destructive broadside that hurled a dozen upon the bloodied sand4 ,startled at the fearful report and its terrible consequences1 they rose1 darting and crossing in their alarm1 and fled at full speed2 but hearing again the familiar call1 after flying a few hundred yards1 they turned and came once more straight for the decoys4 ,then my friend thought highly of me and my breech-loading gun1 for ere he had reloaded ,i had discharged my two barrels three times1 adding six birds to those already upon the sand4 ,eighteen willet from the first flock1 and ere the sun was fairly up1 gave us a good start2 and after the birds were gathered1 the favorable send-off was duly celebrated in a few drops of water with enough spirit to take the danger out4 ,and now myriads of swallows made their appearance1 skimming close along the water1 but in one steady course1 as though they were going out for the day1 and would not be back till night-fall4 ,they were followed by scattering snipe that furnished neat but easy shooting till six o'clock1 when the regular flight began with a splendid flock of marlin that came rapidly from the south'ard1 and after hovering over the stools and giving us one chance1 returned for two more favors from the breech-loader1 and left sixteen of their number4 ,sportsmen of any experience know that nothing is easier than to select from a flock a single bird with each barrel2 but in bay-shooting1 a man who claims to excel1 must kill several with the first barrel1 and one1 at least1 with the second4 ,if1 however1 to the ordinary excitement be added the natural emulation arising from the presence of several sportsmen in the same stand1 the foregoing desirable result is not always attained4 ,if1 therefore1 the reader shrewdly suspects we should have killed more birds than we did1 let him place himself in a similar position1 and record his success4 ,shore birds of the various species1 beginning with the magnificent sickle-bill1 and including the wary jack-curlew1 the noisy1 larger yellow-legs or yelper1 and the smaller one1 down to the pretty simple-hearted dowitcher1 went to make up our morning's bag4 ,the scorching sun when it hung high over our heads stopped the flight1 and1 aided by venomous mosquitoes1 drove us to the shelter of the house1 and turned our thoughts towards dinner4 ,the stands being convenient to the tavern1 we had run in and snatched a hasty breakfast1 but now collected to clean guns1 load cartridges1 and talk over results4 ,the breech-loader being at that time something of a novelty1 attracted considerable attention1 and was accused of that defect popularly attributed to it1 of not shooting strongly4 ,as there were several expensive guns present--among them one of ,william ,moore--in all of which the owners had great faith1 the question was soon tested and settled to the satisfaction of the most sceptical4 ,that being concluded1 black-breast1 or bull-head plover1 was the occasion of a terrible contest over the entire plover family--some of the sportsmen insisting there were three1 others four or five well-known kinds4 ,they all agreed as to there being the grass-plover1 the bull-head1 and the golden-plover2 but some claimed in addition1 the frost bird and the red-backed plover4 ,at last one burst forth3 8,there is ,barnwell2 he ought to know3 what does he say80 ,as they turned inquiringly1 feeling the momentous nature of the occasion1 and that now was the chance to establish my reputation for ever1 with an air of deep learning1 ,i commenced3 8,in the first place1 you are mistaken in including among plovers the grass or grey-plover1 as it is commonly called2 it is not a plover at all----0 8,oh6 that is nonsense10 they burst forth unanimously2 8you don't know what you're talking about40 ,never was a growing reputation more suddenly nipped4 ,instantly reduced to a state of meekness1 and only too glad to save a shred of character1 ,i mildly suggested that ,giraud's work on the birds of ,long ,island was in my valise1 and probably contained the desired information4 8,well10 said one1 8let's hear what he says40 ,so ,i procured the book and read as follows3 8#8,,tringa ,,bartramia--,,wilson4 ,,bartram',s ,,sandpiper4 ,bartram's ,sandpiper1 ,tringa ,bartramia1 ,wil4 ,amer4 ,orn4 ,totanus ,bartramius ,bonap4 ,syn4 ,totanus ,bartramius ,bartram ,tatler1 ,su4 ,rich4 ,bartramian ,tatler1 ,nutt4 ,man4 ,bartramian ,sandpiper4 ,totanus ,bartramius ,aud4 ,orn4 ,biog4' 8,after giving the specific character1 and a spirited account of the well-known manner of shooting them from a wagon1 which is not followed with any other bird1 as you well know1 he proceeds as follows3 8#8,in ,massachusetts1 ,rhode ,island1 ,new ,jersey1 and on the ,shinnecock and ,hempstead ,plains1 ,long ,island1 it is common1 where it is known by the name of 8gray10 8grass10 8field10 or 8upland0 plover4 ,it is very wary1 and difficult to be approached4 ,on the ground it has an erect and graceful gait4 ,when alarmed it runs rapidly for a short distance before taking wing1 uttering a whistling note as it rises2 its flight is rapid1 frequently going out of sight before alighting4 ,it usually keeps on the open1 dry grounds--feeding on grasshoppers1 insects1 and seeds4 ,in the month of ,august it is generally in fine condition2 and highly prized as game4 ,when feeding1 for greater security1 this species scatter about2 the instant the alarm is given1 all move off4 ,in the latter part of ,august it migrates southward1 and1 it is said1 performs the journey at night4 ,stragglers frequently remain behind until late in ,september4'0 8,it is evident he knew the bird10 replied one of the objectors2 8but as he calls it by six or seven names--the ,english ones being both sand-piper and tatler--he evidently did not know what it should be called40 8,that is the way with naturalists10 replied another2 8they each give a name to a species1 but in this case all agree that it is not a plover4 ,what is the name plover derived from80 8,it comes from the ,french word ,pluvier1 rain-bird1 because it generally flies during a rain4 ,but naturalists found distinctions more upon the shape of bill and claws than on the habits of any species4 ,according to them1 plovers proper have no hind toe1 or1 at most1 only a knob in its place40 8,do you know what ,frank ,forester says on the subject80 ,feeling my reputation rising a little1 ,i resumed3 8,he confuses frost-bird and grass-plover1 quoting ,audubon as his authority2 but he points out the distinctive peculiarity of the plover40 8,if he thinks a grass-plover and a frost-bird are alike1 he knows very little of his subject4 ,why1 the frost-bird stools admirably1 while the plover never stools at all40 8,not so fast6 ,frank ,forester was a splendid writer1 and upon matters with which he was familiar he was thorough4 ,he has conferred an immense favor upon the ,american sporting world2 but where he had not personal experience--and no one can know everything--he had to rely upon others4 ,he has done as much to correct and elevate sportsmanship in this country1 to introduce a proper vocabulary1 and to enforce obedience to gentlemanly rules1 as any man possibly could4 ,as a body1 we owe it to him that we are sportsmen1 and not pot-hunters4 ,probably in some places the grass-plover is called a frost-bird40 8,i have more faith in ,giraud1 and would like to hear what he can tell us about the golden-plover1 unless he says that is a sandpiper also40 8,he begins with a description of the black-bellied plover1 which is known to us as bull-head1 the charadrius helveticus1 and then describes the ,american golden-plover1 or charadrius pluvialis1 and uses these words3 #8,it is better known to our gunners by the name of frost-bird1 so called from being more plentiful during the early frosts of autumn1 at which season it is generally in fine condition1 and exceedingly well flavored4' ,then follow the ring-plover1 or ring-neck--charadrius semipalmatus1 ,wilson's plover2 the piping-plover1 or beach-bird--charadrius melodius2 and the kildeer plover--charadrius vociferus1 these being all the varieties of ,american plover40 ,bill could stand it no longer2 but rising as the book was closed1 burst forth at once3 8,those writers are queer fellows2 they put the oddest1 hardest1 longest names to birds that ever ,i heard4 ,who would have thought of their calling a two-penny beach-bird1 a radish mellow-deuce6 ,what ,i have to say is--we baymen will never learn these new-fangled names40 8,that is exactly the trouble10 ,i replied4 8,you baymen will1 in different sections of the country1 call the same bird by various names1 till no one can tell what you are talking about2 and the man of science has to step in and dig up a third name1 usually some ,latin affair1 which nobody will accept4 ,thus it is that the older frost-birds1 which1 strange to say1 invariably arrive before the young1 are known as golden-plover1 and their progeny as frost-birds40 8,speaking of the seasons10 replied ,bill1 evasively1 8have you noticed that they are changing every year8 ,the springs are later than they used to be4 ,in old times the ,english snipe arrived from the south early in ,march2 now they hardly come till ,june2 so1 the ducks come later and stay later4 ,the springs are colder1 and the autumns warmer1 than when ,i was young1 and the bay-snipe appear in ,september instead of ,august1 as it once was40 8,as to the ,english snipe you are undoubtedly correct1 but this is due probably to their increasing scarcity2 and although we have no spring1 and the summer extends frequently into ,september1 this appears to result from the changes in climate effected by clearing the woods4 ,as the forests are cut down1 the cold winds of spring1 and the burning suns of summer1 produce a greater effect1 and each in its turn lasts longer4 ,altogether1 however1 our seasons seem to be moderating40 ,at this interesting point in our discussion1 some one discovered by the aid of a telescope that a flock of willet had settled on the sand-bank among the stools4 ,the announcement was followed by a general seizure of weapons and rush for the blinds4 ,my friend and myself hastened to the little boat1 used in floating quietly down upon ducks1 and called a 8sneak box10 and embarking1 glided silently towards our stand4 ,the tide had left bare a long bank of sand1 upon which was collected a glorious flock1 or1 more properly speaking1 two flocks united1 one of marlin and the other of willet4 ,all unconscious of approaching danger1 the pretty creatures were busily engaged1 some in feeding1 others in washing--dipping under and throwing the water over their graceful bodies--others in running actively about1 or jumping up and taking short flights to dry their wings4 ,a happy murmur ran through the flock1 and so innocent and beautiful were they that we remained watching them in silent admiration1 unwilling to disturb the romance of the charming scene4 ,the rich brown feathers of the imposing marlin formed an exquisite contrast to the white and black of the elegant willet1 as the different species mixed unreservedly together4 ,they did not exhibit the slightest alarm when our boat1 after we had ceased rowing1 was borne towards them by the wind1 and allowed us to approach till it grounded on the flat4 ,having feasted our eyes on the magnificent spectacle1 we at last gave the word to fire4 ,at the report they rose wildly1 and receiving the second discharge1 made the best of their way to safer quarters4 ,both barrels of my friend's gun missed fire1 and we gathered only seven birds1 as the flock1 although numbering at least seventy birds1 was widely scattered and offered a poor mark4 ,no sooner were we again ensconced in our blind1 than the exhilarating sport of the morning was renewed--sport such as only those who have tried it can appreciate--sport that makes the heart beat and the nerves tingle--sport that overweighs humanity and compels the remorseless slaughter of these beautiful birds4 ,flock after flock1 seen at great distance1 and watched in their approach through changing hopes and fears1 or darting unexpectedly from over our heads and first noticed when rushing with extended wings down to our stools1 presented their crowded ranks to our delighted gaze4 ,from the very clouds1 would come the shrill whistle of the yelper1 or from the horizon1 the long shriek of the willet1 or nearer at hand would be heard the plaintive note of the gentle dowitcher2 they appeared from all quarters1 sailing low along the water or pitching directly down from out the sky4 ,towards evening the flight diminished1 and when the horn announced that supper was ready1 the different parties met once more at the house to compare notes and relate adventures4 ,all had met with excellent success1 but our stand carried off the palm4 8,bill10 commenced some unhappy person1 after we had left the close1 hot dining-room1 8why do you not enlarge your house80 8,bill is waiting for another wreck10 was the volunteer response2 8the whole coast is fed1 clothed1 and sheltered by the wrecks4 ,the house is built from the remnants of unfortunate ships1 as you perceive by the name-boards of the ,arion1 ,pilgrim1 ,samuel ,willets1 ,j4 ,harthorn1 and ,johanna1 that form so conspicuous a part of the front under the porch4 ,when a vessel is driven ashore1 and the crew and passengers who are not quite dead are disposed of by the aid of a stone in the corner of a handkerchief1 which makes an unsuspicious bruise1 the prize is fought for by the natives1 and not only the cargo1 but the very ribs and planks of the vessel appropriated40 8,now that's not fair10 replied ,bill1 aroused2 8no man1 except my father-in-law1 has done more to save drowning men than ,i have4 ,i tell you it's an awful sight to see the poor creatures clinging to the rigging and bowsprit1 to see them washed off before your eyes1 sometimes close to you1 without your being able to help them1 and their dead bodies thrown up by the waves on the sand4 ,you don't feel like stealing or murder at such times2 and besides1 ,i never knew a dead man come ashore that had anything in his pockets40 ,a peal of laughter greeted this nave remark1 together with the ready response3 8,bill1 you were too late2 some ,barnegat pirate had been before you40 8,no1 the ,barnegat pirates are kinder than the ,government4 ,we do our best to save the poor fellows1 but the ,government puts men in charge of their station houses that know nothing about their business4 ,my father-in-law was the first man that threw a line with the cannon over a ship1 and he was presented with a medal by the ,humane ,society4 ,he never was paid a dollar for taking charge of the station1 the life-boat1 and the cannon4 ,since he died ,i kept it for five years1 and was paid two years2 now men are selected for their politics4 ,one lives back on the main land two miles from his station-house1 another never fired a gun1 and a third never rowed a boat4 ,the last got a crew of us together once to go out to a ship in the life-boat and undertook to steer1 but we told him not one of us would go unless he stayed on shore4 ,it is a dangerous thing to have a green hand at the helm1 or even at an oar1 in times like that40 8,how far can you reach a ship with the cannon80 we inquired4 8,the line1 you know1 is fastened to the ball with a short wire1 so that it won't burn off1 and is coiled up beside the gun1 and of course it keeps the ball back1 and then people forget we always have to fire against the wind1 as vessels are never wrecked with the wind off shore2 so although the guns are expected to carry five hundred yards1 they will not carry more than one hundred and eighty4 ,that is enough1 though1 if they only have the right sort of men to manage them2 but how is a landsman to tell whether he must use the cannon or is safe in going off in the boat8 ,in one case1 while the station-master was trying to drag his cannon down to a ship1 a party of us took a common boat and landed her crew and passengers before he arrived4 ,i don't care about the pay1 for ,i kept it three years without2 but ,i hate to see lives sacrificed for politics4 ,would you like to see the medal they gave to the old man80 ,we responded in the affirmative2 and he soon produced a silver medal1 with an inscription on one side recording the circumstances1 and on the other an embossed picture of a ship in distress1 a cannon from which the ball and rope attached had been discharged and were visible in mid air1 several men standing around the gun1 and a life-boat climbing the seas4 8,but1 ,bill1 tell us about the ,barnegat pirates leading a lame horse with a lantern tied to his neck over the sand hills in imitation of a ship's light1 and thus inveigling vessels ashore40 8,i can only say ,i have never heard of it4 ,as quick as a vessel comes ashore1 the insurance agent is telegraphed for1 and he takes charge of everything4 ,why1 we even buy the wrecks and pay well for them1 too4 ,now and then something is washed up like that coal in front of the house1 but it is not often40 8,what do you mean by the stations80 8,they are houses built by the ,government and placed at regular distances along the beach4 ,the gun1 and rope1 and life-boat1 and life-car1 and all other things that are needed in case of shipwreck1 are kept in them4 ,then there is a stove and coal ready to make a fire1 for if a poor wretch got ashore in mid-winter he would soon freeze if he couldn't get to a fire4 ,and if the man who has charge of the station lives two miles off across a bay that he can't cross in a bad storm1 what can the poor half-drowned fellows do1 if they are too much benumbed to break open the door8 ,i'd stave it in for them pretty quick if ,i was there1 law or no law40 8,it is a shame that a matter like that should not be free from politics40 8,so it was once10 ,bill went on fluently2 for on this subject he felt that his family had a right to be eloquent2 8at one time some department had it in charge that never would either appoint or remove a man on political account2 but that is all changed now1 and the men are expected to go out with every administration1 and shipwrecked passengers die while political favorites draw the two hundred dollars a year pay for the station-master40 8,now1 ,bill1 stop your talk about the public wrongs1 and tell us something more interesting4 ,have you ever heard one of ,bill's ghost stories80 ,this inquiry was addressed to the public4 ,bill's face lengthened2 he sat silently nursing his leg and smoking his brierwood pipe1 while a shadow seemed to settle on his countenance4 8,come1 ,bill10 we responded1 8let's have the story40 ,bill answered not1 and the shadow deepened1 and the smoke was puffed in heavier masses from his lips4 8,bill is afraid2 he don't like ghosts1 and don't dare to talk of them40 8,i am not easily skeered10 he answered at last2 8but if you had seen what ,i have on this shore1 you would not talk so easy about it4 #8,lige1 do you remember the time we saw that ship8 ,there had been a heavy storm1 and when we got up next day early1 there lay a vessel on the beach2 she must have been most everlastingly a harpin' it40 8,what is that80 was asked wonderingly1 on the utterance of this peculiar expression4 8,why1 she had come clear in over the bar1 and must have been going some to do that2 for there she lay1 bow on1 with her bowsprit sticking way up ashore1 just below the station yonder4 ,her masts were standing1 and we clapped on our clothes and started for the beach4 ,the wind was blowin' hard1 and the sand and drizzle driving in our faces as we walked over1 and we kept our heads down most of the time4 ,when we got to the sand-hills we looked up1 and the ship was gone4 ,i thought that likely enough1 for she must have broken up and gone to pieces soon in that surf1 so we hurried along as fast as we could2 and sure enough1 when we rounded the point1 the little cove in which she lay was full of truck4 #8,lige was there1 and he saw it as plain as ,i did4 ,the water was full of drift-boxes1 barrels1 planks1 and all sorts of things1 pitching and rolling about2 and some of them had been carried up onto the sand and were strewed about in all directions4 8,it was early1 and the day was misty1 but1 we could see plain enough1 and we saw all that stuff knocking about as plain as ,i see you now4 ,there was a big timber in my way--a stick--well1 thirty feet long and two feet or two and a half square1 so that ,i had to raise my foot high to clear it2 ,i stepped one leg over1 and drew the other along to feel it1 but it didn't touch anything2 then ,i stopped and looked down--there was no timber there2 ,i looked back towards the sea--the drift had disappeared1 the barrels and boxes and truck of one sort or another was gone4 ,there was nothing on shore nor in the water4 ,now you may laugh1 but #8,lige knows whether what ,i've told you is true40 8,bill1 that is a pretty good story1 but it is not the one ,i meant10 persisted the individual who had commenced the attack4 8,well1 another time1 ,zeph and ,i were at work getting the copper bolts out of an old wreck1 when we happened to look up and saw two carriages coming along1 up the beach4 ,i spoke to ,zeph about it1 but as they came along slowly1 we went on with our work1 and when we looked up again there was only one4 ,that came on closer and closer till ,i could tell the horses2 they were two bays of squire ,jones' down at the inlet2 they drove right on towards us till they were so near that ,i did not like to stare the people in the face1 and looked down again to my work4 ,there were two men1 and ,i saw them so plain that ,i should know 'em anywhere4 ,well1 ,i raised my head a second after1 and they were gone2 and there never had been any wagon1 for ,zeph and ,i hunted all over the beach to find the tracks in the sand40 8,i guess that was another misty day1 and you hadn't had your eye-opener10 was the appreciative response4 8,no1 it was three o'clock in the day1 and bright sunshine2 but at that time1 as near as can be1 ,tommy ,smith was drowned down at the inlet1 and the very next day at the very same hour1 the #8,squire's wagon did come up the beach1 with the same two men driving1 and the body in a box in the back part40 8,now1 ,bill10 continued the persistent individual1 8this is all very well1 but it is not the story4 ,come1 out with it2 you know what ,i mean40 ,bill fell silent1 again looking off into the distance as though he saw something that others could not see2 he pulled away nervously on his pipe1 which had gone out1 but answered not4 8,bill's afraid20 was the tantalizing suggestion4 8,there's ,sam10 said ,bill suddenly2 8he's not afeard of man or devil2 ask him what he saw40 ,the person referred to was a large1 broad-shouldered1 pleasant-faced man1 with a clear blue eye that looked as though it would not quail easily1 and he responded at once3 8,i never saw anything2 but one night when ,i was coming by the cove where the ,johanna was cast away1 and where three hundred bodies were picked up and buried1 ,i heard a loud scream4 ,it sounded like a woman's voice1 and was repeated three or four times2 but ,i couldn't find anything1 although ,i spent an hour hunting among the sand-hills1 and it was bright moonlight4 ,it may have been some sort of animal1 but ,i don't know exactly what40 8,bill's adventure happened in the same neighborhood1 so let's have it10 continued the persistent man4 8,as ,sam says10 commenced ,bill1 at last1 8the ,johanna went ashore one awful north-easter in winter about six miles above here1 near ,old ,jackey's tavern2 she broke up before we could do anything for her1 and three hundred men1 women1 and children--for she was an emigrant ship--were washed ashore during the following week2 most of them had been drifted by the set of the tide into the cove1 and they were buried there2 so you see it ain't a nice place of a dark night4 8,i was driving down the beach about a year after she was lost1 with my old jagger wagon1 and a heavy load on of groceries and stores of one kind or other4 ,it was about one o'clock at night1 mighty cold1 but bright moonlight2 and ,i was coming along by the corner of the fence1 you know1 just above ,jackey's1 when the mare stopped short4 ,now1 she was just the best beast to drive you ever saw4 ,i could drive her into the bay or right over into the ocean1 and she was never skeered at anything4 ,but this time1 she come right back in the shafts and began to tremble all over2 ,i gave her a touch of the whip1 and she was just as full of spirit as a horse need be1 but she only reared up and snorted and trembled worse than ever4 ,so ,i knew something must be wrong1 and looked ahead pretty sharp2 and there1 sure enough1 right across the road1 lay a man4 ,jackey was a little too fond of rum at that time1 and ,i made up my mind he had got drunk and tumbled down on his way home2 it was cold1 and ,i didn't want to get out of the wagon where ,i was nicely tucked in1 and thought ,i would drive round out of the road and wake him up with my whip as ,i passed4 ,i tried to pull the mare off to one side to go by1 but she only reared and snorted and trembled1 so that ,i was afraid she would fall4 ,she had a tender mouth1 but although ,i pulled my best ,i could not budge her2 at last1 getting mad1 ,i laid the gad over her just as hard as ,i could draw it4 ,instead of obeying the rein1 however1 she plunged straight on1 made a tremendous leap over the body1 and dragged the wagon after her4 ,i pulled her in all ,i knew how1 and no mistake2 but it was no use1 and ,i felt the front wheels strike1 lift1 and go over him1 and then the hind wheels1 but ,i couldn't stop her4 ,that was a heavy load1 and enough to crush any one1 and as soon as ,i could fetch the mare down--for she had started to run--,i jumped out quick enough then1 you may bet your life4 ,i tied her up to the fence1 although she was still so uneasy ,i daresen't hardly leave her1 and hurried back to see if ,i could do anything for ,jackey4 ,would you believe it1 there was nothing there6 ,i tell you ,i felt the wagon go over him1 and what's more1 ,i looked down as ,i passed and saw his clothes and his hair straggling out over the snow1 for he had no hat on2 though ,i noticed at the time that ,i didn't see any flesh1 but supposed his face was turned from me4 ,there was no rise in the ground and not a cloud in the sky2 the moon was nearly full1 and there wasn't any man1 and never had been any man there2 but whatever there was1 the mare saw it as plain as ,i did40 8,now let's turn in10 said a sleepy individual1 who had first been nodding over ,bill's statement of public wrongs1 and had taken several short naps in the course of his ghost story2 8and as there was something said yesterday about a smoke driving away mosquitoes1 for heaven's sake let's make a big one2 the infernal pests kept me awake all last night40 ,this was excellent advice1 and not only was an entire newspaper consumed in our common sleeping apartment1 but a quantity of powder was squibbed off1 till the place smelt like the antechamber of ,tartarus4 ,the mosquitoes were expelled or silenced at the cost of a slight suffocation to ourselves1 but we gained several hours sleep till the smoke escaped and allowed the villains to return to their prey4 ,one sporting day resembles another in its essential features1 although not often so entirely as with the ,englishman1 who1 having devoted his life to woodcock shooting1 and being called upon to relate his experiences1 replied that he had shot woodcock for forty years1 but never noticed anything worth recording4 ,our next day1 however1 was enlivened by sport of an unexpected kind4 ,we had heard there was some dispute about the ownership of the stands2 in fact1 that the one occupied by my friend and myself belonged to the ,ortleys1 a family represented as decidedly uninviting2 while both ,bill and the ,ortleys claimed that1 where another party was located4 ,in the disputed stand were ,bill1 a ,new ,york gentleman1 who1 as events proved1 seemed to be something of an athlete1 and a sedate1 unimpassionable ,jersey lawyer of considerable eminence4 ,elijah was with us1 when two villanous1 red-haired1 freckle-skinned objects presented themselves1 and1 after some preliminary remarks and a refusal on their part of a friendly glass1 which is a desperate sign in a ,jerseyman1 mildly suggested that they would like a little remuneration for the use of the stand4 ,as their suggestion was moderate1 reasonable1 and just1 and they undoubtedly owned the land1 we complied1 and beheld them proceed1 to ,elijah's great delight1 for the same purpose towards the other stand4 ,elijah prophetically announced they would probably get more than they demanded4 ,the other stand was distant about a hundred yards1 in full view1 and we perceived at once that a commotion was caused by the unexpected arrival4 ,the athletic man was shortly seen outside the blind1 flinging his arms wildly about in front of the two ,ortley brothers1 and1 as we were afterwards informed1 offering to fight either or both of them4 ,matters then seemed to progress more favorably1 till suddenly ,bill and the younger ,ortley emerged1 locked in an unfriendly embrace1 and commenced dragging each other round the sand-bank1 while the demonstrative sportsman was seen dancing actively in front of the other ,ortley1 and preventing his interference4 ,of course we dropped our guns and hastened across the shallow1 intervening water1 having just time to perceive that ,bill had thrown his adversary and remained on top4 ,the first words we heard were3 8,take him off6 ,oh1 my ,god6 take him off4 ,enough1 enough1 take him off10 from the one on the ground1 whose eye--the only vulnerable part to uninstructed anger--,bill was busily endeavoring to gouge out1 while the other shouted frantically3 8,he is killing my brother2 let me get to him2 he is gouging his eye out4 ,he will kill him1 he will kill him40 8,never mind10 answered the athletic man1 swinging his arms ominously1 and dexterously interposing between the victim and his brother1 whenever the latter attempted to dodge past him4 8,let him be killed1 it would serve him right2 he came over here for a fight1 and he shall have enough of it if both of his eyes are gouged out40 ,elijah arrived in time to prevent the latter catastrophe1 and being of a peaceable and humane disposition1 pulled off his brother before anything more serious than a little scratching had occurred4 ,in fact1 there is no position in which ignorance renders a person more pitiably inefficient1 than in fighting2 and1 while a skilful man could have killed his opponent during the time ,bill had enjoyed1 the latter had really effected nothing worth mentioning4 ,the ugly wretch was awfully frightened1 however2 his face being ghostly pale1 streaked with bloody red1 and he commenced whining at once3 8,i am nothing but a boy1 only twenty-two last spring1 and he's a man grown40 8,you know boys have to be whipped to keep them in order10 was the consolatory response2 for we naturally took part with our landlord4 8,gentlemen1 just look at me40 8,don't come so close1 you're covered with blood2 keep back1 keep back40 8,but look at me2 he's bigger than ,i am1 and ,i am only a boy40 8,then you shouldn't strike a man40 8,oh6 gentlemen1 ,i didn't strike him first1 indeed ,i didn't2 he struck me when ,i wasn't thinking2 indeed he did40 8,yes10 broke in his brother1 who was just recovering from the spell first put upon him by our athlete's continual offers to accommodate him in any way he wished4 8,yes1 it will be a dear blow for you2 ,i saw you strike him40 8,no10 said the lawyer1 advancing for the first time from behind the blind where he had been an unmoved and impartial umpire of the fray1 8you should not say that2 your brother certainly struck first2 ,i saw him distinctly40 ,his manner was solemn1 and convincing1 and conclusive1 taken in connexion with his perfect equanimity during the affair2 but1 of course1 he was met by contradiction and protestation from the two brothers4 ,this dispute would have been endless1 but at that moment a fine flock of willets was descried advancing towards the stools4 8,down1 down10 every one shouted1 and1 true to the bayman's instinct1 friend and foe crowded down on the sand together1 waiting breathlessly the arrival of the birds4 ,the latter came up handsomely1 were received with four barrels1 and left several of their number as keepsakes or peace-offerings2 for1 of course1 anger was dissipated1 and the defeated enemy retired amid a few merry suggestions1 and the excellent advice that they had better not repeat their joke4 ,such squabbles--for it can be called nothing graver--lower one's opinion of human kind1 and it makes one ashamed to think that two men may hug and pull one another about1 and roll on the sand for fifteen minutes1 with the best will in the world to do each other all the damage possible1 and only inflict1 in the feebleness of uneducated humanity1 a few miserable scratches4 ,any of the lower animals would1 in that time1 have left serious marks of its anger2 but the pitiful results of these human efforts were1 that ,bill's beard was pulled and ,ortley's face scratched4 ,it makes one blush to think he is a man4 ,as our party returned to the blind we had left1 ,elijah spoke1 softly ruminating aloud3 8,well1 it only costs thirty-five dollars anyhow1 and it was worth that40 ,our humane1 peaceable friend1 it seems1 had been cast in a similar case1 and had to pay six cents damages and thirty-five dollars costs of court4 ,there is probably nothing that has so soothing and pacifying an influence on the ,new ,jersey mind as costs of court4 ,the words alone act like a charm upon a ,jerseyman in the acme of frenzy1 and are as effective as a policeman in uniform4 ,if a man commits assault and battery1 he is fined six cents damages and costs of court2 if he is guilty of trespass it is the same2 if he kisses his neighbor's wife against her will1 if he slanders a friend's character1 it is always six cents damages and costs of court2 and ,jerseymen will probably expect in the next world to get off with six cents damages and costs of court4 ,the shooting was excellent during the whole day1 and evening found us collected in the bar-room1 well satisfied and particularly jocose over the amusing pugilistic encounter we had witnessed4 ,it lent point to many a good hit at ,bill's expense2 even his wife1 who is a fine1 resolute-looking woman1 saying that if she had seen it sooner1 she would have taken a broomstick and flogged them both4 ,the general impression was1 she could have made her words good4 ,the pleasure of indulging in fun at the expense of a fellow-creature is very great1 and ,bill's adventure was certainly fair game4 ,when our wit was exhausted1 and the craving for tobacco mollified by the steady use of our pipes1 our thoughts and voices turned to our never-wearying passion1 and one of the party commenced3 8,i have shot a number of the birds you call kriekers2 they are a fat bird1 but do not seem to stool4 ,i have never before shot them1 except occasionally on the meadows40 8,they don't stool10 said ,bill1 8and only utter a krieking kind of cry2 but in ,october they come here very thick1 and we walk them up over the meadows4 ,why1 you can shoot a hundred a day40 8,a most excellent bird they are1 too--fat and delicate4 ,they are the latest of the bay-snipe in returning from the summer breeding-places2 and as they rise and fly from you1 they afford extremely pretty shooting4 ,they are sometimes called short-neck1 and are1 in a gastronomic point of view1 the best bay-snipe that is put upon the table40 8,we call the bay-birds usually snipe10 said the first speaker2 8but ,i have been told they are not snipe at all4 ,refer to ,giraud again and give us the truth40 ,this fell1 of course1 to my share1 and ,i commenced as follows3 8,i read you yesterday about the plovers1 and immediately after them we find an account of the turnstone1 strepsilas interpres1 which is nothing else than our beautiful brant-bird or horse-foot snipe1 as it is called farther south1 because it feeds on the spawn of the horse-foot4 ,this pretty but unfortunate bird belongs to no genus whatever1 and has been to the ornithologists a source of great tribulation4 ,they have sometimes considered it a sandpiper and sometimes not1 so you may probably call it what you please2 and as brant-bird is a rhythmical name1 it will answer as well as strepsilas interpres2 if you have not a fluent tongue1 perhaps somewhat better4 ,of the snipes1 or scolopacid1 the only true representative is the dowitcher1 scolopax noveboracensis4 8,hold on10 shouted ,bill2 8say that last word over again40 8,noveboracensis40 8,that is only the half of it2 let's have the whole40 8,scolopax noveboracensis40 8,scoly packs never borrow a census2 that is a good sized name for a little dowitch1 and beats the radish altogether4 ,go ahead1 we'll learn something before we get through40 8,why1 that is only ,latin for ,new ,york snipe40 8,oh1 pshaw60 responded ,bill1 in intense disgust1 8,i thought it meant a whole bookful of things40 8,the sandpipers1 however1 come under the family of snipes1 and are called tring4 ,among these are enumerated the robin-snipe and the grass-plover1 as ,i told you before1 the black-breast1 the krieker1 or short-neck1 and several scarcer varieties4 ,the yelpers and yellow-legs1 the tiny teeter1 and the willet are tattlers1 genus totanus1 while the marlin is the godwit limosa4 ,the sickle-bills1 jacks1 and futes are curlews1 genus numenius40 8,and now that you have got through10 grumbled ,bill again1 8can you whistle a snipe any better or shoot him any easier8 ,do you know why he stools well in a south-westerly wind1 why one stools better than another1 or why any of them stool at all8 ,do you know why he flies after a storm1 or why some go in flocks and others don't1 or why there is usually a flight on the fifteenth and twenty-fifth of ,august8 ,when books tell us these things1 ,i shall think more of the writers40 8,these matters are not easy to find out2 even you gunners1 who have been on the bay all your lives1 where your fathers lived before you1 do not know4 ,but now tell us what other sport you have here40 8,on the mainland there are a good many ,english snipe in spring1 while in the fall we catch blue-fish and shoot ducks4 ,the black ducks and teal will soon be along2 but ever since the inlet was closed1 the canvas-backs and red-heads have been scarce40 8,what do you mean by the inlet's closing80 8,there used to be several inlets across the beach--one about ten miles below--and then we had splendid oysters and ducks plenty4 ,there came a tremendous storm one winter that washed up the sand and closed the inlet1 and so it has remained ever since40 8,can't they be dredged out80 8,the people would pay a fortune to any man who did that1 if he could keep it open4 ,in the fall1 we go after ducks twenty miles when we want any great shooting2 but we kill a good many round here40 8,how do you catch the blue-fish that you spoke of80 8,they chase the bony-fish along the shore1 and when they come close in1 you can stand on the beach1 and throw the squid right among them1 ,i took sixteen hundred pounds in half a day40 8,phew60 was the universal chorus4 8#8,lige was there1 and he knows whether that is true4 ,they averaged fifteen pounds apiece4 ,on those occasions1 the only question is whether you know how to land them1 and can do it quick enough40 8,your hands must have been cut to pieces40 8,not at all2 you'll never cut your hands if you don't let the line slip40 8,did you run up ashore with them80 8,no1 ,i had no time for that2 ,i landed them1 hand over hand40 8,well1 after that story it's time we went to bed2 so good-night40 ,during that night the mosquitoes1 bad as they had been1 were more terrible than at any time previous4 ,favored by the late frequent rains1 they had become more numerous than had ever been known on the beach2 and being consequently compelled to subdivide to an unusual degree the ordinarily small supply of food1 they were savagely hungry4 ,sleep was out of the question1 and after trying all sorts of devices from gunpowder to mosquito-nets1 the party wandered out of doors1 and1 scattering in search of a place of retreat1 afforded an excellent representation of unhappy ghosts on the banks of the ,styx4 ,the shore1 near the surf1 and the bathing-houses had heretofore been tolerably secure resorts1 but1 on this unprecedented night1 a special meeting of mosquitoes seemed to have been called in that neighborhood4 ,those that tried the ground1 and covered themselves carefully from head to foot1 found that the enterprising long-legs disregarded the customary habits of their race1 and consented to crawl down their sleeves1 up their pants1 or through the folds of the blanket4 ,the sand-fleas also were numerous and lively1 bounding about in an unpleasantly active way2 and where there were neither mosquitoes nor sand-fleas1 the nervous sufferer imagined every grain of stray sand that sifted in through his clothes to be some malignant1 blood-sucking1 insect4 ,one great advantage1 however1 followed from this discomfort--that we were up betimes next morning and ready for sport that soon proved equal to any we had experienced4 ,in fact1 so steady and well sustained a flight of large birds was extremely rare2 before our arrival the shooting had been good1 and since excellent4 ,there was a repetition to a great extent of the day previous1 in many particulars of flight1 number1 and character of birds2 in infinite modification of circumstance1 there was an incessant variety of bewildering sport4 ,no two birds ever approach the sportsman's stand in precisely the same way1 and there is one round of deliciously torturing uncertainty2 the flock we are most certain of may turn off1 the one that has passed and been given up1 may return2 the bird that has been carefully covered may escape1 another that seems a hopeless chance may fall3 it is these minute differences1 and this continual variety1 that lend the principal charm to the sportsman's life4 ,at midday came again the congregation at the house1 the discussion over sporting topics1 the joke or story1 and the comparison of luck4 ,thus passed the days1 alike1 yet different1 affording undiminished pleasure1 excitement1 and instruction1 with sport admirably adapted to the hot weather1 when the cool1 shady swamps are deserted by the woodcock4 ,the ,english snipe have not yet arrived upon the meadows1 and the fall shooting is still in prospective2 the labor is easy1 the body can be kept cool by wading for dead birds1 and to those who are1 at the best1 not vigorous1 bay-snipe shooting is a delightful resource4 ,never did mortals pass a pleasanter week than that week at the beach1 and it is impossible to chronicle all the good shots1 to repeat all the amusing stories or merry jokes1 or to record all the valuable instruction2 and to obtain an inkling even1 the reader had better make a firm resolve that next ,august will not pass over his head without his devoting at least one week to bay-snipe shooting4 ,when at last the time came to part1 and the baggage was packed1 and the guns reluctantly bestowed in their cases1 we bade our farewell with sincere regret1 praying that often thereafter might we have such sport1 and meet such companionship4 ,it is a long journey to the beach1 but it is a longer one back again2 no high hopes buoy up the traveller1 regrets accompany him instead--no anticipation of grand sport1 but the gloomy certainty that it is over for the year2 and although the conveyance to the beach is irregular1 there is absolutely none away from it4 ,it is true there are several different routes to and from it1 but all by private conveyance1 and1 rendered by the mosquitoes nearly impracticable4 ,bill harnessed his ponies--for1 wonderful to say1 a few horses and cattle manage to live on the beach and sustain existence in spite of the mosquitoes--and we stowed ourselves and our luggage in his well worn wagon4 ,the road lay over the barren beach1 deep and heavy with sand1 and hardly distinguishable after a heavy rain2 the one-story shanty1 that had been our resting-place1 soon faded from view1 and we had nothing in prospect but the dreary journey home4 ,at the head of the beach we encountered a bathing-party1 and were sorely tempted to join the rollicking girls in a frolic among the breakers2 but1 by exerting great self-denial1 and shutting our eyes to their attractions1 much to my companion's disgust1 we kept on our course4 ,we dined at the tavern on the road1 and having bade farewell to ,bill1 and engaged another team1 we reached ,crab ,town by dusk4 ,how changed the village seemed to us6 ,where was the precious and beautiful freight that had paid us such delicious toll8 ,our eyes peered up and down the road1 and into the windows of the scattered houses2 our ears listened sharply for the music of merry voices and ringing laughter2 our thoughts reverted to that crowded stage1 which had so lately borne us through the village4 ,the road was vacant and desolate2 all sound was hushed and still2 graceful forms1 clad in yielding drapery1 were nowhere to be seen2 the dull lights in the windows revealed nothing to our earnest gaze4 ,our lovely companions were invisible1 although we pursued our search persistently till late at night1 when1 weary and disconsolate1 we crawled up to bed in a dismal hostelry kept by ,huntsinger4 ,going sporting into ,jersey is delightful1 but returning is sad indeed4 ,illustration3 #a4 ,lower mandible4 #b4 ,upper mandible4 #c4 ,forehead4 #d4 ,loral space4 #e4 ,crown of the head4 #f4 ,hind part of the head4 #g4 ,scapulars--long feathers from shoulders over sides of back4 #h4 ,smaller wing coverts4 #i4 ,bend of the wing4 #aj4 ,larger wing coverts4 #aa4 ,tertials1 arising from the second bone of the wing at the elbow-joint4 #ab4 ,secondaries1 from the second bone of the wing4 #ac4 ,primaries1 from the first bone of the wing4 #ad4 ,tibia1 the thigh4 #ae4 ,tarsus1 the shank4 #af4 ,upper tail coverts4 #ag4 ,lower tail coverts4 #ah4 ,tail feathers4 ,the length of a bird is measured from the extremity of the bill to the end of the longest tail feather2 the length of the wing is measured from the bend to the tip of the longest quill4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,bay-,,birds4 ,although a cursory account of the various bay-birds1 their habits and peculiarities1 has been given in a previous chapter1 it seems desirable to add a more complete1 exhaustive1 and specific description4 ,this is attempted in the following pages1 and although the ornithological characteristics are taken from ,giraud's ,birds of ,long ,island1 which seems to have been the resource of all our sporting writers1 nothing else is derived from him2 but the facts are stated1 either upon personal knowledge1 which is generally the case1 or upon reliable information4 ,as to the abundance or scarcity of any particular species1 the experience of sportsmen will differ according to the accident of flight1 or the locality of their favorite sporting-ground2 and in relation to their shyness or gentleness1 much depends upon the time of year and the condition of the weather4 ,in consequence of the confusion of nomenclature1 it has been deemed advisable to give the scientific description of the common species1 each one being placed under its most appropriate name1 and to collect together as many designations as could be found to have been applied to them respectively4 ,nevertheless1 many names will no doubt be omitted1 and there will be other birds1 and some quite common varieties1 that1 among bay-men1 have no names whatever4 ,it is not intended to furnish a description of all the species of shore-snipe that occasionally are killed1 but to supply such information as will enable the sportsman to distinguish the ordinary varieties2 and such facts as have not been fully stated1 which are more especially applicable to certain members of this great class1 are grouped together under separate heads4 ,nothing is expected to be added to the ornithological learning of the world1 and only such portions of that science are given as may be considered desirable for the ready use of the sportsman in the intelligent pursuit of his pleasures4 ,,plovers4 ,genus ,charadrius1 ,linn4 ,generic distinctions4--,bill short1 strong1 straight1 about the length of the head1 which is rather large and prominent in front2 eyes large2 body full2 neck short and rather thick2 wings long2 tail rounded and of moderate length2 toes connected at the base2 hind toe wanting1 or consisting of a small knob4 ,,black-,,breast4 ,bull-,headed ,plover4 ,beetle-,headed ,plover4 ,black-,bellied ,plover4 ,charadrius ,helveticus1 ,wils4 ,this bird is killed along our bays indiscriminately with the other snipe1 although it does not stool as well as the marlin or yellow-legs4 ,it passes north early in ,may1 when it is often called the black-bellied plover1 and regarded from its plumage as a distinct variety from the fall bird2 it is then quite shy4 ,in ,august or ,september it returns1 being more plentiful in the latter month1 and is often found in great numbers especially at ,montauk ,point2 and at that period the young1 being quite fat1 are regarded as delicious eating4 ,it is then greyer in appearance and not so strongly colored as when in full plumage4 ,before the main flight arrives1 scattering individuals are heard uttering their peculiar beautiful and shrill cry1 and are seen shyly approaching the stools1 or darting round not far off1 and yet afraid to draw close to them4 ,its head is large and round1 giving rise to the name of bull-head1 which is common on the coast of ,new ,jersey1 although in ,new ,york it is generally known as black-breast4 8,specific ,character4--,bill stout1 along the gap one inch and five-sixteenths2 length of tarsi one inch and five-eighths4 ,adult male with the bill black1 strong1 shorter than the head2 cheeks1 loral space1 throat1 fore-neck1 breast1 with a large portion of the abdomen black2 hind part of the abdomen and flanks white2 forehead1 with a broad band passing down the sides of the neck and breast1 white2 crown1 occiput1 and hind-neck greyish white1 spotted with dusky2 upper parts blackish-brown1 the feathers broadly tipped with white2 eye encircled with white2 tail and upper tail-coverts white1 barred with black1 the former tipped with white2 lower tail-coverts white1 the outer feather spotted with black2 primaries and their coverts blackish-brown1 the latter margined with white2 primary shafts about two-thirds from the base1 white1 tips blackish-brown2 part of the inner webs of the outer primaries white2 both webs of the inner primaries partially white2 secondaries white at the base1 margined at the same2 feet black2 toes connected by a membrane4 ,female smaller4 ,young with the upper plumage greyish-brown1 the feathers spotted with white2 throat1 fore-neck1 and upper part of the breast greyish-white1 streaked with dusky2 rest of the lower parts white4 ,length of adult male eleven inches and three quarters1 wing seven and a half40--,giraud's ,birds of ,long ,island4 ,,american ,,golden ,,plover4 ,frost ,bird1 ,greenback4 ,charadrius ,pluvialis1 ,wils4 ,this bird furnishes great sport at ,montauk ,point1 when the fortunate sportsman happens to arrive after a fierce north-easter early in ,september and during one of those wonderful flights that occasionally occur4 ,they come readily to the decoys which are placed in the open upland fields1 and were once killed in great numbers on ,hempstead plains before cultivation ejected them4 ,a large number of decoys should be used1 for they are not so easily seen as when set in the water4 ,after alighting1 the golden plover runs with great activity in pursuit of the insects1 mostly grasshoppers1 on which it feeds2 and when killed it constitutes a prime delicacy for the table1 and brings a high price in market4 ,it passes to the northward in the latter part of ,april1 and returns in the early part of ,september4 ,its general color on the back is greenish1 and it has a distinct light stripe alongside of the eye4 ,they often congregate in immense numbers1 and ,i have certainly seen a thousand in a flock4 8,specific ,character4--,bill rather slender2 along the gap one inch and an eighth2 tarsi one and nine-sixteenths4 ,adult with the bill black1 much slighter than ,c4 helveticus2 forehead1 and a band over the eye1 extending behind the eye1 white2 upper parts1 including the crown1 brownish-black1 the feathers marked with spots of golden yellow and dull white2 quills and coverts dark greyish-brown2 secondaries paler--the inner margined with yellowish-white2 tail feathers greyish-brown1 barred with paler1 the central with dull yellow2 shafts of the wing quills white towards the end1 which1 with their bases1 are dark brown2 lower parts brownish-black1 though in general we find them mottled with brown1 dull white1 and black2 lower tail-coverts white1 the lateral marked with black2 feet bluish-grey4 ,late in autumn1 the golden markings on the upper parts are not so distinct1 and the lower parts are greyish-blue4 ,length1 ten inches and a half1 wing seven and one-eighth40--,giraud4 ,,beach-,,bird4 ,piping ,plover4 ,charadrius ,hiaticula1 ,wils4 ,the beach-bird1 as its name implies1 prefers the beaches to the meadows1 and follows each retreating wave of ocean surf in pursuit of its prey1 escaping with amazing agility from the next swell4 ,it is a pretty little bird1 not often associating in flocks1 and on hazy days coming well to the decoys1 which should be placed near to the surf1 while the sportsman conceals himself by digging a hollow in the loose sand4 ,although these birds are small1 they are plump and well flavored1 and when flying rapidly on a level with the flashing breakers1 amid the noise and confusion of old ocean's roar1 are by no means easy to kill4 ,they are present with us more or less all summer1 their diminutive size tending to protect them from destruction4 8,specific ,character4--,bill shorter than the head2 at base orange color1 towards the end black2 fore-neck and cheeks pure white1 bordered above with black2 rest of the head very pale brown4 ,adult male with the bill short1 orange at the base1 anterior to the nostrils black2 forehead white1 with a band of black crossing directly above2 upper part of the head1 hind neck1 back1 scapulars1 and wing coverts1 pale brown2 rump white1 the central feathers tinged with brown2 tail brown1 white at base1 tipped with the same2 lateral feathers pure white--the next with a spot of blackish-brown near the end2 upper tail coverts white2 primaries brown2 a large portion of the inner webs white2 a spot of the same on the outer webs of the inner quills2 secondaries white1 with a large spot of brown towards the ends2 lower surface of the wings white1 a black band round the lower part of the neck1 broadest on the sides where it terminates2 entire lower plumage white4 ,female similar1 with the band on the neck brown4 ,length seven inches1 wing four and a half40--,giraud4 ,,kildeer4 ,charadrius ,vociferus1 ,wils4 ,a worthless bird1 furnishing no sport1 and poor eating4 8,specific ,character4--,a band on the forehead passing back to the eye2 a line over the eye1 upper part of the neck all round1 and a band on the lower part of the fore-neck1 white2 above and below the latter1 a broad black band2 rump and upper tail-coverts orange red4 ,adult with the bill black2 at the base a band of blackish-brown2 on the forehead a band of white passing back to the eye2 directly above a band of black2 rest of the head brown1 with a band of white behind the eye2 throat white2 a broad band of the same color encircling the upper part of the neck2 middle of the neck encircled with black1 much broader on the fore-neck2 below which1 on the fore-neck1 a band of white1 followed by a band of black on the lower neck1 the feathers of which are tipped with white1 of which color are the breast1 abdomen1 under tail-coverts1 and sides1 the latter faintly tinged with yellow2 tail rather long1 rounded2 the outer feathers white1 barred with brownish-black1 their tips white1 with a single spot of blackish-brown on the outer web2 the rest pale reddish-brown at the base1 changing into brownish-black towards the ends1 which are white2 some of the inner feathers tipped with yellowish-brown2 the middle feathers are plain brown1 with a darker spot towards the ends1 which are slightly tipped with white2 upper tail-coverts and rump reddish-brown1 the latter brighter2 upper parts brown1 the feathers margined with reddish-brown2 primaries dark brown1 with a large portion of the inner web white2 a spot of the same color on the outer webs towards the tips1 excepting the first two2 their coverts blackish-brown tipped with white2 secondaries white1 with a large spot of brown towards the ends2 their tips1 with those of the primaries1 white2 secondary coverts brown1 broadly tipped with white4 ,length ten inches1 wing seven inches40--,giraud4 ,,sanderling4 ,charadrius ,rubidus1 ,wils4 8,specific ,character4--,bill straight1 black1 along the gap one inch and one-eighth2 length of tarsi one inch2 hind toe wanting4 ,adult with the bill straight1 about as long as the head4 ,spring plumage1 upper parts1 with the throat1 fore-neck1 and upper part of the breast rufous1 intermixed with dusky and greyish white2 deeper red on the back2 lower part of the breast1 abdomen1 and sides of the body pure white2 tarsi and feet black2 claws small1 compressed2 primaries1 outer webs1 black2 inner webs light brown2 shafts brown at the base1 tips black1 rest parts white2 secondaries light brown1 broadly margined with white4 ,winter dress1 lower parts white2 upper parts greyish-white1 intermixed with black or dusky1 darkest on the back4 ,length seven inches and three-quarters1 wing four and seven-eighths40--,giraud4 ,,turnstone4 ,genus ,strepsilas4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill shorter than the head1 strong1 tapering1 compressed1 and blunt2 neck rather short2 body full2 wings long1 of moderate breadth1 and pointed2 tail round1 rather short1 and composed of twelve feathers2 tarsus equal to the middle toe1 and rather stout2 hind toe small1 fore-toes free1 with a narrow margin4 ,,brant-,,bird4 ,horse-foot ,snipe1 ,turnstone1 ,beach-,robins4 ,strepsilas ,interpres4 ,this is a beautiful bird1 and stools pretty well1 but is rare and mostly solitary2 its young are at ,egg ,harbor sometimes termed beach-birds4 ,the brant-bird is considered good eating4 ,it feeds on the eggs of the king-crab or horse-foot1 which it digs up by jumping in the air and striking with both its feet at once into the sand1 thus scratching a hole about three inches deep and an inch and a half across4 8,specific ,character4--,bill black2 feet orange2 the head and sides of the neck streaked and patched with black and white2 fore part of the neck and upper portion of the sides of the breast1 black2 lower parts1 hind part of the back1 and upper tail-coverts white2 rump dusky2 rest of the upper parts reddish-brown1 mottled with black2 primaries dusky2 a band across the wings and the throat white4 ,young with the head and neck all round1 fore part of the back1 and sides of the breast1 dusky brown1 streaked and margined with greyish-white2 wing-coverts and tertials broadly margined with dull reddish-brown4 ,it can at all times be identified by its having the throat1 lower parts1 hind part of the back1 and the upper tail-coverts white1 and the feathers on the rump dusky4 ,adult with the bill black1 throat white1 sides of the head mottled with black and white2 crown streaked with black on white ground2 on the hind neck a patch of white2 a patch of black on the sides of the neck1 of which color are the fore-neck and the sides of the breast2 lower parts white2 tail blackish-brown1 white at the base1 of which color are the lateral feathers1 with a spot of black on the inner vanes near the end--the rest margined with reddish-brown1 and tipped with white2 upper tail-coverts white2 hind part of the back white2 the feathers on the rump black2 fore part of the back mottled with black and reddish-brown2 primaries dark brown1 inner webs white2 secondaries broadly edged with white1 forming a band on the wings2 outer secondary coverts reddish-brown1 inner black2 outer scapulars white1 with dusky spots2 inner scapulars reddish brown4 ,in winter the colors are duller4 ,length nine inches1 wing five and three-quarters40--,giraud4 ,,sandpiper4 ,genus ,tring4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill straight1 slender1 and tapering1 compressed towards the end1 and but little longer than the head2 body rather full2 wings very long and pointed2 tail rather short and nearly even2 tarsi moderate2 hind toe very small1 and sometimes wanting2 fore toes slender1 of moderate length1 and generally divided4 ,,robin-,,snipe4 ,red-breasted ,sandpiper4 ,tring ,cinrea1 ,wils4 ,winter4 ,tring ,rufa1 ,wils4 ,spring4 ,this delicious and beautiful bird1 although far from plentiful1 furnishes excellent sport1 coming readily to stool1 and flying regularly and steadily4 ,it mostly affects the marshy islands lying between the salt water creeks1 and derives its name from a fancied resemblance to the robin1 as he is termed among us4 ,it is always gentle1 occasionally abundant1 and generally fat and tender2 by reason of its steady flight it is not difficult to kill2 and its food1 mostly shell-fish1 does not contribute an unpleasant flavor to its flesh4 ,it arrives from the north about the middle of ,august1 and often lingers for some time on the meadows4 ,as the season advances its plumage becomes paler1 till it acquires the name of white robin-snipe--although ,i have often seen them late in ,august of the most beautiful and strongly marked coloring1 the breast being a rich brownish red and the back a fine grey4 ,the robin-snipe is of about the size of the dowitcher1 with a shorter and more pointed bill1 and is killed indiscriminately on the stools with the other bay-birds4 ,its call consists of two notes1 and is sharp and clear2 when well imitated1 it will often attract the confiding snipe to the gunner1 exposed in full view1 and without decoys4 ,this bird is very beautiful1 and a great favorite4 8,specific ,character4--,bill straight1 longer than the head2 tarsi one inch and three-sixteenths long2 rump and upper tail-coverts white1 barred with dark brown2 region of the vent and the lower tail-coverts white1 with dusky markings4 ,in spring the upper parts are ash-grey1 variegated with black and pale yellowish-red2 lower parts1 including the throat and fore-neck1 brownish-orange4 ,in autumn the upper parts are ash-grey1 margined with dull white2 rump and upper tail-coverts barred with black and white2 lower parts white2 the sides of the body marked with dusky2 a dull white line over the eye4 ,adult in spring--bill black2 a broad band of reddish brown commences at the base of the upper mandible1 extends half-way to the eye1 where it changes to reddish-brown2 upper part of head and the hind neck dusky1 the feathers margined with greyish white--a few touches of pale reddish-brown on the latter2 throat1 fore-neck1 breast1 and abdomen reddish-brown2 vent white2 lower tail coverts white1 spotted with dusky2 upper plumage blackish-brown1 upper tail-coverts barred with black and white2 tail pale brown1 margined with white2 primary coverts black1 tipped with white2 secondary coverts greyish-brown1 margined with white4 ,young with the upper parts greyish-brown2 the feathers with central dusky streaks1 a narrow line of cinnamon-color towards their margins1 which are dull white2 the lower parts ash-grey4 ,length of adult1 ten inches2 wing1 six and three-quarters40--,giraud4 ,,upland ,,plover4 ,grey1 ,grass1 or ,field ,plover4 ,bartram's ,sandpiper4 ,tring ,bartramia1 ,wils4 ,this bird1 although scientifically not a plover1 is1 by its habits1 entitled to an appellation that common consent has bestowed upon it4 ,it is found upon the uplands1 never frequenting the marshes except by crossing them while migrating1 and feeds1 not on shell-fish or the innumerable minute insects that live in sand and salt mud1 but on the grasshoppers and seeds of the open fields4 ,it never takes the slightest notice of the stools1 is comparatively a solitary bird1 and although continually uttering its melodious cry1 does not heed a responsive call4 ,on the eastern extremity of ,long ,island1 and along the coast of ,new ,england1 are vast rolling and hilly stretches of land1 where there are no trees and little vegetation1 besides a short thin grass1 and here the plovers rest and feed4 ,they migrate to the southward in ,august1 and appear about the same time scattered from ,nantucket to ,new ,jersey4 ,in spite of their shyness and the difficulty of killing them1 they are pursued relentlessly by man with every device that he finds will outwit their cunning or deceive their vigilance4 ,rhode ,island has long been one of their favorite resorts1 but has been overrun with gunners1 who follow the vocation either for sport or pleasure1 and there1 for many years1 the grey plover were killed in considerable quantities4 ,many are still found in the same locality1 or further east1 as well as at ,montauk ,point2 but at ,hempstead ,plains1 where they were once found quite numerous1 they appear no longer2 and the eastern shore of ,new ,jersey being unsuited to their habits1 they rarely sojourn or even pause upon it4 ,they travel as well by night as by day2 and in the still summer nights their sweet trilling cry may be heard at short intervals2 while during the day they will often be seen in small bodies1 or singly1 winging their way rapidly towards the south4 ,they are wary1 fly rapidly1 and are difficult to shoot1 and1 were it not for one peculiarity1 would escape almost scatheless4 ,alighting only in the open fields1 where the thin grass reveals every enemy and exposes every approaching object to their view2 readily alarmed at the first symptom of danger1 and shunning the slightest familiarity with man1 they are impossible to reach except with laborious and painful creeping that no sportsman cares to undertake4 ,not sufficiently gregarious or friendly in their nature to desire the company of wooden decoys1 they cannot be lured within gunshot2 and it is only through their confidence in their fellow-beasts that their destruction can be accomplished4 ,a horse1 they know1 has no evil design1 does not live on plover1 and may be permitted to come and go as he pleases2 a horse drawing a wagon is to be pitied1 not feared2 and1 most fortunately1 the birds cannot conceive that a man would be mean enough to hide in that wagon1 and drive that horse in an ingenious manner round and round them1 every time narrowing the circle till he gets within shot4 ,man1 however1 is ready for any subterfuge to gain his plover2 and1 seated on the tail-board1 or a place behind prepared for the purpose1 he steps to the ground the moment the wagon stops1 and as the bird immediately rises1 fires--being often compelled1 in spite of his ingenuity1 to take a long shot4 ,even in this mode no large number of birds is killed1 and by creeping or stalking few indeed are obtained4 ,one inventive genius made an imitation cow of slats and canvas painted to represent the living animal1 and1 mounting it upon his shoulders1 was often able to approach without detection2 when near enough1 or if the bird became alarmed1 he cast off his false skin and used his fowling-piece4 ,this was certainly an original and successful mode of modifying an idea derived from the times of ancient ,troy4 ,this bird is so delicious and so highly prized by the epicure1 that no pains are spared in its capture2 it is by many superior judges regarded as the richest and most delicately flavored of the birds of ,america2 while its timid and wary disposition renders it the most difficult to kill4 ,it is1 therefore1 justly esteemed the richest prize of the sportsman and the gourmand1 and holds as high a rank in the field as in the market4 ,it is not1 properly speaking1 a bay-bird2 but as it is frequently shot from the stand when passing near the decoys1 these few remarks concerning it are inserted4 ,it is essentially an upland bird1 although from the nature of its migration it passes along the coast and occasionally far out at sea4 8,specific ,character4--,bill slender1 rather longer than the head2 tarsi one inch and seven-eighths2 neck rather long1 slender2 axillars distinctly barred with black and greyish-white2 upper parts dark brown1 margined with yellowish-brown2 fore-neck and fore part of the breast with arrow-shaped markings2 rest of the lower parts yellowish-white4 ,adult with the bill slender1 yellowish-green1 dusky at the tip2 upper part of the head dark brown1 with a central yellowish-brown line1 the feathers margined with the same color2 hind part and sides of the neck yellowish-brown1 streaked with dusky2 fore part of the neck and breast paler1 with pointed streaks of dusky2 sides of the body barred with the same2 rest of lower parts yellowish-white2 lower wing-coverts white1 barred with brownish-black2 upper plumage dark-brown1 margined with yellowish-brown1 darker on the hind part of the back2 primaries dark-brown2 coverts the same color2 inner webs of the primaries barred with white1 more particularly on the first--the shaft of which is white2 the rest brown1 all tipped with white2 secondaries more broadly tipped with the same2 coverts and scapulars dark-brown1 margined with yellowish-brown1 and tipped with white2 tail barred with black and yellowish-brown1 tipped with white2 middle feathers darker1 tipped with black4 ,length ten inches and a half1 wing six and five-eighths40--,giraud4 ,,red-,,backed ,,sandpiper4 ,winter ,snipe4--,black-breast4 ,tring ,alpina1 ,wils4 ,this bird absolutely has no common name4 8,specific ,character4--,bill about one-third longer than the head1 bent towards the end2 length of tarsi1 one inch4 ,adult with the bill black--one-third longer than the head1 slightly bent towards the end1 and rather shorter than that of ,t4 ,subarquata2 upper part of the head1 back1 and scapular1 chestnut-red1 the centre of each feather black1 which color occupies a large portion of the scapulars2 wing-coverts and quills greyish-brown2 the bases and tips of the secondaries and parts of the outer webs of the middle primaries1 white2 forehead1 sides of the head1 and hind neck1 pale reddish-grey1 streaked with dusky2 fore neck and upper part of breast greyish-white1 streaked with dusky2 on the lower part of the breast a large black patch2 abdomen white2 lower tail coverts white1 marked with dusky2 tail light-brownish grey1 streaked--the central feathers darker4 8,winter dress1 upper parts brownish-grey2 throat1 greyish-white2 fore part and sides of neck1 sides of the head1 and sides of the body1 pale brownish-grey1 faintly streaked with darker2 rest of the lower parts white4 ,length1 seven inches and a half2 wing1 four and an eighth40--,giraud4 ,,long-,,legged ,,sandpiper4 ,peep1 ,blind ,snipe1 ,frost ,snipe1 ,stilt4 ,tring ,himantopus4 ,this bird also is nameless3 it is rare1 although ,i have killed quite a number of them1 and ,i believe its numbers are increasing2 it rarely consorts in flocks of more than five or six1 stools readily1 and is often mistaken for the yellow-legs4 8,specific ,character4--,bill about one-third longer than the head1 slightly arched2 length of tarsi1 one inch and three-eighths4 ,adult1 with the upper parts brownish-black1 the feathers margined with reddish-white2 the edges of the scapulars with semiform markings of the same2 rump and upper tail-coverts white1 transversely barred with dusky2 tail1 light grey1 the feathers white at the base and along the middle2 primary quills and coverts brownish-black--inner tinged with grey2 the shaft of the outer primary1 white2 secondaries1 brownish-grey1 margined with reddish-white1 the inner dusky2 a broad whitish line over the eye2 loral space dusky2 auriculars1 pale brownish-red2 fore part and sides of neck1 greyish white1 tinged with red1 and longitudinally streaked with dusky2 the rest of the lower parts1 pale reddish1 transversely barred with dusky2 the middle of the breast and the abdomen without markings2 legs long and slender1 of a yellowish-green color4 ,in autumn1 the plumage duller1 of a more greyish appearance1 and the reddish markings wanting1 excepting on the sides of the head1 and a few touches on the scapular4 ,length1 nine inches2 wing1 five40--,giraud4 ,,ring-,,neck4 ,american ,ring ,plover4 ,tring ,hiaticula1 ,wils4 ,this is a small1 but delicate1 fat1 and pretty bird2 it does not stool well1 and accompanies the small snipe4 8,specific ,character4--,bill shorter than the head2 base1 orange color1 towards the point1 black2 a broad band on the forehead white1 margined below with a narrow black band1 above with a broad band of the same color2 rest part of the head wood-brown2 lateral toes connected by a membrane as far as the first joint2 inner toes1 about half that distance4 ,adult male with the bill flesh color at base1 anterior to the nostrils black2 a line of black commences at the base of the upper mandible1 passes back to the eye1 curving downward on the sides of the neck2 a band on the fore part of the head pure white2 fore part of crown1 black2 occiput1 wood-brown2 chin1 throat1 and fore neck1 passing round on the hind neck1 pure white2 directly below1 on the lower portion of the neck1 a broad band of black2 upper plumage1 wood-brown2 primaries1 blackish-brown2 shafts1 white--blackish-brown at their tips2 secondaries slightly edged with white on the inner webs2 outer webs1 nearest to the shafts1 an elongated spot of white2 wing-coverts wood-brown2 secondary coverts broadly tipped with white2 breast1 abdomen1 sides1 and lower tail-coverts1 pure white2 tail brown1 lighter at the base2 outer feathers white--the rest broadly tipped with white1 excepting the middle pair1 which are slightly tipped with the same4 ,female similar1 with the upper part of the head and the band on the neck brown4 ,length1 seven inches and a quarter2 wing five40--,giraud4 ,,krieker4 ,meadow ,snipe1 ,fat ,bird1 ,short ,neck1 ,jack ,snipe1 ,pectoral ,sandpiper4 ,tring ,pectoralis1 ,aud4 ,this is an excellent bird1 remaining in the meadows till ,october1 and becoming fat1 rich1 and fine flavored1 but unfortunately it will not come to the stools4 ,although frequently associating in flocks1 it can hardly be said to be truly gregarious1 and is as often found with the different varieties of small snipe as with its own number4 ,it is quite a difficult bird to kill when on the wing1 its flight being rapid and irregular1 and its size small2 but when it becomes fat and lazy1 after a long residence in well supplied feeding-grounds1 not only is its flight slower and itself easier to hit1 but it is often shot sitting4 ,its general color is grey1 with white on the abdomen2 and its size varies greatly according to its age and condition1 some being of more than double the size of others4 ,as a natural consequence1 considerable practice is required to distinguish it readily from the ox-eyes by which it is often surrounded1 when the meadow grass hides it1 in a measure1 from view4 ,it feeds and dwells altogether in the meadows1 finding its food in the stagnant water collected upon their surface1 and is only plentiful when these are wet4 ,when alarmed1 it rises rapidly1 and makes off in a zigzag way1 that reminds the sportsman of the flight of ,english snipe2 and early in the season it is wild and shy4 ,it occasionally passes over the stools1 but never pauses or seems to notice them2 and for this reason1 in spite of its epicurean recommendations1 it is generally neglected4 ,in the cool days of ,september and ,october1 when the mosquitoes have succumbed in a measure to the frost1 its pursuit over the open meadows is pleasant and exhilarating4 ,it is often killed to the number of eighty in a day1 and is so fat that its body is absolutely round4 8,specific ,character4--,bill straight1 base orange-green2 length of tarsi one inch and one-sixteenth2 upper parts brownish-black1 edged with reddish-brown2 throat white2 fore part of neck and upper part of the breast light brownish-grey1 streaked with dusky2 rest of lower parts1 including the lower tail-coverts1 white4 ,adult with the bill straight2 top of the head dark-brown1 intermixed with black2 sides of the head1 neck1 and a large portion of the breast1 greyish-brown1 streaked with dusky2 chin white2 a streak of dark brown before the eye1 continuing to the nostril1 directly above a faint line of white2 back dark-brown2 feathers margined with white2 primary quills dark-brown--shaft of the first white2 outer secondaries slightly edged with white2 tail-feathers brown1 margined with brownish-white--two middle feathers darker1 longest1 and more pointed2 lower part of the breast1 abdomen1 and sides of the body and under tail-coverts white2 feet dull yellow2 tibia bare1 about half the length4 ,female1 the general plumage lighter4 ,length nine inches and a half1 wing five and a quarter40--,giraud4 ,,ox-,,eye4 ,tring ,semipalmata1 ,wils4 8,specific ,character4--,bill rather stout1 broad towards the point2 along the gap about one inch2 length of tarsi seven-eighths of an inch2 bill and legs black2 toes half webbed4 ,adult with the bill slender1 about the length of the head--dark-green1 nearly approaching to black2 head1 sides1 and hind-part of neck ash-grey1 streaked with dusky2 upper parts blackish-brown1 the feathers edged with greyish-white2 secondary coverts tipped with white2 primary coverts brownish-black1 as are the feathers on the rump2 upper tail-coverts the same2 wing-quills dusky1 their shafts white2 tail-feathers ash-grey1 the inner webs of the middle pair much darker2 over the eye a white line2 lower parts white2 legs black4 ,length six inches and a half1 wing four40--,giraud4 ,this and the following variety are generally confounded by bay-men2 and being too small to demand much consideration1 and never shot unless huddled together1 so that a large number may be bagged1 they are called promiscuously by the odd name ox-eye4 ,they are fat1 and almost as good eating when in prime order as the reed-bird4 ,,ox-,,eye4 ,wilson's ,sandpiper4 ,tring ,pusilla1 ,wils4 8,specific ,character4--,bill along the gap three-quarters of an inch1 slender2 tarsi three-quarters of an inch2 legs yellowish-green4 ,adult with the bill brownish-black2 upper part of the breast grey-brown1 mixed with white2 back and upper parts black2 the whole plumage above broadly edged with bright bay and yellow ochre2 primaries black--greater coverts the same1 tipped with white2 tail rounded1 the four exterior feathers on each side dull white--the rest dark-brown2 tertials as long as the primaries2 head above dark-brown1 with paler edges2 over the eye a streak of whitish2 belly and vent white4 ,length five inches and a half1 wing three and a half4 ,with many of our birds we observe that individuals of the same species vary in length1 extent1 and sometimes differ slightly in their bills1 even with those which have arrived at maturity4--,on consulting ornithological works1 we notice that there are no two writers whose measurement is in all cases alike4 ,with specimens of the ,wilson's sandpiper1 we find in their proportions greater discrepancy than in many other species--and out of these differences we are inclined to the opinion that two spurious species have been created40--,giraud4 ,,tatler4 ,genus ,totanus4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill longer than the head1 straight1 hard and slender2 neck slender1 and both it and body rather long2 wings long and pointed2 tail short and rounded2 legs long2 hind-toe very small1 and the anterior ones connected at the base by webs1 the inner being slightly webbed4 ,,willet4 ,semipalmated ,tatler4 ,totanus ,semipalmatus1 ,lath4 ,scolopax ,semipalmata1 ,wils4 ,this is a fine1 large1 and beautiful bird2 the sharply distinct white and black of its wings contrasting admirably with the reddish-brown tints of the marlin and sickle-bills with which it often associates2 it stools well1 flying steadily1 and often returning after the first1 and even second visit2 but even when fat1 it is tough and ill-flavored4 ,it congregates in large flocks1 and reaches the ,middle ,states on its southern journey in the latter part of ,august4 ,its cry is a fierce wild shriek1 which is rarely1 if ever1 accurately imitated2 but it responds to the call of the sickle-bill1 and when once headed for the stools1 rarely alters its course4 ,in exposed situations it is shy and difficult of approach1 like most of the shore-birds1 which1 although they come up so unsuspiciously to the decoys1 are wary of the gunner1 and rarely permit him to crawl within range of them4 8,specific ,character4--,secondaries and basal part of the primaries white2 toes connected at base by broad membranes4 ,adult with the head and neck brown1 intermixed with greyish-white2 breast and sides of the body spotted1 and waved with brown on white ground2 abdomen white2 tail-coverts white1 barred with brown2 tail greyish-brown1 barred with darker brown--the outer two feathers lighter2 rump brown2 fore part of the back and wing-coverts brown1 largely spotted with dull white2 primaries blackish-brown1 broadly banded with white2 secondaries white4 ,length fifteen inches and a half1 wing eight40--,giraud4 ,,yelper4 ,big ,yellow-,legs--,greater ,yellow-,shanks--,tell-tale ,tatler4 ,totanus ,vociferus1 ,wils4 ,this is one of the most numerous of the bay-birds1 and among the most highly prized for its sport-conferring properties4 ,it stools well1 although occasionally suspicious1 and will often drop like a stone from the clouds1 where it is fond of flying1 upon receiving a response to its strong1 clear1 and easily imitated cry4 ,it will also frequently come within shot in the open1 when the sportsman is unaided by his decoys4 ,its flight is uneven1 being often slow when approaching or pausing over the stools1 and then exceedingly rapid and irregular when alarmed2 and if there are no stools to make the ,yelper hesitate1 it has a bobbing motion1 as if searching for the origin of the call1 that makes it exceedingly difficult to kill4 ,moreover1 it is vigorous1 and will carry off much shot1 as in fact is the habit with all the shore-birds1 and is tough and sedgy on the table4 ,it does not associate in large flocks1 but roams about in parties of three or four4 8,specific ,character4--,bill along the ridge two and a quarter inches2 tarsi two and a half2 legs yellow4 ,adult with the bill black1 at the base bluish2 upper part of the head1 loral space1 cheeks1 and neck1 streaked with brownish-black and white2 throat white2 a white line from the bill to the eye2 a white ring round the eye2 breast and abdomen white1 spotted and barred with brownish-black2 sides and tail-coverts the same2 lower surface of the primaries light grey--upper brownish-black1 the inner spotted white2 wing-coverts and back brown1 spotted with white1 and dusky2 scapulars the same2 tail brown1 barred with white4 ,winter plumage1 the upper parts lighter--larger portion of the breast and abdomen white2 sides of the body barred with dusky4 ,length1 fourteen inches2 wing1 seven and a quarter40--,giraud4 ,,yellow-,,legs4 ,little ,yellow-,legs--,yellow-,shanks ,tatler4 ,totanus ,flavipes1 ,lath4 ,scolopax ,flavipes1 ,wilson4 ,this bird in appearance is almost identical with the yelper1 except that it is much smaller1 not being more than half as large4 ,it has several calls1 consisting of one or more flute-like and shrill notes1 which are rather difficult to imitate4 ,it is probably the most plentiful of all the bay-snipe1 making its summer visit in ,july1 and continuing to arrive till late in ,september4 ,it collects in immense flocks1 and stools excellently1 but its flight is irregular and rapid1 and when frightened1 it darts about in a confusing way that often baffles the sportsman4 ,when wounded it will swim away1 and1 if possible1 crawl into the grass to hide4 ,although a pleasant bird to shoot1 it is unattractive on the table1 even when in best condition1 unless killed along the fresh water1 where it attains an agreeable and delicate flavor4 ,both it and the yelper are found in considerable numbers on the marshy shores of the western lakes1 where it and the other smaller bay-birds are called1 indiscriminately1 plover4 ,wonderful stories are told of the number of yellow-legs killed at one shot1 and as it is a small bird1 these are probably not exaggerated4 ,by ,wilson the yellow-legs1 the yelper1 and willet are classed among the ,scolopacid1 or snipe1 but the other ornithologists have erected a separate genus for them4 8,specific ,character4--,bill along the ridge one inch and three-eighths2 length of tarsi one inch and seven-eighths2 legs yellow4 ,adult with the bill black2 throat white2 upper part of the head1 lores1 cheeks1 hind part and side parts of the neck1 deep brownish-grey1 streaked with greyish-white2 eye encircled with white1 a band of the same color from the bill to the eye2 fore neck1 sides of the body1 and upper part of the breast1 greyish-white1 streaked with greyish-brown2 lower part of the breast and abdomen white2 lower tail-coverts white1 the outer feathers barred with brown2 scapulars and fore part of the back brown1 the feathers barred and spotted with black and white2 primaries blackish-brown1 the shaft of the outer brownish-white1 whiter towards the tip1 the rest dark-brown2 secondaries margined with white2 hind part of the back brownish-grey2 tail barred with greyish-brown1 white at the tip2 legs1 feet1 and toes1 yellow2 claws black4 ,length1 ten inches and three-quarters2 wing1 six4 ,young with the legs greenish--and by those who have not recognised it as the young of the year1 ,i have heard the propriety of its name questioned40--,giraud4 ,,godwit4 ,genus ,limosa4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill very long1 a little recurved from the middle1 rather slender1 and with the lower mandible the shorter4 ,wings long and very acute2 tail short and even2 legs long2 toes four1 and rather slender1 the hind one being small and the middle toe the longest2 anterior toes connected at the base by webs1 the outer web being much the larger4 ,,marlin4 ,great ,marbled ,godwit4 ,limosa ,fedoa1 ,linn4 ,scolopax ,fedoa1 ,wils4 ,this is the gentlest and most abundant of the large birds1 approaching the decoys with great confidence and returning again and again1 till frequently the entire flock is killed4 ,in color it is a reddish-brown1 lighter on the abdomen1 and its flight is steady and rather slow4 ,although better eating than the willet1 and very rich and juicy1 its flesh cannot be called delicate4 ,the ring-tailed marlin or ,hudsonian ,godwit1 ,limosa ,hudsonica1 ,lath4 is a finer but much scarcer bird1 and resembles somewhat in color the willet1 but has the marlin bill1 which is longer than that of the last-named species4 8,specific ,character4--,bill at base yellow1 towards the end blackish-brown2 upper parts spotted and barred with yellowish-grey and brownish-black2 lower parts pale reddish-brown2 tail darker1 barred with black4 ,adult male with the bill at the base yellowish-brown1 towards the end black2 head and neck greyish-brown1 tinged with pale reddish1 streaked with dusky--darker on the upper part of the head and hind neck2 throat whitish1 lower parts pale reddish-brown2 under tail-coverts barred with brown2 tail reddish-brown1 barred with dusky2 upper tail-coverts the same2 upper parts barred with brownish-black and pale reddish-brown1 spotted with dusky2 inner primaries tipped with yellowish-white2 scapulars and wing-coverts barred with pale reddish-brown and greyish-white2 shaft of the first primary white1 dusky at the tip2 inner shafts at the base white1 rest part light brown1 excepting the tips1 which are dusky4 ,length1 sixteen inches2 wing1 nine and a half4 ,female larger1 exceeding the male from three to four inches40--,giraud4 ,,ring-,,tailed ,,marlin4 ,hudsonian ,godwit4 ,limosa ,hudsonica1 ,lath4 8,specific ,character4--,bill blackish-brown1 at base of lower mandible yellow2 upper parts light brown1 marked with dull brown1 and a few small white spots2 neck all around brownish-grey2 lower parts white1 largely marked with ferruginous2 basal part of tail-feathers and a band crossing the rump1 white4 ,adult with the bill slender1 blackish towards the tip1 lighter at the base1 particularly at the base of the lower mandible2 a line of brownish-white from the bill to the eye2 lower eyelid white2 throat white1 spotted with rust color2 head and neck brownish-grey2 lower parts white1 marked with large spots of ferruginous2 under tail-coverts barred with brownish-black1 and ferruginous2 tail brownish-black1 with a white band at the base2 a band over the rump2 tips of primary coverts and bases of quills white2 upper tail-coverts brownish-black--their base white2 upper parts greyish-brown1 scapulars marked with darker2 feet bluish4 ,length1 fifteen inches and a half2 wing1 eight and a half4 ,young with the lower parts brownish-grey1 the ferruginous markings wanting40--,giraud4 ,,snipe4 ,genus ,scolopax1 ,linn4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill long1 at least twice the length of the head2 straight1 tapering1 and flattened towards the end2 eyes rather large1 placed high in the head1 and far back from the bill2 neck of moderate length1 and rather thick2 body full2 wings rather long and pointed2 tail moderate and rounded2 legs moderate2 toes slender and rather long1 except the hind one2 middle toe longest1 and connected at the base with the inner by a slight web1 the outer one being free4 ,,dowitcher4 ,dowitch--,brown ,back--,quail-,snipe--,red-,breasted ,snipe4 ,scolopax ,noveboracensis1 ,wils4 ,this is a beautiful1 excellent1 and plentiful bird2 it abounds in the marshes during the entire summer1 congregates in vast flocks1 and although uttering a faint call itself1 is attracted to the decoys by the cry of the yellow-legs1 or almost any sharp whistle4 ,it is remarkably gentle1 individuals often alighting when their associates are slain1 in spite of the unusual uproar2 and it can be more readily approached than any of the bay-birds4 ,its flesh1 moreover1 is quite delicate1 and when fat somewhat similar to that of the ,english snipe1 which it greatly resembles in appearance4 ,in general color it is brownish1 with a light abdomen1 but occasionally the breast is as red as that of a robin in full plumage4 ,its flight is steady1 although when alarmed it 8skivers10 or darts about rapidly1 and as it flies in close ranks1 it suffers proportionally4 ,although it is rather looked down upon by persons who wish to make a show of large birds1 ,i am always entirely satisfied with a good bag of well-conditioned dowitchers4 8,specific ,character4--,spring plumage1 upper parts brownish-black1 variegated with light brownish-red2 lower parts dull orange-red1 abdomen paler1 spotted and barred with black2 rump white2 the tail feathers and the upper and lower tail-coverts1 alternately barred with white and black4 ,in autumn the upper parts are brownish-grey2 the lower parts greyish-white2 the tail feathers and the upper and lower tail-coverts the same as in spring4 ,adult with the bill towards the end black1 lighter at the base2 top of the head1 back of the neck1 scapulars1 tertials1 and fore part of the back1 blackish-brown1 variegated with ferruginous2 secondaries and wing-coverts clove-brown1 the latter edged with white1 the former tipped with the same2 hind part of back white2 the rump marked with roundish spots of blackish-brown2 upper tail-coverts dull white1 barred with black2 tail feathers crossed with numerous black bands1 their tips white2 loral band dusky1 the space between which and the medial band on the fore part of the head1 greyish-white1 tinged with ferruginous1 and slightly touched with dusky2 sides of the head spotted with dark-brown2 lower parts dull orange-red1 the abdomen lighter2 the neck and fore part of breast spotted with dusky2 the sides of the body with numerous bars of the same color2 legs and feet dull yellowish-green4 ,young with the lower parts paler4 ,winter dress1 the upper parts brownish-grey2 neck ash-grey1 streaked with dusky2 lower parts greyish-white1 with dusky bars on the sides of the body4 ,length1 ten inches and a half2 wing1 six40--,giraud4 ,,curlew4 ,genus ,numenius1 ,briss4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill very long1 slender1 decurved or arched1 with the upper mandible the longer1 and obtuse at the end2 head rounded and compressed above2 neck long1 body full1 wings long1 feet rather long2 toes connected at the base2 tibia bare a short space above the knee2 legs rather long2 tail short and rounded4 ,,jack ,,curlew4 ,short-billed ,curlew4 ,hudsonian ,curlew4 ,numenius ,hudsonicus1 ,lath4 ,this is a graceful and elegant bird1 but so shy and so well able to carry off shot1 that it is regarded as the most difficult to kill of all the bay-birds4 ,it has a long1 rolling cry1 and although it approaches the decoys1 it rarely alights1 or even pauses over them2 but1 detecting the deception1 it turns off or passes on in its course4 ,for this reason1 the fortunate sportsman who kills a 8,jack0 is eminently satisfied1 although its flesh is not remarkably fine4 8,specific ,character4--,length of bill1 three inches and three-quarters2 tarsi1 two inches2 lower parts white4 ,adult with the upper part of the head deep brown1 with a central and two lateral lines of whitish2 a brown line from the bill to the eye1 and another behind the eye2 neck all round1 pale yellowish-grey1 longitudinally streaked with brown1 excepting the upper part of the throat1 which is greyish-white2 upper parts in general blackish-brown1 marked with numerous spots of brownish-white1 there being several along the margins of each feather2 wings and rump somewhat lighter2 upper tail-coverts and tail barred with dark-brown and olivaceous grey2 primaries and their coverts blackish-brown1 all with transverse yellowish-grey markings on the inner web2 the shaft of the first quill1 white--of the rest1 brown2 breast and abdomen greyish-white1 the sides tinged with cream color1 and barred with greyish-brown2 bill rather more than twice the length of the head1 of a brownish-black color--at the base of the lower mandible1 flesh colored4 ,length1 eighteen inches2 wing1 nine and a half40--,giraud4 ,,sickle-,,billed ,,curlew4 ,long-billed ,curlew4 ,numenius ,longirostris1 ,wils4 ,the finest1 largest1 most graceful1 and elegant of all the bay-birds is the magnificent sickle-bill2 associating in large flocks1 and with a spread of wings of little less than three feet1 when it approaches the stand1 the sportsman's heart palpitates with excitement1 and the sky seems to have lost its natural blue and become of a rich brown tint4 ,as these splendid birds1 shrieking their hoarse call1 set their wings for the stool1 and crossing one another in their flight1 pause in doubt2 or1 after alighting individually1 rise again1 and hesitate whether to remain or continue their course--the sportsman1 cowering in his lair1 and anxious to take advantage of this glorious opportunity1 becomes wildly eager with excitement2 and if1 after having by a judicious selection brought several to the ground1 he recalls the departing flock which again presents itself to his aim1 his rapture knows no bounds1 and with his reloaded breech-loader1 he repeats1 perhaps more than once1 the exhilarating performance4 ,this lordly bird1 the largest of the bay-snipe1 is often extremely gentle1 and may be lured by the imitation of its cry at an immense distance1 and brought back to the decoys several times1 where one or more of its companions may have fallen2 but at other times it is wild and shy4 ,individuals differ considerably in size1 the largest ,i ever saw having a bill eleven inches long1 and some weighing nearly double as much as others2 but all are of a beautiful reddish-brown or burnt sienna tint1 with a yellowish shade on the abdomen4 ,their flight is steady1 and their flesh tough1 dark1 and oily4 ,their eye is extremely bright1 and their shape graceful4 8,specific ,character4--,bill towards the end decurved2 upper part of the throat1 and a band from the bill to the eye1 light buff2 general plumage1 pale reddish-brown2 head and neck streaked with dusky2 upper parts marked with blackish-brown2 tail barred with the same2 abdomen1 plain reddish-brown2 feet1 bluish4 ,length1 twenty-six inches2 wing1 eleven4 ,the bill of the specimen from which this description is taken measures eight inches4 ,the bills of individuals of this species vary1 but the length is at all times sufficient to determine the species40--,giraud4 ,,fute4 ,doe-bird4--,esquimaux ,curlew4 ,numenius ,borealis1 ,lath4 ,this is an upland bird1 quite rare1 but large1 and rather delicate eating4 8,specific ,character4--,bill1 along the gap1 about two inches and a quarter2 tarsi1 one inch and five-eighths2 upper parts1 dusky brown1 with pale yellowish-white1 marked all over with pale reddish-brown4 ,adult with a line of white from the bill to the eye2 eyelids1 white2 upper part of the head dusky1 spotted in front with greyish-white1 a medial band of the same color2 throat1 white2 neck and breast yellowish-grey1 with longitudinal marks of dusky on the former1 pointed spots of the same color on the latter2 abdomen1 dull yellowish-white2 flanks1 barred with brown2 lower tail coverts the same as the abdomen2 tail and upper tail coverts barred with pale reddish-brown and dusky1 tipped with yellowish-white2 upper parts brownish1 the feathers tipped with pale reddish-brown1 the scapulars margined and tipped with lighter2 primaries1 dark-brown1 margined internally with lighter--the first shaft white1 with the tip dusky--the rest brown4 ,length1 fourteen inches and a half2 wing1 eight40--,giraud4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,montauk ,,point4 ,the eastern end of ,long ,island1 that extremity which seems to stretch out like the hand of welcome towards the nations of the old world1 beckoning their inhabitants to our hospitable shores1 is divided into two long points like the tines of a fork4 ,the upper point shuts in ,long ,island ,sound1 and protects our inland commerce from the violence of the 8,great ,deep20 while the lower prong1 which is kissed on the one side by the blue waters of the ,peconic ,bay1 and on the other is buffeted by the billows of the great ,atlantic1 is known as ,montauk ,point4 ,the heaving ocean seems here to have solidified itself into a sandy soil1 which rises and swells and rolls1 much after the manner of its mighty prototype1 except that a scanty garment of tawny grass clothes the outlines of the billowy waste4 8,cattle on a thousand hills0 here roam in a state of1 at least1 semi-independence1 which they occasionally assert by charging upon the intruding sportsman in a manner which may be intended as playful1 but which looks somewhat serious4 ,for a dozen miles or so only four houses break the monotony of the dreary expanse1 and it is to one of these1 distant some nine miles from the extreme point1 that ,i am about to carry the reader1 for here alone can plover-shooting be enjoyed in its fullest perfection4 ,there are numerous kinds of plover that make their migratory passages along our coasts2 but the one to which ,i refer1 while to the epicure it ranks almost1 if not absolutely1 the first upon the list1 and affords1 by the swiftness of its flight and the eccentricity of its habits1 a prize not unworthy of the highest efforts of the sportsman1 has been the victim of many a misnomer1 but is correctly known by the appellation ,american ,golden ,plover1 ,charadrius pluvialis 7,p474 ,the ,plover-family is large and of high respectability2 but1 when 8upon his native heath10 no one of its clans is entitled to wear a loftier crest than that which we now have under discussion4 ,his near relative1 the ,bartramian ,sandpiper or ,grey ,plover1 is perhaps more aristocratically delicate in his figure1 and is welcomed as heartily at the table of the epicure4 ,but he is less social in his habits1 and rarely affords any but single shots4 ,he does not fraternize with wooden counterfeits1 and his mellow whistle1 as he rises at an impracticable distance1 rarely responds to even the most seductive efforts of his pursuer4 ,but our ,golden friend1 notwithstanding his auriferous title1 his superior beauty of plumage1 his swiftness and strength1 and the savory reputation which he enjoys among the knowing-ones1 is possessed of gregarious habits1 of a singularly frank and unsuspicious nature1 and is generally ready to stop and have a chat with anything which bears the faintest resemblance to a bird and a brother4 ,it is well for his admirers that such is his nature2 and although the wide appreciation of his merits certainly causes great destruction among his ranks1 still the vast flocks which1 sometimes for days together1 fly past1 within sight of the stands1 unshot at1 seem to warrant the hope that the hour of the final extinction of his race is very far distant4 ,taking the ,long ,island railroad to ,greenport in the early part of ,september1 and having encountered and overcome the ordinary delay and difficulty of obtaining a sailboat to further prosecute our voyage1 we find ourselves at last gliding on the waves of the beautiful bay1 past ,shelter and ,gardiner's islands1 and approaching the long low line of the ,nepeague beach4 ,with a favorable breeze we may expect to be landed on the smooth sand in a little cove1 about one mile from our destination1 in two hours from our time of departure2 but if the wind is adverse and the fates unpropitious1 we may have to follow the path to ,lester's in the dark1 which will require our best instincts1 aided by the guidance of the distant booming of the surf1 and the assistance of our especial guardian angel4 ,once there1 however1 and we will be repaid for our sufferings2 we may find a table covered with 8,south-side0 delicacies1 and bearing in the centre a huge dish of beautiful1 odorous1 melting plover1 cooked to a turn1 and we will undoubtedly meet kindred spirits and generous sportsmen who are on the same errand as ourselves4 ,as we dispose of the former1 the latter will pour into our sympathetic ears wonderful accounts of their sport1 and rival one another in recounting the long shots and the good shots they have made1 the numbers of birds they have killed1 and the pounds of bass they have caught4 ,under the influences of a delicious supper and moderate 8nightcap10 we seek our couch with fond visions of the great flocks1 and hopeful dreams that we will do as well on the morrow4 ,at earliest dawn we spring from our bed1 and rushing to the primitive little casement have only time to rejoice in the promise of a fine day1 ere we note the welcome cry of our noble prey hurrying westward over the beach4 ,to don our shooting costume1 to grasp our gun and ammunition1 to load ourselves with the basket containing decoys and incidentals1 and to emerge into the cool air of the ,september morning1 require but a few minutes2 we hasten across the sandy hillocks to our appointed spot1 marked by a hollow scooped out for the concealment of former visitants1 and by the quantity of feathers and cigar-stumps lying loosely around2 and with hands trembling with impatience1 we distribute the stools in what seems to us to be the most artistic and seductive manner1--for the birds are now beginning to fly just within a tantalizing yet impracticable range1 and we long for action4 ,how wild1 how glorious is the hour and the scene6 ,the heavy boom of the ocean1 which rolls almost at our feet1 is relieved by the soft1 mellow notes of the sea-birds which float through the air in varied yet harmonious cadence1 and by the low of distant cattle1 just shaking off their slothful dreams4 ,hardly have we disposed our body to the requisite flatness1 when a chattering chorus of melody makes our heart leap with eagerness1 and our eyes strain with impatience to discern its source4 ,aha1 we have them now6 that small1 erratic cloud to the eastward1 bearing directly before the wind towards our covert1 sends a thrill through our being1 which the whole 8spacious firmament on high10 even on the loveliest of nights1 has1 we honestly confess it1 never succeeded in imparting4 ,on they come1 nearer1 nearer1 nearer4 ,we pucker up our lips to greet their approach1 but the saucy gale renders our rude efforts futile1 and we commit our trust to ,providence and our painted counterfeits4 ,now they are within easy range1 but somewhat scattered2 with a violent effort at self-command1 worthy of a higher cause1 we remain motionless1 for there are evident indications of a social spirit in that joyous group4 ,they pause1 they swerve1 they wheel upon their tracks1 and with motionless wings and a sweet low-murmured greeting1 they approach the fatal stools4 ,how rash the confidence6 ,how foul the treachery6 ,but1 we must also confess1 how intense the excitement1 as we pull the right trigger at the critical moment1 and then1 as the deluded victims scatter wildly1 with an outburst of appeal against man's cruelty1 give them the left barrel1 and add three more to the list of feathered martyrs4 ,with lightning speed1 their thinned ranks vanish beyond the neighboring sand-hills1 and reloading our gun1 we hasten to gather up the slain4 ,six with the right and three with the left barrel1 are pretty well for a beginning2 but we had better have remained at our post1 for while we are chasing up one of the wounded birds1 two more flocks pass within easy range of our hiding-place4 ,hurriedly twisting the neck of the fugitive1 we resume our lonely watch1 and before the breakfast-hour of eight1 which our unwontedly early exertions have made a somewhat serious epoch1 we have had two more double shots1 and increased our score to twenty-one4 ,beautiful1 8beautiful exceedingly0 is the burden of game which we proudly carry back to our inn1 leaving our stools as they stand4 ,a hearty breakfast makes us feel like a new man1 and1 after a fair discussion of its merits1 lighting our pipe1 we again wend our way to the scene of our triumph4 ,the cry is still they come2 flock after flock presents its compliments1 and leaves mementoes of its presence2 but towards noon the hot sun disposes the birds to listless inactivity1 the flight diminishes1 and finally stops4 ,returning to the house with a bag larger by only three birds than that of the morning1 we kill the hours before dinner by a few casts into the breakers1 and land a ten-pound bass4 ,with sharpened appetite1 we welcome the savory dinner1 and are quite contented to rest and let our prey rest till five o'clock1 when fifteen more birds reward our post-prandial exertions1 and make up a total for the day of sixty plover and one bass4 ,we sink to sleep that night with the proud consciousness that our first day's plover-shooting has been a great success2 our heart prays silently for a continuance of our good fortune1 and we indulge in sweet thoughts of home1 and the pleasure our return laden with spoils will cause1 when our friends greet us and them at the social board4 ,the next day is as delightful2 the sweet1 thrilling music again fills the air at short intervals2 again our trusty breech-loader sends its charge into the thickest of the 8brown10 or cuts down the straggler looking for 8former companions all vanished and gone40 ,again we call the swift-travelling flock from the very zenith1 or whistle our lips into a blister1 endeavoring to attract the wary knowing ones that pause to look1 only to flee the faster2 and the night finds us with a still larger bag1 but without a bass4 ,so eager have we become1 so fearful that we should lose a shot1 and judging by the accumulating clouds in the east that on the morrow it may storm1 that we stay out all day1 except the necessary moments for our meals1 and give no thought to the monsters of the deep4 ,nor were we mistaken2 the morrow comes1 the gathering storm has broken1 and no creature of mortal mould can face its fury--at least no bird1 with any pretensions to common sense or respectability1 would imperil his plumes by an unnecessary exposure to such an ordeal4 ,so with forced patience1 we get through the live-long day as best we can2 and on the following day1 hail a sky as cloudless as the most ardent sportsman could desire4 ,but alas6 the flight has gone by1 scared away perhaps by the storm1 or retreating before the advancing fall2 and when we take our seat at the breakfast-table1 we are obliged to admit that only nine birds have fallen to our gun4 ,but the irrepressible and inextinguishable ,lester rises triumphant in this emergency4 ,he boldly suggests that there must be some sluggards1 who have tarried1 spell-bound by the attractions of such a terrestrial1 or1 rather ornithological1 paradise2 and accordingly1 he hitches up a venerable specimen of the genus 8,equus10 and we start for an excursion 8over the hills and far away40 ,before we have advanced a couple of miles we have bagged a half dozen solitary specimens of ,bartram's ,sandpiper or ,grey ,plover1 so dear to the sportsman and the gourmand1 but have seen no trace of the object of our pursuit4 ,when1 suddenly1 as we surmount one of the swelling eminences which are the prevailing feature of this district of country1 we come upon a sight such as1 perhaps1 but few sportsmen have ever beheld4 ,a gentle hollow spreads before us1 for several acres1 literally covered with the ranks of the much-desired1 the matchless ,golden ,plover4 ,as they stand in serried legions1 the white mark on their heads gives a strange chequered weirdness to the phalanx3 and we involuntarily pause1 spell-bound by the novelty of the spectacle4 ,lester himself1 though an old hand1 owns that he has never before gazed on such a sight4 ,there they stand with heads erect1 and bodies motionless1 just out of gunshot4 ,their number is computed by our companion to be not less than three thousand1 closely packed1 and apparently awaiting our onset4 ,what is to be done8 ,delay may be fatal1 but precipitancy would be equally so3 and our pulses stop beating under the stress of the emergency4 ,our horse also stops1 obedient to an involuntary pull of the reins4 ,we accept the omen1 and cautiously descend from our vehicle2 warily crawling to within seventy yards1 we halt as we see unmistakable evidences of uneasiness and suspicion among the crowded ranks4 ,they stoop1 they run1 they rise with 8a sounding roar10 to which the united report of our four barrels savagely responds4 ,away1 away with headlong speed1 scatters and dissolves that multitudinous host1 and we hasten to secure our spoils4 ,but1 seventy yards make a long range for plover-shooting1 and we are somewhat chagrined to find that only six dead and seven wounded birds remain as proofs of the accuracy of our aim1 and the efficiency of our weapons4 ,hurriedly we plant our stools1 hoping for the return of at least a considerable portion of the vanished forces2 but they have apparently had enough of our society1 and1 after two hours spent in ambush1 with only an occasional shot at single stragglers or small flocks1 we wend our way back to the house4 ,on the morrow we kill a dozen birds over the stools1 before breakfast1 among which are two specimens of the beautiful ,esquimaux ,curlew or ,fute1 as he is commonly called1 and which seems to be on terms of the closest intimacy with our ,golden friend4 ,we find him to be a heavier bird1 equally inclined to obesity1 and1 as future experiments satisfy us1 nearly as perfect in delicate richness of flavor4 ,at nine o'clock ,dobbin is again harnessed1 and we start for the scene of yesterday's exploit4 ,but the sighing wind now sweeps over only a deserted moor1 and we direct our course towards ,stratton's1 to make an inspection of ,great ,pond4 ,here1 by good luck and management1 we bag five teal and a black duck1 as well as three passing plover4 ,a few large flocks of the latter are seen1 but they are wary and unapproachable2 and after several fruitless efforts1 we abandon their pursuit and start for dinner4 ,having rendered full justice to the merits of a bountiful repast1 which1 if it is made prominent in this account1 was still more prominent in our hungry thoughts1 we stroll to the ocean-side and make a dozen casts for bass1 but our luck seems to be on the turn and we decide to leave on the morrow for ,greenport4 ,about an hour before sunset1 a few birds are on the wing1 and we again seek the field of our first success4 ,here we make our final effort1 and are rewarded with five noble victims1 killed singly at long shots1 and we restore our breech-loader to its case4 ,we have no reason to be dissatisfied with our four-days' sport1 and it is with a certain reluctance1 and a sincere resolve to renew our visit at an early date1 that we pack our valise in anticipation of a start on the morrow4 ,our team is at the door2 we bid adieu to some ladies of the household 7of whom while writing these lines we have thought much1 though we have1 until now1 said nothing71 and1 mounting by ,lester's side1 we trot merrily over the hills1 till we reach the deep sandy desert of the ,nepeague beach4 8,a long pull1 and a strong pull0 for an hour1 brings us to 8terra firma0 again1 and rattling through the quaint old town of ,easthampton1 after a charming drive1 we reach ,sag ,harbor1 where a most absurdly diminutive steamer1 of just seven-horse power1 awaits to convey us to ,greenport4 ,we part from our host with sincere gratitude for the genial kindness which he has shown to us during our visit1 and step on the narrow deck of the tiny craft4 ,a voyage of thirteen miles1 made under a full head of steam in just two hours and a quarter1 brings us once more to the beautiful village of ,greenport1 where the cars are awaiting us4 ,we return with a bag full of game1 and the following general conclusions and precepts impressed upon our mind3 ,in plover shooting use ,no4 #f shot in the left barrel1 for the birds are of wonderful strength and require to be hit hard1 or they will fly an immense distance even if 8sick unto death10 and if crippled1 will sneak1 and hide1 and run1 and cause much loss of time that is precious indeed4 ,do not fire too soon2 as the flock will generally 8double0 if allowed sufficient time1 and then is the chance to 8rake 'em down40 ,be patient1 keep cool1 aim ahead of the birds1 and keep wide awake4 ,on almost any day1 from the #beth of ,august to the #ajth of ,september1 there are sport and pleasure to be had among the wild sand-hills of ,montauk2 and if there has been a north-easterly storm1 with pitchforks full of rain and caps full of wind1 there will be such an abundance of birds as only experience can conceive of or appreciate4 ,that is an event that most of us have yet to wait for4 ,reader1 ,i wish ,i were sufficiently unselfish to say honestly--may you enjoy it first4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,rail ,,shooting4 ,success in this delightful sport depends as much upon the proper accessories1 together with experience in minor matters1 as in the great art of properly handling the gun4 ,the best shot1 badly equipped1 will be surpassed by an inferior marksman accustomed to the business1 and thoroughly fitted out for it4 ,the shooting is done among high reeds1 and from small1 light1 and unstable skiffs1 which are poled over muddy shallows with an unsteady motion that puts an end to skill which is not founded on long practice4 ,the sport lasts only during the few hours of high water1 when the entire day's bag must be made1 and requires1 after the bird has been killed1 a sharp eye to retrieve him amid the weeds and floating grass4 ,the number bagged1 however1 is sometimes prodigious2 and although we rarely now hear of hundreds killed 8in a tide10 as was formerly not unusual1 the shots are still frequently rapid1 and the result satisfactory4 ,the bird rises heavily1 its long legs hanging down behind2 flying slowly1 it presents an easy mark to any one upon terra firma1 and if not shot at1 will alight after proceeding thirty or forty yards4 ,it comes on from the north during the early part of ,september1 and disappears so instantaneously with the first heavy frost1 that our superstitious baymen imagine it retires into the mud4 ,it can1 however1 fly strongly1 as ,i have occasionally had unpleasant evidence under peculiar circumstances1 and in wild1 windy weather4 ,during low water1 when it can run upon the muddy bottom among the thick stalks1 which it does rapidly1 it can hardly be flushed by any but the strongest and toughest dog1 and is not frequently pursued2 although many persons enjoy the hard walking and exposure of this plan1 preferring to tramp over the quaking surface of our broad salt meadows1 and flushing the rail from amid some tuft of reeds1 kill him with the aid of their loved fellow-playmate1 a high-strung setter or untiring water spaniel4 ,as the tide rises1 however1 and covers the bottom with a few inches of water1 the rail1 caught feeding among its favorite wild oats1 or on the grains of the high reeds1 and alarmed at the advancing boat1 is forced to take wing and present an easy mark to its destroyer4 ,but if missed1 although marked down to an inch1 it rarely rises a second time1 having probably escaped by swimming--a thorough knowledge of which is among its numerous accomplishments4 ,the rail has a long1 thin1 and soft body1 which it appears to have the faculty of compressing2 as it can glide amid the thick stems of reeds and grass with wonderful rapidity2 and if wounded1 it will dive and swim under water1 leaving its bill only projecting1 so as to bid defiance to pursuit4 ,the first necessity of equipment for this sport is a breech-loading gun1 which not only enables the sportsman to kill double the number of birds1 but will occasionally give him the benefit1 by a rapid change in the charge1 of a favorable presentation of a chance flock of ducks4 ,but as many persons1 out of a want of knowledge or of funds1 still cling to the old muzzle-loader1 it may be well briefly to mention the articles that tend to modify its inferiority4 ,of course1 as the shooting occupies but a few hours1 and in good days the birds are perpetually on the wing1 it is essential to load rapidly2 and to do this the sportsman places on a thwart before him a tin box divided into compartments for powder1 shot1 caps1 and wads1 or1 as ,i prefer1 two boxes1 one filled with powder and the other with the other materials4 ,for many reasons there should be a lid over the powder--to prevent its being ignited by a chance spark or blown away by a strong wind--and the ordinary flask is frequently used in spite of the consequent delay4 ,a double scoop1 made of tin or brass1 and regulated to the precise load1 is placed among the powder and the shot1 and a solid loading-stick lies near at hand4 ,by these means the rapidity of loading is more than doubled2 the powder is dropped into both barrels at once by means of the double scoop1 wads are driven home by a single blow of the rod1 both barrels are charged with shot at once in the same manner1 the caps are within easy reach1 and the gun is loaded in less than half the time consumed in the ordinary process4 ,the shot may be made into cartridges of paper with a wad at the upper end1 and thus a few additional of the precious seconds saved4 ,both barrels are discharged before either is reloaded1 and the birds are retrieved immediately4 ,the sportsman stands erect1 without any support to modify the unsteadiness consequent upon the irregular motion of the boat1 and requires practice1 not merely to enable him to take aim1 but even to retain his footing4 ,where the water is low and the reeds strong1 this difficulty is augmented1 as the boat entirely loses its way after every push1 and advances by jerks that utterly confound a novice4 ,experience1 however1 being acquired in loading rapidly and in retaining his balance1 the sportsman's labors are easy2 but the punter requires many different qualities1 and upon his excellence mainly depends the final result4 ,he must possess judgment to select the best ground1 strength to urge on the boat unflaggingly1 and an inordinate development of the bump of locality to mark the dead birds4 ,the bird once killed and the sportsman part ended1 then the punter displays his ability2 and if thoroughly versed in his craft will push the boat through tall reeds1 and matted weeds1 and fallen oat-stalks1 and drifted grass1 with wonderful accuracy to the very spot1 and peering down amid the roots1 will distinguish the brown feathers almost covered with water and hidden by the vegetable growth4 ,in order to retrieve quickly1 a wide-meshed scapnet is a great convenience2 but to mark well1 a man must be endowed by nature with that peculiar gift4 ,among the vast mass of undistinguishable marine plants that spring from the muddy bottom and rise a few inches or many feet above the surface1 it would seem impossible to determine1 within an approach to accuracy1 where some bird1 visible only for a moment and cut down when just topping the reeds1 has fallen2 and when another bird rises to meet the same fate1 and perhaps a dozen are down before the first is retrieved1 successful marking becomes a miracle4 ,with some punters on the ,delaware1 where their names are famous1 so wonderful is the precision that every bird1 if killed outright1 will be recovered1 and even a poor marksman will make a respectable return2 but when the gentleman shoots badly and the man marks worse1 rail-shooting is unprofitable4 ,for this sport1 thus followed1 it will be seen that a punter is indispensable1 and it is made the business of a large class of men along the salt marshes where the rail most do congregate2 and wherever a punter cannot be obtained1 as in the wilder portions of our country1 rail-shooting cannot be had4 ,from the necessity for rapid firing1 the immense advantage of a breech-loader must be apparent2 the tide rarely serves for over two or three hours1 and to kill more than a hundred birds in that time with a muzzle-loader is a remarkable feat1 as it requires almost the entire time for the mere loading and firing of the gun2 but the breech-loader may be charged in an instant1 and enables the sportsman to improve the lucky chance of coming upon a goodly collection of birds1 and make the most of the scanty time permitted to him4 ,none of those vexatious mistakes that occasionally happen to the best sportsmen can befall him2 the shot cannot get into the wrong barrel1 nor the cap be forgotten2 the powder is not exposed to ashes from a careless man's cigar2 and there being no hurry1 there is more probability of steady nerves and a true aim4 ,the charge should be light--three-quarters of an ounce of shot and two drachms of powder being abundant to kill the soft and gentle rail--and pellets at least as fine as ,no4 #i are preferable to coarser sizes4 ,old cartridges1 that have been split and mended by gumming a piece of paper over the crack1 may be used in the breech-loader1 provided the sportsman desires to indulge in praiseworthy economy1 or is deficient in a supply4 ,the sport is extremely exciting3 the boat is forced along with considerable rustling and breaking of stems and stalks2 the bright sun streams down upon the yellow reeds and lights up the variegated foliage of the distant shore2 the waves of the bay or river1 rising apparently to a level with the eye1 sparkle in the gentle breeze that bends the sedge grass in successive waves2 neighboring boats come and go1 approach and recede2 the rapid reports are heard in all directions1 like fireworks on the ,fourth of ,july2 the sportsman stands erect1 and eager with delirious excitement1 near the bow2 the punter balances himself1 and wields his long pole dexterously on a small platform at the stern4 ,silently a bird1 rising close to the boat1 wings its way1 with pendent legs and feeble strokes1 towards some one of its numerous hiding-places2 instantly the punter plants his pole firmly in the bottom1 holding the skiff stationary1 the sportsman brings up his piece1 and1 with deliberate aim1 sends the charge straight after the doomed rail1 which pitches headlong out of sight4 ,the punter has marked him by that single wild rice-stalk with the broken top1 and heads the boat at once towards the place2 but ere he has advanced a dozen feet1 another bird starts and offers to the expectant sportsman1 who has his gun still 8at a ready10 another favorable chance1 and1 meeting the same fate1 falls into that low bunch of matted wild oats4 ,the breech-loader opens1 the charges are extracted and others inserted1 just in time to make sure of two rail that rise simultaneously1 still ere the first has been reached1 and which are both tumbled over and marked down--one1 however1 wing-tipped1 and never to be seen by mortal eye again4 ,thus have ,i experienced it on the ,delaware1 at ,hackensack1 and1 in former days1 among the tributaries of ,jamaica ,bay1 and at many other places where more or less success has attended me4 ,although never having enjoyed great luck1 never having advanced beyond the first hundred1 and claiming to be no such marksman as several of my friends1 ,i have had wondrous sport4 ,of a good day1 when the tide is favorable and the game plenty1 the excitement is continuous1 and increased by a sense of competition4 ,other sportsmen are on the same ground1 stopping probably at the same hotel and shooting in close proximity--occasionally too close1 if they are thoughtless or careless4 ,not only will a charge of mustard seed sometimes rattle against the boat1 but is apt1 now and then1 to pierce the clothes and penetrate the skin1 followed by an irritation of mind and body2 but when the tide has fallen1 and the sport is over1 a comparison of the bag made by each sportsman is inevitable1 and no general assertions of round numbers will answer1 but the birds must be produced4 ,it is vain to claim what cannot be exhibited1 and more than useless to talk of the immense quantities that were killed but not retrieved2 such excuses are answered by ridicule1 and if the poor shot would avoid being a butt1 he must be modest and submissive4 ,there is danger too1 at times1 although an upset in the weeds can result in nothing worse than a wetting of oneself and one's ammunition1 and the ruin of the day's enjoyment2 but ,i was once on the ,delaware1 opposite ,chester1 when a fierce north-wester was blowing1 which had driven much of the water out of the bay and river4 ,the tide1 of course1 was poor1 having difficulty to rise at all against the gale1 which kept on increasing every moment1 and the birds were scarce and difficult to flush4 ,the work of poling was laborious2 the boats stopped after every push1 and the heavy swell from the broad river1 rolling in a long distance among the reeds1 added a new motion to their natural unsteadiness4 ,of course the sport was not encouraging1 and the accidents were numerous2 several sportsmen fell overboard1 one upset his boat1 and my man came so near it--his pole slipping at the moment he was exerting his utmost strength upon it--that his efforts to recover his balance reminded me of dancing the hornpipe in a state of frenzy4 ,he kicked up more capers1 and indulged in more contortions on the little platform1 scarcely a foot square1 which he occupied1 than ,i supposed possible without dislocation of a limb2 but he managed1 however1 to regain his equilibrium1 and neither fell overboard nor upset the skiff4 ,these little incidents1 and the shooting1 such as it was1 kept the party1 which was numerous1 interested until the time came for recrossing the river to our hotel4 ,there was no stopping-place on our present side of the river1 which presented one apparently endless view of waving reeds2 and the alternative was simply to cross the open river1 or pass the night in our boats4 ,the swell had increased into high waves capped with snowy foam1 and threatened destruction to our low-sided1 short1 and narrow boats4 ,many were the consultations between the various punters1 and grave were the doubts expressed of a safe crossing2 but as there was no help for it1 the trial had to be made4 ,selections were chosen of favorable starting-points1 and most of the party put out at about the same time--the sportsman lying on the bottom at full length in the stern1 and the oarsman timing his strokes to the violence of the sea4 ,the waves broke over us continually2 it was necessary to bail every few minutes1 and several had to put back when they met with some more than usually heavy wave1 and take a fresh start1 after emptying the superfluous water4 ,of course we were drenched to the skin1 but found a species of consolation in knowing that no one had the advantage of another4 ,had any of our boats upset1 although we might have clung to them and drifted back among the reeds1 we could have effected a landing nowhere1 and would probably have terminated our career then and there2 had this happened to a certain little skiff that held two men and very few rail1 this account would probably never have been written4 ,however1 fate ordained otherwise1 and we reached our destination in safety4 ,the best locality for rail-shooting is along the marshy shores of the ,delaware ,river1 above and below ,philadelphia2 many birds are also killed on the ,hackensack and the ,connecticut2 they are abundant on the ,james ,river1 and doubtless further south1 but are not shot there2 and they are found scattered over the fresh as well as the salt marshes throughout the entire country4 ,i have killed them in the corn-fields of ,illinois while in pursuit of the prairie chicken1 and have bagged several and heard many among the wild rice of the drowned shores of ,lake ,erie4 ,they are a migratory bird1 and pass to the southward in the early fall rather in advance of the ,english snipe1 and alight at any damp spots for a temporary rest wherever the growth of plants promises nutriment4 ,they are often flushed by the snipe-shooter1 together with the larger fresh-water rail1 rallus elegans1 and their curious cry resounds along the reedy marshes where the wild-fowler pursues the early ducks4 ,nevertheless1 they are difficult to flush and kill where there is no tide to drive them from their muddy retreats1 and where the ground is too heavy for a dog2 and1 comparatively speaking1 on fresh water1 unless the wind shall have caused a temporary rise1 they are safe from injury4 ,their voices reply with the guttural 8krek-krek-krek0 to the noise of the boat1 and tauntingly boast of their abundance and their security4 ,moreover1 in a new country1 where larger game is still plentiful1 the excellences of the tender but diminutive rail are lost sight of by comparison with his more profitable compeers2 and except along the ,atlantic coast1 he is known as a game-bird neither to the sportsman nor the cook4 ,from the fact that he is rarely seen in the spring1 and does not at that season give his enemies a chance to prevent his reaching his nesting-places at the far north--but only visits us during a few short weeks in the fall1 and then is not much exposed1 except in certain localities--his race will be preserved in undiminished numbers for many generations2 the light skiffs will carry the eager city sportsman along the shores of the ,delaware1 the ,hackensack1 and the cove on the ,connecticut1 and the rapid reports will continue to reverberate over the reedy marshes4 ,there are two varieties1 the short-billed or sora-rail1 rallus ,carolinus2 and the long-billed1 or ,virginia rail1 rallus ,virginianus1 which are easily distinguished by this peculiarity1 and differ1 also1 slightly in plumage4 ,the sora-rail are by far the most numerous1 especially along the sea-coast1 and are usually referred to as 8the rail10 but both are shot and eaten indiscriminately4 ,their habits1 mode of flight1 and gastronomic qualities1 appear to be identical1 but ,i think the ,virginia rail are proportionally more numerous at the ,west1 having a slight preference1 perhaps1 for the fresh water4 ,their food must be1 however1 essentially different2 for while the sora1 on account of its short bill1 must be confined to the seeds of its favorite reed1 zimosa1 or the grains of the wild oats1 the ,virginia rail1 with its longer bill1 also draws much of its nourishment from snails and aquatic insects1 and is considered by some less delicate in flavor than the former variety4 ,about the fifth of ,september1 before the ,english snipe are numerous1 although their taunting 8scaip0 may be occasionally heard on their broad1 open feeding-grounds2 ere the ducks have marshalled their legions in retreat from the chilly blasts of the north1 after the bay-birds1 with the exception of the 8short-neck10 shall have mainly passed to the southward1 and before the quail are large enough to kill--the sportsman arms himself with his breech-loader1 and driving to ,hackensack or taking steamboat from ,philadelphia1 embarks in the slight skiff usually called a 8rail-boat10 and practises his hand--possibly out of exercise since the woodcock days of early ,july--upon the tame and languid rail4 ,his cartridges are prepared for the occasion2 as he does not intend to devote more than a day or two to the amusement1 he takes with him a light suit1 appropriate to the boat and the weather1 gaiter shoes1 flannel pants and shirt1 and his waterproof1 to meet a temporary shower1 and he lays in sufficient liquid for himself and his man1 knowing that salt air produces thirst and country inns bad liquor4 ,thus armed and equipped1 if he is fortunate enough to have high tides1 he is almost sure to enjoy fine sport1 and bring home a bag of game that will furnish forth his table right handsomely to a goodly company1 or go far and spread much satisfaction among his friends who may be the fortunate recipients4 ,the heats of the summer solstice are over1 the birds will keep several days with care1 and the sportsman has not to dread either the burning sun of ,august or the freezing blasts of winter4 ,many double shots present themselves in rail-shooting2 and upon the manner in which these are turned to account1 and the brilliancy with which a bird that rises while the sportsman is in the act of loading1 is covered with the hastily charged barrel and cut down1 depends the superiority of one marksman over another4 ,in the days of the muzzle-loader1 ,i have killed many a bird with one barrel while the ramrod was still in the other1 and have shot several with the barrels resting on my arm1 when they had slipped from my hand in bringing the gun up hurriedly to my shoulder4 ,every single rise should be secured as matter-of-course1 and most of the double ones1 care being taken in the latter to obey that great rule1 of always killing the more difficult shot first2 if you shoot right-handed1 as the majority of persons do1 and one bird flies to the right and the other to the left1 shoot first at the former1 and you will have less difficulty in bringing back the gun towards the latter4 ,never relax your vigilance1 as the birds rise silently1 without the warning whistle of the woodcock or whirr of the quail1 at the least expected moment2 and if the punter attempts to direct your attention1 the chances are ten to one that you look in the wrong quarter4 ,the rail1 while being a pleasant bird to shoot1 is also a pleasant bird to eat4 ,there is no variety of our wild game1 large or small1 that is more delicious2 its flavor is excellent1 and its tenderness beyond comparison2 it may not have the rich full flavor of that noblest of them all1 the big-eyed woodcock1 nor the savory raciness of the full-breasted quail1 nor the strong game taste of the stylish ruffed grouse1 nor the unequalled richness of the kingly canvas-back--but in tender1 melting delicacy it is hardly surpassed4 ,if cooked in perfection1 it drops to pieces in the mouth1 leaving only a delightful residuum of enjoyment4 ,it should be floated in rosy wine1 and washed down with the ruby claret1 and accompanied by fried potatoes1 thin and crisp as a new bank note4 ,it may be preceded by the pice de resistance1 and should be followed only by salad1 which may in fact be eaten with it1 if dressed with sufficient purity4 ,kill your rail handsomely in the field1 missing not more than one in twenty1 present him properly and with due appreciation on the table1 and eat him with the gratitude that he deserves4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,wild-,,fowl ,,shooting4 ,it is not proposed to give any extended account of wild-fowl shooting as practised on the waters of ,long ,island1 or in the neighborhood of the great ,northern cities2 the unsportsmanlike modes of proceeding which are there in vogue1 and which1 while contravening all true ideas of sport1 insult common sense by the ruthless injury they inflict1 have been fully set forth by other writers4 ,in stationing a battery--that imitation coffin1 which should be a veritable one1 if justice had its way1 to every man who enters it--and in lying prone in it through the cold days of winter1 the market-man may find his pecuniary profit1 but the gentleman can receive no pleasure2 while the permanent injury inflicted by driving away the ducks from their feeding-grounds1 and making them timorous of stopping at all in waters from any and all portions of which unseen foes may arise1 is ten times as great as the temporary advantage gained2 and as for calling that sport1 which is merely the wearisome endurance of cold and tedium to obtain game that might be killed more handsomely1 and in the long run more abundantly1 by other methods1 is an entire misapplication of the word4 ,so long as the shooter confines himself to points of land or sedge1 whether he uses decoys or awaits the accidental passage of the birds1 he not only permits himself a change of position and sufficient motion to keep his blood in circulation1 but he allows the frightened flocks that have already lost several of their number in running the gauntlet1 a secure retreat in the open waters1 and undisturbed rest at meal time4 ,and so long as this is granted them they will tarry1 and trust to their sharp eyes and quick ears to save their lives2 but when they cannot feed in peace1 and when they can find no haven of safety in the broad expanse of water1 they will inevitably continue their migration1 and seek more hospitable quarters4 ,wild-fowl shooting1 as pursued at the ,west1 or even at the ,south1 is glorious and exhilarating2 there the sportsman has exercise1 or the assistance of his faithful and intelligent retriever1 and is required to bring into play the higher powers of his nature4 ,he manages his own boat1 or he stands securely upon the firm ground1 and if he has not a canine companion1 chases his crippled birds and retrieves the dead ones by his own unaided efforts4 ,at the ,west1 although the vast numbers do not collect that congregate in the ,chesapeake ,bay and ,currituck ,inlet1 there is an independence in the mode of pursuit that has a peculiar charm2 and from the facilities afforded by the nature of the ground1 the excellent cover furnished by the high reeds1 and the immense number of single shots1 the average success is as great as in the more open waters of the ,southern coast4 ,the employment of retrievers is not general in our country1 which is1 by the character of its marshes and growth of plants1 better suited for the full display of their capacities than any other4 ,there are certain objections to the use of a dog in wild-fowl shooting1 which1 although entirely overbalanced in the writer's opinion by the corresponding advantages1 are unquestionably serious4 ,the season for duck-shooting is mainly late and cold1 when it is essential to the shooter's comfort that his boat should be dry2 but the dog1 with every retrieved bird1 comes back dripping with wet1 and if he does not let it drain into the bottom of the skiff1 where it 8swashes0 about over clothes and boots1 shakes himself in a way to deluge with a mimic cataract every person and thing within yards of him4 ,it is unreasonable to ask of the intelligent and devoted but shivering creature1 that he should remain standing in the freezing water or upon the damp sedge2 and if the master is as little of a brute as his companion1 and has a spare coat1 the dog will have it for a bed1 regardless of the consequences4 ,nor is this the only difficulty2 for unless the animal has instinctive judgment as well as careful training1 he may in open water upset the frail skiff1 by either jumping out of it1 or clambering into it injudiciously4 ,a thoughtful creature maybe taught to make his entry and exit over the stern1 but unfortunately1 some of the most enthusiastic and serviceable dogs have little discretion or forethought2 and unless he is trained to perfect quiet1 and broken to entire immobility at the most exciting moments1 he is apt to interfere sadly with the sport4 ,in spite of these inconveniences1 however1 the loss of many of his birds--amounting1 amid the dense reeds of the western lakes1 to nearly one-half of the whole number--will satisfy the sportsman that the retriever1 with his devoted and wonderful sagacity1 to say nothing of his delightful companionship1 is a most desirable acquisition4 ,where the sportsman is forced to pursue his calling solitary and alone1 so far as human associates are concerned1 he will find the presence of his four-footed friend a great satisfaction1 and1 amid the solitary and unemployed midday hours1 a pleasant resource4 ,the dog is the natural companion of the sportsman--the partaker of his pleasures1 the coadjutor of his triumphs2 and whenever his peculiar gifts can be used to advantage1 it is a gratification to both to call upon him4 ,the knowledge that he will acquire in time is truly marvellous4 ,not only does he possess the power of smell1 but his eyesight and hearing far surpass those of man2 he will often discern a flock long before it is visible to human eyes1 and his motions will warn his master of its approach4 ,his training can be carried on beyond limit2 his knowledge increases daily1 and his devotion is unbounded4 ,of all the race1 the retriever is probably the most intelligent2 as1 in fact1 intelligence is one of his necessary qualifications4 ,for this work no breed has the slightest value unless the individuals possess rare sagacity and almost human judgment4 ,some of the most valuable ,english dogs have been from an accidental cross2 and a pure cur with a heavy coat is often as good as any other4 ,there is in ,england a strain of dogs known as retrievers2 they are mostly used in connexion with upland shooting1 as ,english pointers and setters are not broken to fetch2 but the favorite animals for wild-fowl shooting1 which have made their name notorious in connexion with this specialty1 have generally come from parents neither of which possesses the true retriever blood4 ,in this country the best breed will have some of the ,newfoundland strain2 the animal must be clothed with a dense coat of thick hair to endure the severe exposure to which he is subjected1 and must be endowed with a natural aptitude and passion for swimming4 ,the usual color is dark1 which1 in the writer's judgment1 is a great mistake2 and the only really distinct breed of retrievers is known as that of ,baltimore4 ,in the ,southern ,states the dog1 as an assistant in wild-fowl shooting1 has always been in far greater repute than at the ,north2 although the inland lakes of the latter1 the extensive marshes closely grown up with tall zimosas1 matted wild oats1 and thick weeds1 make his services far more desirable4 ,at the ,south alone has any intelligent attention been given to raising a superior strain of retrievers2 and whether we seek an animal that by his curious motions will toll ducks up to the stand1 or by his natural intelligence will aid the punt-shooter in recovering his game1 it is at the ,south alone that we can find any admitted pedigree4 ,in the ,northern ,states1 however1 the 8native10 as he is called at the ,west--probably from the fact that he is invariably a foreigner--selects any promising pup1 and by means of much flogging and steady work trains him to a faint knowledge of his duties4 ,a young dog loves to fetch1 and will take pleasure in chasing a ball thrown for him round the room1 and if he is a water-dog1 naturally brings from the water a stick cast into it1 so that the routine part is easily impressed upon him2 but an animal with this proficiency alone is scarcely worth keeping4 ,a good dog must have intuitive quickness of thought and judgment2 he must know enough to lie perfectly motionless when a flock is approaching2 he must understand how to retrieve his birds judiciously1 bringing the cripples first2 he must have perseverance1 endurance1 and great personal vigor4 ,a duck is cunning1 and to outwit its many artifices and evasions the retriever must have greater shrewdness2 it can skulk1 and hide1 and swim1 and sneak1 and he must have the patience to follow it1 and the strength to capture it4 ,wonderful stories are told of the many exhibitions of what seems much like human reason1 evinced by some of the celebrated retrievers4 ,but probably the rarest quality for a dog or man to possess1 and the most necessary to both1 if they would excel in field sports1 is the power of self-restraint4 ,to ask an animal1 trembling all over with delirious excitement1 to lie down and remain perfectly motionless during those most trying moments when the ducks are approaching and being killed1 is to demand of him a self-control greater than would be often found in his master4 ,yet upon this quality in the dog depends the entire question of his value or worthlessness2 if he makes the slightest motion1 the quick eyes of the birds are sure to discern it2 and if he bounces up at the first discharge1 he will certainly destroy his master's chance of using his second barrel1 and perhaps upset him over the side of the boat4 ,it is to avoid the sharp eyes of the ducks that a black color for the dog has been condemned4 ,amid the yellow and brown reeds of the marshes1 or upon the reflective surface of the open water1 black1 from its capacity for absorbing the rays of light1 is visible at an immense distance4 ,yellow1 brown1 or grey are the best shades2 and any color is preferable to black4 ,red is selected by the ,southerners for their tolling dogs1 but this is with the purpose of making them attractive4 ,many persons conceive that a dark coat is warmer for an animal than white1 an idea that is carried into practice in the ordinary winter dress of human beings2 but it is refuted not only by the simplest principles of science1 but by the natural covering of the animals that inhabit the cold climes of the north4 ,the polar bear is clothed in white1 while the southern bear is of a deep black2 and many of the animals and some birds that pass the winter in the arctic regions1 change their dress in winter from dark to grey or pure white4 ,undoubtedly with a retriever the first point is to consider his protection against cold2 plunging as he does at short intervals into water at a low temperature1 and exposed when emerging to the still colder blasts of olus1 he must be rendered comfortable as far as possible at the sacrifice of every other consideration4 ,this is attained by the thickness more than the color of his coat2 and the writer has always fancied1 whether correctly or not1 that curly hair is warmer than straight hair4 ,the matted coat of the ,newfoundland dogs--the smaller breed being preferable by reason of size--is extremely warm1 and where its color is modified by judicious crossing1 is all that can be desired2 while the instinctive intelligence1 the devotion1 faithfulness1 docility1 and interest in the sport1 of these admirable animals1 fit them in an extraordinary degree for wild-fowl shooting4 ,coming from the north and accustomed to playing in the water1 they can1 without danger1 face the element in its coldest state2 and whether it be to chase a stick thrown into the waves by their youthful human playmates1 or to recover ducks shot by their sporting owner1 they take naturally to all aquatic amusements4 ,nevertheless1 as has been heretofore remarked1 although it is well to have a slight strain of the ,newfoundland1 no distinct breed is necessary to make a good retriever4 ,our ordinary setters are sometimes unsurpassable for the purpose2 and any tractable dog1 if well trained1 will answer in a measure4 ,how different it is to stand in the narrow skiff among the tall reeds at early dawn1 with the eager and expectant1 though humble1 associate1 crouched in the bottom upon his especial mat1 and there in the increasing light that paints the east with many changing hues1 to single out the best chances from the passing flocks1 and have your skill doubly enhanced by the intelligent coperation of your companion2 than to lie1 cramped1 cold1 and suffering1 all through the weary hours1 stretched at full length upon your back with eyes staring up to ,heaven and straining to catch a glimpse of the horizon over your beard or forehead2 and occasionally to rise to an equally constrained posture that is neither sitting nor lying1 and do your best to discharge your gun with some judgment at a passing flock of fowl6 ,who can hesitate in selecting the mode in which he will pursue the sport of wild-fowl shooting8 ,most of the favorite varieties of ducks1 including many that are known among ornithologists as sea-ducks1 fuligul1 are found in the many scattered ponds1 the shallow marshes1 or the extensive inland seas of the great west2 while the swans and geese are shot1 the former along the larger rivers and lakes1 and the latter in the corn-fields4 ,it is true that the enormous flocks that collect in the lagoons and bays of the ,south are rarely seen2 but the flight of small bodies or single birds is more continuous1 and probably the total number even larger4 ,it is impossible to particularize localities as pre-eminent for this sport where so many are good2 and the innumerable streams1 lakelets1 drowned lands1 swamps1 rivers1 lakes1 cultivated fields1 and even open prairies of ,ohio1 ,illinois1 ,indiana1 ,michigan1 and the ,western ,states generally1 abound in their seasons with various descriptions of wild-fowl2 and for a statement of the mode of their pursuit1 and the views of their pursuers1 no better course can be taken than to give an account of a few days in one of the numerous tributary bays of ,lake ,erie4 ,although the use of a light skiff is always desirable and adds enormously to the comfort of the shooter1 circumstances will often arise that will deprive him of its use2 and in such case he has no better resource than to don his long wading boots1 and tramp through the shallow water until he comes to a favorable spot1 perhaps the deserted house of a family of beavers2 and there1 perched upon its summit and concealed by the surrounding reeds1 to resign himself to the inevitable inconveniences of his position4 ,when his feet grow cold in spite of their india-rubber casing1 and his muscles weary for want of rest1 he will long for the dry skiff2 and when he comes to 8back0 his load of game--consisting1 if he is successful1 of geese1 canvas-backs1 red-heads1 mallards1 blue-bills1 widgeons1 and perhaps a swan--across the muddy flats a mile or two to dry land1 he will long for it still more intensely4 ,for shooting ducks the best weather is dark1 or even rainy1 as at such times the birds fly closer to the earth1 being unable to follow their course1 and do not perceive the sportsman so readily4 ,but as a natural consequence1 the sportsman's ammunition becomes damp and his clothes wet1 while the old-fogy owner of the muzzle-loader will unjustly anathematize ,eley's water-proof caps when his gun misses fire1 instead of blaming his own stupidity4 ,the insides of barrels will foul and the outsides rust2 the loading-stick will become dirty and the sportsman's hands and face grimy2 and then the happy possessor of the breech-loader1 when he handles his clean cartridges1 although one occasionally may stick1 will thank his good fortune and bless ,lefaucheaux4 ,a strong wind forces the birds out of their safe course1 up and down the open 8leads10 upon the various points where the fowler1 selecting the most favorable by watching the flight1 takes his stand2 and1 when they are heading against it1 reduces their speed from the lightning rate of ninety miles an hour to reasonable deliberation2 but when they are travelling with it1 renders the art of killing them one of no easy acquisition4 ,in shooting wild-fowl1 or in fact any rapid flying birds1 it is necessary to aim ahead of them--not that the gun is actually fired ahead of them1 but to allow for the time1 hardly perceptible to man1 but noticeable in the changed position of the birds1 necessary to discharge the piece2 and the distance allowed must depend not only on the rapidity of their flight1 but on the customary quickness of the marksman4 ,the great fault of sportsmen is1 that they shoot below and behind their birds2 and this is particularly apt to be the case where the game1 as with wild-fowl1 appears to move more slowly than it really does4 ,to the novice in this peculiar sport1 the second difficulty to overcome will be the inability to judge distances4 ,not only do objects appear over the water nearer than they really are1 but there is no neighboring object that will aid the judgment in coming to a correct conclusion2 and by changes in the weather birds in the air will seem to be nearer or further off1 and their plumage will be more or less distinctly visible1 according to circumstances4 ,after several days' experience in dark1 cloudy weather1 the greatest proficient will1 on the first ensuing day of bright sunshine1 throw away many useless shots at impracticable distances4 ,there is no criterion to determine the distance of any bird high above the horizon1 and any recommendation to wait till the eyes can be seen--the book-maker's rule--is worse than useless2 it is a matter of experience and judgment4 ,there is no better time to kill ducks than when they are coming head on1 the commonly promulgated idea that their feathers will turn the heavy shot being simply absurd2 and all the marksman has to do is to cover his bird1 pitch his gun a trifle upwards1 and pull the trigger4 ,in the matter of ammunition1 the high numbers of shot and the light charges of powder of old times have changed by general consent2 and for ducks1 one ounce and a quarter of ,no4 #d or #e1 and perhaps ,no4 #c late in the season1 and of ,no4 #a or #b for geese1 driven out of the ordinary field-gun by three and a half drachms of powder1 will be found preferable4 ,i say a field-gun1 because1 although the heavy duck-gun1 with its enormous charge of six drachms of powder and three ounces of shot1 is undoubtedly more killing when discharged into large flocks1 the waste of ammunition would be immense were it used at the scattering flight of the western country4 ,many kinds of wild-fowl will1 like bay-snipe1 be attracted by an imitation of their cry2 and1 when decoys are used1 the mastery of these calls is necessary to the proficiency of the bayman4 ,but at the ,west1 where the use of decoys is not customary1 and where the nature of the ground prevents full advantage being obtained from these devices1 a knowledge of the art is not so necessary4 ,nevertheless1 there is something thrilling in the 8honk0 of the wild goose2 when it is heard1 the sportsman is earnest in his efforts to imitate it1 and if successful--which he often is1 for the bird responds readily--is not only proud of the result1 but amply rewarded for his skill4 ,in shooting from any species of cover1 when ducks are approaching1 it is more important not to move than to be well hid2 the slightest motion startles and alarms the birds1 that would possibly have approached the sportsman in full view if he had remained motionless4 ,if they are suddenly perceived near at hand while the sportsman is standing erect1 let him remain so without stirring a muscle1 and not attempt to dodge down into the blind4 ,the ducks may not notice him--especially if his dress is of a suitable color--among the reeds1 but will inevitably catch sight of the least movement4 ,so much for general suggestions and advice1 which will be regarded or disregarded by the gentlemen for whom this work is written1 much according to their previously conceived ideas2 and which may or may not be correct according to the opportunities of judging1 and the skill of turning them to account1 of the writer2 and now we will record a few personal experiences1 in the hope1 if not of further elucidating and supporting the views herein expressed1 of furnishing the reader with more interesting matter4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,duck-,,shooting ,,on ,,the ,,inland ,,lakes4 ,out ,west--#8way out ,west--a long distance from our eastern cities in miles1 but now1 thanks to steam and iron1 a short one in hours1 upon an island lying in a bay that debouches into one of the great chain of lakes1 is situated a large1 neat1 white-painted and comfortable house1 where a club of sportsmen meet to celebrate the advent and presence of the wild ducks4 ,the mansion--for it deserves that name from its extent and many conveniences--peeps out from amid the elms and hickories that cover the point upon which it stands1 almost concealed in summer by their foliage1 but in winter protected1 as it were1 by their bare1 gaunt limbs4 ,from the piazza that extends along the front a plank pathway leads to the wharf1 which shelves into the water1 like the levees on the ,mississippi1 and down or up which each sportsman can1 unaided1 run his light boat at his own sweet will4 ,adjoining the wharf is the out-house1 where the boats are stored in tiers1 one above another1 and are protected summer and winter from the weather4 ,not far off stands that most important building1 a commodious ice-house1 suggestive of the luxuries and comforts that a better acquaintance with the ways of the place will realize4 ,the island is not large1 but wherever it is tillable1 a garden1 orchard1 and grapery have been planted1 and furnish the household with delicious fruit and vegetables4 ,quail have been introduced1 and1 being protected by the regulations of the establishment1 have increased and multiplied2 and wild turkeys occasionally commit upon the vines depredations which are condignly punished4 ,it is a lovely spot1 far from other habitations1 and affords shelter during the fall months to as pleasant a set of sportsmen as can be found the world over4 ,the ,president1 with his short figure and grey hair1 but sharp1 clear eye1 was selected for his superior success as a marksman1 and rarely returns from a day's excursion without a boat-load of game4 ,the ,vice-,president and ,secretary are the only other officers1 and upon their fiat it depends whether any outsider shall trespass upon their inland ,paradise4 ,promiscuous invitations were once extended to the brethren of the gun and rod1 but so many spurious counterfeits presented themselves1 that a stringent rule had to be adopted to exclude all but the genuine article4 ,the shooting lasts from the #ast of ,september till the chill breath of winter closes the bay and drives the birds to more hospitable localities4 ,it is pursued in a small1 light1 flat-bottomed boat1 similar1 on a larger pattern1 to the rail-boats used on the ,delaware4 ,each boat is provided with a pair of oars working on pins that fit into outriggers2 and also with a long setting-pole1 which has a bent wire1 like a tiny two-pronged pitchfork1 on the end1 to catch against the reeds in poling4 ,a place is made to rest the gun on upon one of the thwarts2 an ammunition-box1 containing separate compartments for shot of several sizes1 wads1 and caps1 is stowed away in the bottom1 and a heavy loading-stick1 in addition to the ramrod1 is carried4 ,two guns are an absolute necessity1 unless the sportsman has a breech-loader2 for many birds are crippled and require a second shot before they escape into the thick weeds1 where they are hopelessly lost2 and when the flight is rapid1 he requires1 at least1 four barrels1 and would be thankful if he could manage more4 ,the bay1 which stretches in vast extent1 is filled with high reeds and wild rice1 and rarely exceeds a few feet in depth except where open passages mark the deeper channels4 ,it is a matter of no little intricacy for a stranger to find his way1 and after nightfall the oldest habitu1 will often become bewildered1 as the various bunches of weeds1 tufts of rice1 or stretches of pond lilies look alike1 and when a southerly wind is blowing the water falls and leaves all but the deep channels nearly or quite bare4 ,if a man under such circumstances once loses his course he may as well make up his mind to pass the night in his boat2 though he work himself almost to death trying to pole over bare spots1 he will but travel in a circle and grow momentarily more bewildered4 ,i landed at the wharf in the middle of ,october1 of a year ever famous for the immense numbers of birds that were killed during it1 and met with a hearty greeting from a goodly company collected round the groaning board of mine host of the white-flowing locks4 ,there was our worthy ,president1 and our ,secretary and ,treasurer gracefully combined in one2 there our lucky man and the unlucky man1 and there a famous black-bass fisherman1 and there my special friend1 and others of lesser note4 ,we sat down to tea with roasted canvas-backs at one end of the table1 broiled steaks at the other1 and beautiful potatoes flanking each that had been raised on our own premises and were tumbling to white particles1 as though they were trying to be flour2 jolly1 round1 baked apples sitting complacently in their own juice1 vegetables of all sorts1 grapes from our grapery1 and so many other inward comforts that one hardly knew where to begin and never knew where to leave off4 ,our comely hostess1 who had prepared these good things1 poured out the tea for us1 and put in sly remarks to her favorites2 and1 altogether1 it was truly pleasant4 ,after tea and adjournment to the sitting-room1 while enjoying the practical cigar or comfortable pipe1 we discussed the varied fortunes of the day and the probabilities of the morrow2 compared views on the habits of fish1 flesh1 or fowl1 and related experiences of former expeditions4 ,but eager for the morning sun1 we retired early and dreamed of victory4 ,as soon as the lazy dawn streaked the east1 dressing being done by candle-light1 we hastily disposed of our breakfast and prepared for the start4 ,having selected our boats and arranged them on the wharf1 we stowed our guns1 ammunition-boxes1 over-clothes1 a few decoys1 and such other articles as fancy suggested2 and then taking two little tin pails1 we put a nice lunch of cold duck1 steak1 bread1 pickles1 cake1 and fruit in one1 and into the other water with a large lump of ice bobbing around in the centre2 and thus equipped1 each man slid his boat down the inclined wharf1 and shipping his oars1 pulled for his favorite location4 ,my friend and myself joined forces1 and made our first pause at a little bunch of wild rice not far from the house1 called ,fort ,ossawatomie4 ,decoys are not generally used in this region1 as they cannot be seen from any considerable distance by the birds on account of the reeds2 but my friend had left his at this place over night1 and they were still 8bobbing around0--pretending to swim and looking deceitfully innocent--when we ensconced ourselves among the reeds near by1 crowding down into the bottom of our boats well out of view4 ,several flocks were seen hovering over the horizon1 or moving along in the distance1 scarcely discernible against the morning clouds2 and although occasionally they bade fair to approach1 our hopes were destined to disappointment1 till a single bird turned and headed directly towards us4 ,when a bird is approaching head on1 it is almost impossible to tell whether he is not going directly from you2 and at times1 except for his growing plainer every moment1 we should have doubted which way this bird was flying4 ,once he turned1 from a change of fancy or fearing danger1 but perceiving some other cause of alarm he again straightened his course towards us4 ,we were bent down1 peering eagerly through the high reeds1 as at last he came by1 within a long gunshot1 on the side of my companion4 ,the latter1 rising at the exact moment1 wheeled round1 brought up his gun1 and fired in an instant4 ,it was just within range1 but the bird turned over1 killed dead1 and fell with a great splash into the water1 sending the spray six feet into the air4 ,seizing the pole1 ,i pushed out to him1 and found that he was a blue-bill1 one of the best birds of the ,western waters1 and at this time in perfection4 ,we again concealed ourselves2 but noticing that the birds shunned the spot1 ,i determined to leave it1 and pushed out alone to one of the principal landmarks1 where the landscape presents so great a uniformity--a large umbrella-like elm upon the distant shore4 ,i did not follow the regular channel2 and at first the way was a difficult one1 being directly through a fringe of wild rice1 where the water was shallow and the stalks reached high above my heard1 but beyond1 an open patch of water-lilies stretched for half a mile4 ,the broad1 smooth leaves of this remarkable plant1 far larger than those of the pond-lilies of the ,eastern ,states1 lay in numbers upon1 or half buried in1 the water2 while standing up a few feet above its surface with their straight stems1 and gracefully waving in the wind1 were the cup-like pods that contain the seeds4 ,when the pods first form the seeds are entirely hidden from view1 but as they increase in size1 holes form in the covering1 through which they peep as through a window4 ,the seeds and pod are originally green1 but darken and turn blue1 and then brown1 as the season advances2 and the holes1 which begin by being small1 become larger till they open sufficiently for the seeds to fall out4 ,the seeds or berries are elliptical in shape and of almost the size of a chestnut2 in the green state they are soft1 and can be readily cut with a knife2 but when ripe and black1 they are as hard as stone1 and will turn the edge of a knife like agate4 ,when about half ripe1 or bluish in color1 they are good to eat1 and after the removal of a little green sprout hidden in the centre1 are sweet1 tasting much the same as a chestnut4 ,as they ripen and their covering recedes1 their stems hold them upright2 but the first heavy frost breaks down the stems1 and lets the seed fall out into the water1 where they lie till next year4 ,the working of nature is wonderful1 as no one observes more frequently than the sportsman2 all this care is taken to preserve the seeds for their appointed work4 ,if they were permitted to fall out when green or even half ripe1 the action of the water would soften and destroy them2 extreme hardness is necessary to resist its action for so long a time2 while1 on the other hand1 if they were retained longer and exposed to excessive cold1 their germinating principle would be annihilated4 ,wood-ducks are fond of them in their unripe state1 and frequent the marshes1 especially in the early fall1 to procure a supply4 ,with a view to nuts and grapes for dessert1 ,i paused to gather a number of pods1 and was carelessly pushing along1 when from out a bunch of weeds1 with a great clatter1 sprang a couple of those birds4 ,dropping the setting-pole1 ,i threw myself forward to seize the gun2 but for this shooting1 infinite practice and great aptitude are required2 and although well accustomed to kill rail from the floating cockle-shells on the ,delaware river1 and able to take one end of a birch canoe with any man1 ,i was bunglingly in my own way1 and1 when at last one barrel was discharged1 a shameful miss was the only result4 ,anathematizing my awkwardness1 ,i was dropping the butt to reload1 when1 roused by the report1 another bird sprang not more than twenty yards off4 ,in an instant the gun was at my shoulder1 and1 when the fire streamed forth1 the bird doubled up1 riddled with shot1 and pitched forward into the weeds4 ,it was a drake1 and1 although young1 the plumage was resplendent with the green1 brown1 and mottle of the most beautiful denizen of our waters--the elegant wood-duck4 ,several more rose1 far out of range1 before the lilies were passed and my destination in the open channel reached4 ,stopping on the brink of the latter1 to watch the flight of the birds1 ,i noticed that they frequently crossed a reedy island in the middle of the channel1 and consequently proceeded to conceal myself in what among our association is called the ,little ,bunker4 ,it was an admirable location2 the channel on each side did not exceed one hundred yards in width1 and the weather having become thick1 with an easterly wind blowing and a slight rain driving1 the promise of sport was excellent4 ,once fairly hidden1 and my work commenced2 bird after bird and flock after flock approached1 and although the boat1 even while pressed in among and steadied by the stiff reeds1 was far from firm1 a goodly number was soon collected4 ,how much more exhilarating is this noble sport as it is pursued in the ,west than upon our ,atlantic coast1 where1 stretched upon his back in a coffin-like battery1 the sportsman has to lie for hours cooling his heels and exhausting his patience6 ,there he is not confined to one position2 but1 after shooting down a bird1 has the excitement of pushing after it1 and1 if it is only wounded1 of following it1 perhaps in a long chase before it is retrieved2 and then he must make all haste to return to the hiding-place1 over which the birds are flying finely in his absence1 and thus he keeps up a glow and fire of activity and exercise4 ,it is a glorious sight to see a noble flock of ducks approach2 to watch them with trembling alternations of fear and hope as they waver in their course1 as they crowd together or separate1 as they swing first one flank of their array forward1 then the other2 as they draw nearer and nearer1 breathlessly to wait the proper time1 and1 with quick eye and sure aim1 select a pair1 or perhaps more1 with each barrel4 ,it is still more glorious to see them fall--doubled up if killed dead1 turning over and over if shot in the head1 and slanting down if only wounded1 driving up the spray in mimic fountains as they strike2 and glorious1 too1 the chase after the wounded--with straining muscles to follow his rapid wake1 and1 when he dives1 catching the first glimpse of his reappearance to plant the shot from an extra gun in a vital spot4 ,glorious to survey the prizes1 glorious to think over and relate the successful event1 and glorious to listen to the tales of others4 ,sad1 however1 is it when the flock turns off and pushes far out to the open water2 sadder still when the aim is not true and the bird goes by uninjured2 sad when the chase is unsuccessful and the weeds hide the prey1 or he dives to grasp a root and never reappears2 and saddest of all to fall overboard out of your frail bark--a fate that sooner or later awaits every one that shoots ducks from little boats4 ,i had had all these experiences except the last1 and almost that--when pushing through the weeds1 my friend appeared1 attracted by my rapid firing1 and after comparing our respective counts1 ensconced himself in one of the points opposite me on the channel4 ,by this plan all birds that came between us gave one or the other a shot1 and each could mark birds approaching the other from behind4 ,the morning passed rapidly away amid splendid shooting1 and noon found us united in my hiding-place to eat a sociable meal together4 ,during the middle of the day the birds repose1 and the sportsman employs the time in satisfying the cravings of hunger or even in a nap1 interrupted though he may be in either by an occasional whirr of wings1 that1 when it is too late1 informs him of lost opportunities4 ,we talked over matters4 ,as the day had cleared off and become warm1 the prospect of sport for some hours at least was over1 and my friend suggested we should visit the snipe ground4 ,to approve the suggestion1 to push out and to ship our oars1 was the work of a moment1 and we were soon at ,mud ,creek bridge1 a pull of about two miles through an open lead1 from which the ducks were continuously springing on our approach4 ,having anchored our boats a short distance from shore1 to prevent the wild hogs paying us a visit1 we waded to land1 and substituting small shot for the heavy charges in our guns1 walked a few yards up the road and crossed the fence4 ,i had brought my setter with me1 and he had proved himself a model of quietness in the boat1 from the bottom of which he had raised his head only once all day2 when my first duck dropped he rose on his haunches1 and watching where it fell1 sniffed at it as ,i pushed up1 and then1 satisfied he had no part in such sport1 lay down to sleep4 ,the moment he touched land his vigor returned2 at a motion1 he darted out into the meadow of alternating broad slanks and high field grass that lay before us1 and ere he had traversed fifty yards1 as he approached an open spot1 hesitated1 drew cautiously1 and finally paused on a firm point4 ,stepping to him as fast as the impressible nature of the ground permitted1 we flushed three birds1 rising as they are apt to do one after the other1 and killed two1 one springing wide and escaping unshot at4 ,while going to retrieve the dead birds we flushed two more1 both of which were bagged1 one a long shot1 wing-tipped1 and not recovered till some time afterwards2 for1 ere we reached him1 we had sprung a dozen1 most of which were duly accounted for4 ,the missed birds1 after circling round high in the air1 returned to the neighborhood of their original locality1 and pitching down head-foremost1 concealed themselves among the high grass near enough to lure us to their pursuit4 ,the walking was terribly hard2 the clayey mud uncommonly tenacious2 the day was already well advanced1 and splendid as was the sport1 we resolved1 after having pretty well exhausted ourselves and bagged twenty-six birds1 that we must hasten back to the rice swamp1 or we should lose the evening's shooting4 ,we returned to our boats1 and stowing the game1 pulled with the utmost vigor down the channel of ,mud ,creek1 and in a short time were again hidden among the high reeds1 awaiting the ducks4 ,this time my friend selected a spot near a sort of semi-island1 that was submerged or not1 according to the state of the water1 and near which was a favorite roosting-place4 ,the sun was leisurely dropping down the western sky1 throwing his slanting rays across the broad bay1 and lighting up the distant club-house as by a fire4 ,the fringe of land1 trees1 and bushes1 that shut out the horizon and rose but little above the water level1 was growing dim and hazy of outline4 ,the wind had died away2 and stillness1 but for the quacking of the ducks1 the splashing of the coots1 or so-called mud-hens1 and the occasional report of a gun1 reigned supreme4 ,a lethargy seemed to have fallen upon the birds2 a distant flock alone would at long intervals greet our eyes1 and for some time our evening's sport bade fair to prove a failure4 ,however1 as the sun was about to sink1 the birds began to arrive1 at first one or two at a time1 then more rapidly and in larger flocks1 till at last it was one steady stream and whirr of wings4 ,faster than we could load1 faster than we could shoot1 or could have shot had we had fifty guns1 from all quarters and of all kinds they streamed past2 now the sharp whistle of the teal1 then the rush of the mallard1 sometimes high over our heads1 at others darting close beside us2 by ones1 by twos1 by dozens1 by hundreds1 crowded together in masses or stretched in open lines1 in all variety of ways1 but in one uninterrupted flight4 ,such shooting rarely blesses the fortunate sportsman2 we drove down our charges as best we could1 sometimes having one barrel loaded or half loaded1 sometimes the other1 oftener neither1 when we were interrupted with such glorious chances2 our nerves1 eyes1 and muscles were on the strain1 and to this day we have only to regret that we did not then possess a breech-loader4 ,the air was alive with birds2 the rustle of their wings made one continuous hum2 the heavy flocks approached and passed us with a sound like the gusty breeze of an autumn night rattling through the dying leaves4 ,when the sun fled and darkness seemed to spring up around us1 they appeared in the most unexpected and bewildering manner2 at one time from out of the glorious brilliancy of the western sky1 then from the deep gloom of the opposite quarter1 darting across us or plunging down into the weeds near by4 ,our birds lay where they fell1 and when the approaching night bade us depart1 we retrieved sixty-seven--the result of about one hour's shooting--doubtless losing numbers that were not noticed1 or which1 being wounded1 escaped4 ,had we not been awkward from a year's idleness1 or had we shot as the professionals of ,long ,island and each used a breech-loader1 ,i could hardly say how many we might not have killed4 ,as it was1 the sport was wonderful1 and the result sufficient to satisfy our ambition4 ,we lost no time in escaping from the weeds into the channel-ways1 whither the open-water ducks--the red-heads and canvas-backs--had preceded us1 and were still directing their flight2 and then started for the few dim trees that we knew surrounded the club-house1 rousing in our course immense flocks of the worthless ,american coot1 ,fulica ,americana1 the mud-hen of the natives4 ,the wharf reached1 the boats landed1 supper over1 the birds counted and registered1 the social pipe illumined1 and we gathered in a circle round the fire of our parlor for improving conversation4 8,how many birds have we killed this year80 inquired a member4 8,the record shows a goodly total of #b1cea10 replied the ,secretary1 turning to the register2 8almost as many already as the entire return of last season1 during which we only killed #b1ijh40 8,and the better varieties seem this year to be more numerous40 8,in that particular there is surprising uniformity from year to year4 ,last season the return is made up as follows3 canvas-backs1 #bdf2 red-heads1 #abb2 blue-bills1 #cie2 mallards1 #edj2 dusky-ducks1 #ajh2 wood-ducks1 #fja2 blue-winged teal1 #dgd2 green-winged teal1 #ci2 widgeons1 #bjd2 pin-tails1 #ej2 gadwalls1 #fg2 spoonbills1 #aa2 ruddy-ducks1 #b2 butter-balls1 #g2 geese1 #b2 quail1 #ad2 cormorants1 #b2 turkeys1 #c2 great hell-diver1 #a2 and this year the average is about the same40 8,but ,i think10 said the ,president1 8the canvas-backs and red-heads are earlier and better than usual40 8,they are rather earlier in making their appearance abundantly4 ,the variation is never great1 however1 and the birds appear in the following order3 the wood-ducks first1 being plentiful early in ,september2 the blue-winged teal begin to surpass them about the #bjth of that month1 and soon afterward the mallards arrive2 widgeons are abundant by the middle of ,october1 and canvas-backs and red-heads are the latest40 8,ah10 burst forth the unlucky man1 enthusiastically1 8the wood-duck shooting is my favorite2 when they rise from the lilies they are easier to kill than when flying past at full speed2 and you have a punter to pole the boat and help mark the wounded birds40 8,october has my preference10 responded the ,president1 with glowing eye2 8the large ducks--the mallards1 canvas-backs1 and red-heads--have then arrived2 the blue-bills and teal are numerous2 and1 when a single teal flies past1 a man has to know how to handle his gun to keel him over handsomely40 8,but mallards dodge1 when you rise to shoot1 at the report of the first barrel2 and red-heads and canvas-backs1 if not killed stone dead1 dive and swim off under water1 or1 catching the weeds in their bills1 hold on after death and never reappear4 ,have you noticed the large teeth1 or nicks1 in the bills1 especially of red-heads80 8,yes4 ,those long1 recurved teeth aid them in tearing up the wild celery1 on which they feed4 ,i have had them serve me the trick you complain of when they were at the last gasp--so nearly dead1 that ,i have pushed out and been on the point of picking them up4 ,when not so badly hurt1 they will swim off with their bill only projecting above the surface1 and if there is the least wind this is entirely invisible4 ,the trick is known to others of the duck family2 even the ingenuous wood-duck will have recourse to the same mean subterfuge occasionally1 as one that was but slightly wounded proved to me to-day40 8,is it true10 inquired the fisherman1 8that other ducks steal from the canvas-backs the wild celery that they have exhausted themselves in procuring80 8,the widgeons have the credit of doing so2 but ,i have never seen1 and somewhat doubt it4 ,the canvas-back is too large and strong a duck to be readily trifled with1 and is by no means exhausted by diving to the depth of a few feet after celery4 ,this celery1 as we call it--which has a long1 delicate leaf1 resembling broad-grass1 and bears the name of ,zostera valisneria among the botanists--grows in water about five feet deep1 and its roots furnish the favorite and most fattening food of the canvas-backs1 red-heads1 and1 strange to say1 mud-hens4 ,the widgeon is not a large nor powerful duck2 can dive no further than to put its head under water1 while its tail stands perpendicularly above the surface2 and1 although a terrible torment to the weak and gentle mud-hen1 would think twice before incensing the fierce and powerful canvas-back4 ,of a calm day it is amusing to watch the flocks of noisy mud-hens1 collected in front of the club-house1 diving for their food1 and being robbed of it by the widgeons4 ,the latter swims rapidly among them1 and no sooner does he espy one coming to the surface1 with his bill full of celery1 than he pounces upon and carries it off4 ,he is watchful and voracious1 and quickly devours the food2 while the injured mud-hen1 with a resigned look1 takes a long breath and dives for another morsel40 8,do they not combine to drive the robber away80 8,occasionally2 but he minds their blows as little as their scoldings1 and generally swims off with his prize4 ,the canvas-back1 however1 would soon teach him better manners40 8,are the western canvas-backs as delicate and high-flavored as those of the ,chesapeake80 8,fully so1 as my friends in ,new ,york1 who have been fortunate enough to share my luck1 have often testified4 ,of course1 when they first come they are thin and poor1 but having the same food as is found in the ,chesapeake1 and being less disturbed1 they soon attain excellent condition1 and are entirely free from the slightest sedgy flavor40 8,that sedgy or fishy taste is confined mainly to birds shot on the salt water1 and is rarely found in any birds killed upon the inland lakes1 so that many--for instance the bay-snipe--that are barely passable when shot along the coast1 are excellent in the interior40 8,and yet the naturalists class the canvas-back among fuligul1 or sea ducks40 8,that arises from some scientific peculiarity1 and is not universal4 ,he is certainly a fresh-water duck1 and thousands are shot here yearly40 8,i lose a great many crippled birds10 said the unlucky man1 meditatively2 8,i wonder what becomes of them all80 8,many die1 a few recover1 some are frozen in when the bay freezes over2 after the first hard frost large numbers can be picked up1 but they are so poor as only to be fit to send to the ,new ,york market4 ,most sportsmen lose many ducks that they should recover2 considerable practice is required to mark well1 but the search after a bird should be thorough1 and not lightly abandoned4 ,the boat1 when pushed into the reeds1 must be so placed that it can be easily shoved off1 and the pole kept ready for instant use4 ,if1 however1 a mallard is only wounded1 and falls into the weeds1 it is useless to go after him4 8,on the other hand1 if a canvas-back1 but slightly touched1 falls in open water1 he will be rarely recovered2 the one hides in the weeds1 the other dives and swims under water prodigiously4 ,the mallard and canvas-back are the types of two classes--the former is a marsh duck1 the latter an open-water duck4 ,the mallard lives on the pond-lily seeds1 and affects the shallow1 muddy pond-holes2 the canvas-back seeks the broad channels1 and devours the roots of plants2 the one dodges at the flash of the gun or sight of the sportsman1 the other moves majestically onward1 regardless of the havoc that the heavy discharges make in his ranks4 ,of nearly the same size1 of unsurpassable delicacy on the table1 of equal vigor1 they differ utterly in their habits40 8,speaking of types10 said the unlucky man1 recalling unpleasant reminiscences of numerous misses1 8you might call blue-bills types of the fast-flying and dodging ducks4 ,when they come down before a stiff wind1 and are making their best time1 lightning is slow by comparison1 and shot does not seem to me to go quite fast enough40 8,they are the scaup or broad-bill of the ,east1 ,fuligula ,marila1 and are aptly termed the bullet-winged duck4 ,they are undoubtedly the most difficult duck to kill that flies4 ,i have known a thorough sportsman and excellent shot on quail1 shoot all day at them without killing one4 ,you must make great allowance for their speed40 8,and1 moreover10 added the ,president1 8you must load properly2 there must be powder enough behind the shot to send it clear through the bird2 one pellet driven in that way will kill a bird that would carry off a dozen lodged beneath the skin or in the flesh40 8,perhaps so1 but ,i doubt its feasibility10 was the response2 8no small shot was ever1 in my opinion1 driven through the body of a duck with any charge of powder at over thirty yards4 ,i use light powder and plenty of shot40 ,this announcement was received with unanimous dissent1 and the ,president expressed the general feeling when he continued-- 8,heavy shot will make a gun recoil painfully2 but if the shot is light the charge of powder may be large without producing unpleasant effects2 the shot will be driven quick and strong1 and the bird deprived of life instantaneously4 ,perhaps the pellets are not driven through the body1 but the blow is severer and the shock is more stunning4 ,i use one ounce of shot and three drachms of powder1 and would prefer to increase rather than diminish the powder4 ,it is a mistake to suppose powder does not burn because black particles fall to the ground if it is fired over snow or white paper2 these1 ,i take it1 are flakes of charcoal and not powder1 and some will fall1 no matter how light may be the load40 8,for my part10 persisted the unlucky man1 8,i think the crippling of birds arises from our inability to judge distances1 and from our firing at birds out of reasonable range4 ,the patent breech was meant to remedy the necessity for such heavy charges of powder as are used in the old-fashioned flint-locks4 ,johnston1 the author of an admirable treatise on shooting1 which is now out of print1 is my authority1 and he says that an over-charge of powder makes a gun scatter prodigiously without adding proportionately to the force40 8,that depends upon the character of the bore10 answered the ,secretary2 8if it is relieved at the breech1 and after narrowing above1 made a perfect cylinder towards the muzzle1 the more the powder the better it will shoot40 ,seeing that an interminable discussion was about to open1 branching off1 in all likelihood1 into the comparative qualities of powder and manufacturers of guns1 the ,president interposed4 8,this is a dry1 serious1 and solemn conversation1 and as every member has already made up his mind on the subject1 not very improving2 who will volunteer to tell a story or sing a song80 8,my friend here10 replied the unlucky1 pointing to the lucky1 man1 8once intimated to me that his first day's duck-shooting was the best and pleasantest he ever had1 but would never give me the satisfaction of the particulars40 8,the story1 the story1 let us have the story60 burst forth the chorus1 with delight4 8,i will tell it on one condition10 responded the party addressed3 8that the gentleman who suggested it shall give a true account of his first day's trout-fishing40 ,all hands shouted with delight at the prospect of two stories1 scenting a joke in the suggestion1 but the unlucky man replied1 pitifully1 8,i will if ,i must1 but there are more agreeable episodes in my existence40 8,never mind that2 if ,i confess1 so must you4 8,many years ago1 gentlemen1 myself and a friend had driven down on ,long ,island for a few days at the ducks4 ,he was an old sportsman1 and promised to initiate me1 who had acquired considerable facility with my gun1 but had never yet been in a battery on the bay4 8,it is not necessary to say at what house we stopped2 the island is dotted with them--the best in the country--and as it was necessary to be up at two o'clock in the morning in order to follow down the creek and row out to the feeding grounds1 we retired early4 ,strict injunctions were left with the hostler to wake us at the appointed hour2 but as there was a grand ball going on in the hall adjoining the hotel1 his recollection was not to be depended upon4 8,the beds were good2 but1 either disturbed by dreams of ducks or sounds of revelry1 my sleep was fitful4 ,i was at last awakened by a loud noise1 which ,i took to be some one knocking at the door1 and sleepily rising1 saw a light shining through the crack as it stood ajar4 ,i woke my companion1 who responded with an unwilling grunt1 and thinking the hostler had left the candle for our accommodation1 ,i stepped out to get it4 8,the night was cold1 my dress was light and airy1 the distant sounds of expiring revelry were still faintly audible1 and ,i hastened to get the light that ,i might hurry on warmer clothes4 ,to my surprise1 on opening the door1 the candle appeared to be some yards off on the floor1 in the middle of what seemed to be an adjoining room4 ,my eyes1 dazzled by the sudden change from total darkness1 saw little as ,i stumbled forward2 but when ,i turned1 light in hand1 to regain my room1 ,i came suddenly upon a bed1 and stopped as though shot4 8,gentlemen1 a bed is nothing unusual or surprising in a country tavern1 but there is sometimes a great deal in it4 ,in this particular instance there was not even much in it1 but that little was of the female sex4 ,astonishment changed to admiration4 ,she was very pretty1 her rosy cheek rested pillowed on one little hand1 while the other arm was thrown gracefully across her head1 framing her innocent child-like face in a cloud of white4 ,she was lying on her side1 and below her arm the bed-clothes sank down to her waist and then rose in a magnificent swell4 ,her hair in massive curls poured upon the pillow1 and one strayed round her throat and joined with the white drapery in protecting her neck4 8,admiration changed to curiosity4 ,i stepped nearer1 bringing the light so that while it did not shine strongly on her eyes1 it fell upon the white drapery4 ,man is but a weak creature1 liable to be swayed by evil passions4 ,curiosity has always been my besetting sin1 and sudden temptations ought to be included among the other sudden dangers in the prayer-book4 ,in consequence of the position of her arm1 the clothes had fallen back from her shoulders1 but that envious curl was cruelly unsatisfying2 the white drapery rose and fell with the long breathing of her sleep4 ,my first impulse was to retire noiselessly1 but curiosity conquered2 she slept so sweetly1 so gracefully1 and so soundly4 ,approaching nearer1 stealthily1 step by step1 ,i carefully put forward one hand1 and gently touched the curl--she did not move--then quietly gathering it up1 ,i began slowly drawing it aside4 ,it lifted and fell with the marble neck beneath like a brown vein across it1 but no other motion testified that life pervaded her unconscious beauty40 ,a pause2 the chorus1 excited--8,what next8 what next80 8,gentlemen1 it would have been a shameful act to take advantage of her innocent sleep--a mean1 unworthy1 contemptible act4 ,it is enough to say1 gentlemen1 ,i did not commit it--for at that moment she moved40 ,,chorus--8,oh60 8,she moved1 and was evidently about to wake40 ,,chorus--8,what did you do then80 8,modesty is another of my failings2 it is no small matter to be found by a lady in her bed-room1 and you must recollect my dress was scanty4 ,wishing1 therefore1 to spare her feelings as much as my own1 ,i put out the light1 and standing still1 listened4 ,from the sound as she moved1 it was clear that she was awake and sitting up in bed4 ,i kept as quiet as a mouse1 no longer daring to stir and hardly daring to breathe4 8#8,who is there8' asked the sweetest little sleepy voice in the world2 it was evidently time for me to leave if the feelings of either side were to be spared4 8#8,husband1 is that you8 ,how late you are1 ,oscar4 ,i wish there were no balls2 you have let the light go out and will have to undress in the dark1 and you have been drinking2 you do not answer1 what are you mumbling in that husky voice2 you do not walk steady1 you shuffle with your feet2 let me smell your breath1 sir6' 8,another of my failings is inability to say no4 ,a moment's consideration would have told me it was far from honorable to assume the place of another person1 and that person the husband of a pretty woman2 but in my state of hesitancy or virtuous indignation at being falsely accused of drinking1 or without really anticipating what would happen1 ,i obeyed2 and bringing my face near hers1 encountered the sweetest pair of lips in ,christendom4 8#8,i am not quite sure1' she said1 #8let me see again4' 8,now that was clearly her fault1 and left me no excuse for refusing her absolute satisfaction4 8#8,make haste1 ,oscar1' she whispered1 #8how cold you are4'0 ,the lucky man paused1 while the chorus breathlessly broke in with3 8,did you make haste80 8,gentlemen1 man is a contemptible creature in his treatment of woman2 she is infinitely his superior in every good quality1 and he absolutely takes advantage of his baser capacities to betray her superior nature4 ,he matches his cunning against her truthfulness1 his selfishness against her disinterestedness1 his deceitfulness against her affection4 ,woman's nobleness of heart is a provision of nature to prevent the degeneration of our species2 were women as bad as men1 our children would be brutes or idiots4 ,traits of mind and heart are transmitted--0 ,,chorus--8,never mind all that1 did you make haste80 8,gentlemen1 with those feelings1 ,i could not long remain in that room2 it was time to make haste2 and mumbling some excuse1 ,i escaped before a noise1 that seemed to be ascending the stairs1 approached4 ,my friend wondered at the time ,i had been away1 abused me for allowing the light to go out1 but was easily convinced that the time had been lengthened by his dreams4 ,virtue is its own reward1 and1 gentlemen1 ,i never shall regret that night40 ,,chorus--8,but you have not said a word of the duck-shooting40 8,well1 to tell the truth1 ,i heard next day that ,oscar was inquiring for me1 and concluded that the shooting would be better elsewhere40 ,the shout of laughter that succeeded this answer died away1 and the unlucky man was called upon for his adventure4 ,,unlucky ,,man4--8,gentlemen1 ,i can give you no such entertaining history as my friend4 ,in all my life1 ,i never saw a woman unless she was fully dressed and prepared for it--much as ,i would like to--for ,i am not endowed with one half of his virtuous sentiments4 ,but my adventure also occurred on ,long ,island1 whither ,i had gone to learn trout-fishing4 ,i had a new rod of ,conroy's best and most expensive pattern1 a book full of flies1 a basket1 a bait-box1 a net1 a gaff1 and all things appurtenant1 and was especially proud of my fishing suit1 which a brother of the angle had kindly selected for me4 ,my boots came above my knees1 and were of yellow ,russian leather1 with which my brown pants matched admirably1 while a blue vest1 a white flannel coat1 red neck-tie and crimson cap1 combined all the colors that were least likely to alarm the fish4 8,the other anglers collected at the hotel kindly aided me with their advice1 for which ,i was truly grateful4 ,they rigged out my leader with flies1 and convincingly proving that the more flies used the more fish must be taken1 fastened on thirteen4 ,conroy had hardly served me fairly in selecting my assortment1 for they were pronounced by all not to be half large or bright enough4 ,it was clear that the larger the fly the easier the fish could see it1 and the more surely it would catch2 so they loaned me a number1 principally yellow1 green1 and blue1 which was the more generous of them1 as they had but few of the same sort themselves4 8,they impressed upon me to be up early1 because trout will not bite after sunrise--besides1 ,i knew from the proverb that worms were more easily obtained early2 and it was still dark when1 having passed a restless few hours1 ,i awoke and dressed4 ,the house was silent1 not a person to interfere with me1 and having set up my rod the night before1 ,i crept cautiously down stairs4 ,the tip would slash about and knock at the doors and on the walls as ,i passed1 and gave me great trouble in turning the corners of the stairs1 but ,i reached the hall door safely and stepped out upon the piazza4 8,i had hardly congratulated myself1 when1 hearing a suspicious growl1 and recollecting that the tavern-keeper had a cross mastiff1 ,i turned1 and saw him in the dim light making straight for me4 ,running was never my forte1 but1 gentlemen1 my speed round that house with that mastiff after me has rarely been equalled2 he kept it up well1 however1 and if he could have turned a corner readily1 would have caught me4 ,recovering my presence of mind in the third round1 ,i darted through the hall door1 and slamming it to behind me1 heard my enemy bounce against it1 and after a growl and a sniff or two1 turn away in disgust4 8,upon regaining my breath1 ,i ascended to my room1 and loading the revolver which ,i always carry on dangerous journeys1 returned to the attack1 determined on revenge4 ,strange to say1 however1 the cowardly beast1 the moment the pistol was presented at him1 uttered a low whine and shrank away4 ,disgusted with his cowardice1 ,i seized up my rod1 which had been dropped in my first flight1 and pursuing him howling piteously three times round the house1 laid it on him soundly4 8,it must have been poor stuff1 for the tip broke4 ,conroy mended it afterwards1 without charge1 when ,i told him the circumstances4 ,but ,i put in a spare one1 and having dug my box full of worms1 went to the shed where my horse was left standing1 ready harnessed1 from the night before4 ,there is nothing like attention to these little matters in time2 for1 if the hostler had had to harness him1 he might have detained me many precious minutes4 8,a half-hour's drive soon brought me to the pond1 and1 after hitching the animal to the fence--for it was necessary to turn into the field from the main road--,i walked down to the bank and jumped into a boat4 ,unfortunately1 it was chained to a staple and padlocked2 the inn-keeper had forgotten to give me the key4 ,they were all the same but one1 lying on the shore and turned bottom up1 that did not seem to be sound4 ,no time1 however1 was to be lost2 the streaks in the east were beginning to turn red--an indication that the sun was rising--and the hour for fishing would soon be over4 ,i launched the boat1 such as it was1 and pushed off4 8,casting the fly is difficult1 but casting thirteen flies is almost impossible4 ,the boat was leaky2 the fish did not rise1 and the water did4 ,i bailed as well as ,i could with one hand1 and fished with the other1 till at last1 almost exhausted1 ,i saw the sun rise4 ,as a desperate resource1 however1 the bait-box came into play4 ,i removed the flies and substituted a hook and worm2 but while thus employed1 and unable to bail1 the water gained on me rapidly4 ,hardly had the bait touched the water before a fine fish seized it4 ,i tried my best to pull him out1 but he would not come--the rod was such a miserable1 weak affair that it bent like a switch4 ,the trout swam about in every direction1 and tried to get under stamps and weeds and to break my line2 but ,i held him fast and reeled in--for my friends had explained to me what the reel was for--and was about to lay down my rod and fish him out with the landing-net1 when--the boat sank40 ,,chorus--8,could you swim80 8,no2 but the water was only up to my arm-pits1 and ,i was about to wade ashore1 when a colored gentleman1 who had arrived and been sitting on the bank for the last few minutes1 shouted to me that it was his boat and ,i must bring it with me4 ,i answered1 savagely1 that ,i would do nothing of the sort1 when he began to abuse me and call me thief1 and say ,i had stolen his boat1 and he would have me arrested4 ,so ,i thought ,i had better comply1 and waded along1 dragging it after me4 ,the bottom was muddy1 and ,i slipped once or twice and went all under4 ,it was probably then that the fish got off2 but my colored friend took pity on me1 and pointed out to me the best places to walk4 8,i was nearly ashore1 and had clambered upon a bog1 as the gentleman advised1 and1 by his direction1 ,i jumped to a piece of nice-looking green grass4 ,i have always thought he deceived me in this1 for it turned out to be a quagmire1 and ,i sank at once above my waist in solid1 sticky mud4 ,the matter now became serious2 my weight is no trifle1 and every motion sank me deeper and deeper4 ,i implored the colored man to help me out2 to wade in to me1 and let me climb on his back2 ,i offered him money profusely2 and--would you believe it8--he laughed1 he roared1 he shouted1 he rolled over in an agony of mirth4 ,he asked me whether ,i was afraid to die--that only cowards were afraid to die4 ,i did not dare to say no1 lest he should take me at my word1 and was ashamed to say yes2 but1 as ,i kept on sinking1 ,i had to own up that ,i was afraid1 and then he only laughed louder than ever4 8,my feelings were beyond description--fury does not adequately describe my rage2 but fear so tempered it1 that ,i seemed to change suddenly from the extreme of heat to the extreme of cold4 ,i would begin by swearing at him1 and end by imploring2 ,i begged1 cursed1 prayed1 and raved4 ,overcome by his unrestrained delight1 at last ,i threatened--pouring out upon him the vilest abuse1 and dire menaces of what ,i would do when ,i did get out4 ,the prospect of that1 however1 rapidly diminished--the nasty1 slimy mud rose by perceptible degrees--and then he made me take back all my threats and apologize to him4 ,in the agony of my returning terror1 he actually made me beg his pardon4 8,when1 however1 hope was nearly over with me1 he slowly1 with maddening deliberation1 took a rail from the nearest fence1 and1 interspersing the operation with much improving advice1 began to pry me out4 ,as ,i rose towards the upper world my courage returned1 and my revenge was merely waiting till my body touched terra firma to take ample amends4 ,even that satisfaction was destined to disappointment2 for when ,i was so far out1 that with the aid of the rail ,i could help myself1 he dropped it1 and1 suspecting my intention1 he scuttled off as fast as his black legs would carry him4 8,what an object ,i presented after effecting my escape--from head to foot one mass of mud2 my handsome clothes1 my hands and face1 all blacker than my ebony friend1 and stiff and heavy with the noisome conglomeration4 ,after resting for a few minutes1 ,i gathered up my rod and started for the wagon1 when what should ,i see in the other end of the lot but a bull4 ,a single glance showed me what ,i had to expect2 no bull could stand such an object as ,i was4 ,i ran and he ran4 ,i made for the wagon and he after me4 ,such a picture as ,i must have presented1 flying from an infuriate bull1 may seem funny to you1 gentlemen1 but was not to me4 ,we both reached the wagon and both went into it together--,i into the seat1 he into the body2 the result being that ,i went flying out again1 on the other side1 over the fence4 ,the horse1 which at that moment must have been dreaming1 or sleeping the sleep he did not have the night before1 aroused by the crash1 cast one look behind and burst his bonds and fled4 8,it was a long walk home2 people looked strangely at me on the way1 and some unfeeling ones laughed4 ,my wagon was broken1 my horse was ruined1 my clothes were spoiled2 and the only consolation ,i had1 was that my brother anglers at the hotel felt and expressed such intense sympathy for my sufferings40 ,the resigned tones and manner of the speaker were inimitable1 and his story was received with great satisfaction and closed the evening's amusements4 ,all parties having resolved upon an early start1 retired early1 and enjoyed a rest such as the sportsman only knows4 ,one of the attachs of our club-house1 without whom it would be deprived of many pleasant features1 and who is a remarkable and eccentric character1 is called ,henry--a ,canadian ,frenchman4 ,he possesses the lightheartedness1 the honesty and trustworthiness of that peculiar class1 with the strongest prejudices against mean and underhanded actions and those who are guilty of them2 he is1 in his own obstinate way1 devoted to the service of those who enjoy his esteem4 ,animated with strong dislikes1 he is barely polite to those who have excited his distrust1 while he will do anything for his favorites4 ,he is a good shot1 and thoroughly acquainted with the marsh and the habits of the birds1 but on no terms will he make any suggestions as to the most promising localities4 ,to the question1 no matter how casually or confidingly littered3 8,well1 ,henry1 where had ,i better go1 to-day80 ,he will respond1 looking you calmly in the face1 and in a slightly admonitory tone3 8,you know ,i never give advice1 sir40 ,his greatest favorites can obtain no more satisfactory answer1 and in fact not much information of any kind1 from him in relation to the flight or haunts of the birds4 ,he appears to have discovered that knowledge worth having is worth working for1 and is resolved that every man shall be his own schoolmaster4 ,he has quite an insight into character1 and appreciates the members of the club and their peculiarities4 ,one day a party1 including a number who were not members1 had been snipe-shooting1 and some of the latter indulged the habit of pushing on before their neighbor to shoot any bird they may have seen alight1 or had reason to believe was upon his beat4 ,afterwards ,henry remarked1 as a sort of soliloquy1 8,he was a poor man--did not have much education1 and supposed he did not know2 but he did not think it right for one sportsman to run in ahead of another in order to shoot a bird before him4 ,probably he was wrong2 but that was the way he felt1 and could not help it40 ,it was this curious individual who waked us the next morning at an hour before daylight1 and enjoyed heartily the satisfaction of rousing us up at that unseemly time4 ,we were no way loth1 however1 and hastily swallowing our breakfasts and launching our boats1 pushed out under cover of the darkness for our respective points4 ,as yet the water and land were scarcely distinguishable1 and localities could only be determined by intuition4 ,night was still brooding with outstretched wings on the earth2 the sky seemed to be close overhead1 and the clouds could not be distinguished from the open heavens4 ,slowly1 however1 the outlines of the horizon became apparent2 then the heavy masses of lowering cloud that hung in the eastern sky1 and left a narrow1 transparent strip of light between themselves and the horizon1 came out in strong relief2 the stars faded and turned dim2 trees1 bushes1 and distant elevations--the minuti of the landscape--appeared2 long lines of sedge-grass and reeds sprang up from the water2 the eastern sky1 and especially the bright strip beneath the cloud1 became lighter2 a roseate tinge spread itself over the meadows1 deepening to intensity in the east1 and at last the sun peeped over the horizon4 ,occasionally ducks will move at the first break of dawn2 but frequently1 as in the present instance1 they do not fly till about sunrise2 then the canvas-backs commenced coming in from the open water2 the red-heads accompanied them2 and the mallards1 aroused from safe beds among the reeds1 flew with loud quackings overhead4 ,later1 the rapid blue-bills and teal darted past1 the pin-tails moved majestically in stately lines1 and the diminutive butter-balls hurried by4 ,the rising sun dissipated the clouds1 and the increasing wind announced a glorious ducking-day4 ,to enjoy this sport thoroughly1 or to make the most of the chances offered1 requires long practice and peculiar skill2 but1 when this skill has been acquired1 no specialty in sportmanship can be carried to higher perfection1 or confer more intense delight4 ,to observe quickly and note the direction of flight of the distant flock2 to catch sight of the single bird just topping the reeds2 to hide well from the sharp eyes of the approaching ducks2 to keep a steady footing1 yielding to the treacherous motions of the unsteady boat without losing self-command2 to measure the distance accurately from birds passing high in air2 to select the proper moment to fire1 and to determine correctly the speed of the moving object2 to do all these things at once1 without hesitation or failure in any particular1 requires in a man the highest qualities of a sportsman4 ,the wonder is that success is so often attained2 for there are many men who will kill almost every bird that comes fairly within range1 and who will tell you before they shoot whether they are sure of killing or not4 ,unfortunately our party1 although tolerably proficient1 were far from perfect4 ,many were the fair shots missed1 or only half hit1 and more still were the impossible shots that were wasted4 ,the wind drove the birds upon the long neck of reeds called ,grassy ,point1 where several of us had located ourselves1 and the river-scows1 or small boats1 occasionally passing kept them in motion4 ,during the morning several flocks of swans were seen1 looking1 when they passed in front of a dark cloud1 like flying snow-flakes4 ,although somewhat resembling the appearance of geese1 at a distance1 the beat of their wrings and their trumpet-voiced cry are altogether different4 ,they were very shy1 keeping far out of range2 but excited our nerves at the mere thought of what glory would be conferred if they should happen to come within the proper distance4 ,one of our party1 however1 acquired but little credit by a shot which he made at a flock of geese that passed within twenty yards of him4 ,he was of ,milesian descent1 and explained the occurrence afterwards as follows3 8,you see1 ,i was watching them come closer and closer1 and making my calculation to pick out two fine ones4 ,i knew the fellow at the head was an old gander1 and tough2 but right behind him came two tender1 juicy youngsters--altogether the fattest and best in the whole flock4 ,well1 it took me some time to make this selection1 and1 letting the old one go by1 ,i was just about preparing to knock over the two others right and left--and done it ,i should have1 because ,i intended to1 you know4 ,well1 ,i put up my gun1 and was about taking aim1 and was waiting for them to get just in the right position--for ,i was as cool as ,i am this moment2 an old hunter like me is not easily flurried4 ,well1 they were almost ready1 and ,i was on the point of cutting them down1 when somebody else--bad luck to him--about a hundred yards off1 fired into the flock4 ,of course they flirted in every direction1 and darted about so1 that ,i lost sight of those ,i selected2 and how could you expect me to kill any others when ,i had made up my mind to have those8 ,you need not laugh because ,i missed with both barrels2 ,i wouldn't have missed if the birds had been in their proper places1 where ,i was pointing my gun40 ,so it was that we obtained no geese4 ,but the canvas-backs and mallards1 in the early morning1 made up for the deficiency2 and when1 towards midday1 they ceased flying1 some of our party resolved to pole for wood-ducks4 ,to do this1 as has been heretofore intimated1 requires more practice than even shooting from 8points0--exacting from the sportsman not merely readiness in handling the gun1 but activity of motion and accuracy of balance4 ,the gun1 at full cock1 is laid in its rack across the thwart2 or1 as ,i prefer1 from one thwart to another1 with the triggers up2 the sportsman1 standing erect on the stern1 wields his pole with care1 avoiding noise1 and never by any chance touching the side of the boat with it1 for nothing alarms the birds so much as rapping on the side of the boat1 although it is not easy to avoid doing so4 ,he faces forward1 raises the pole carefully1 and replacing it without a splash or a blow on the crackling stems or leaves of the lilies1 uses his body as a fulcrum as often as he wishes to alter the direction of the boat4 ,he works his way against the wind as much as possible1 and1 casting his eyes in every direction1 is always on the alert4 ,suddenly1 with a roar like distant thunder1 a wood-duck1 generally the male1 starts from the weeds1 and with a curious cry1 like that of a wailing infant1 makes the best of his way from the approaching danger2 instantly the sportsman drops the pole1 wherever it may be--in mid air or deep in the mud1 just planted or at its full reach--and springing to his gun1 raises it with rapidity but deliberation1 and1 if the bird has not already gained a safe distance1 discharges it with the best effect he is able to command4 ,frequently1 at the report1 another bird will start1 and offer a fair and generally successful shot4 ,to one accustomed to kill quail1 this shooting1 after the awkwardness arising from the motion of the boat is overcome1 is not difficult2 but the knack of dropping the pole at once is almost unattainable4 ,most persons1 at first1 frantically endeavor to deposit the pole in the boat1 and cannot drop it instantly2 others give it an energetic push4 ,the former allow the birds time to escape1 while the latter increase the unsteadiness of the boat4 ,the birds usually rise well1 attaining the height of twenty feet before they move directly away1 and hence present a good shot4 ,if they are missed1 they may be marked down1 pursued1 and started again2 and as they are frequently very numerous1 and rise at unexpected moments1 they keep the sportsman excited1 until1 worn out with the excessive and unaccustomed labor1 he has to stop and rest4 ,if the water is low the poling is hard work1 and at the most favorable times will be found sufficiently exhausting4 ,the birds principally frequent the lily beds1 which stretch out in broad patches where the water is moderately deep2 but they are also found in open spots among the high reeds1 and occasionally among the deer tongue4 ,there are several kinds of weeds growing in the shallows of the bay1 and restricted in their extent by its depth4 ,the reeds1 which in the fall resemble a ripe field of grain1 have crimson stems1 and narrow yellow leaves1 almost inclosing the stems at their base and streaming gracefully in the wind at the top2 they thrive in shallow water1 and1 attaining a height of twelve feet1 form the hiding-places of the sportsman4 ,the wild rice has a greenish-yellow stem1 with longer joints and without leaves2 it branches at the end into the seed-receptacles1 and is not found in such large patches4 ,the deer-tongue grows in deeper water1 and retains its green hue till the weather intimates that winter is present4 ,it has a leaf like a dull spear-head1 that projects but a few inches above the surface2 and its stout sterns1 springing up close together1 constitute a serious obstacle to the advancing boat4 ,there are also scattered patches of weeds1 usually called grass because they are green1 but with a round1 hollow1 tapering stem1 or leaf1 that has no resemblance whatever to grass4 ,early in the season1 when there are few birds flying over the points1 and the young1 tender1 and gentle wood-ducks crowd the marshes and will permit an easy approach1 it is customary to employ a punter1 who poles the boat while the sportsman sits on the forward thwart1 gun in hand1 ready in a moment to cut down the feeble birds4 ,but if any of the shooting is to be done from the points1 the punter will be found in the way1 increasing the unsteadiness of the boat and augmenting the danger1 already sufficiently great4 ,although by no means proficient1 ,i always prefer poling myself1 and will never permit any guns in the boat but my own4 ,on the day more particularly referred to in this chapter1 we found the birds plentiful1 although rather wild1 and had grand sport1 starting the crying wood-ducks and the quacking mallards from their hiding-places1 and killing a goodly number in spite of their sharp ears and strong wings4 ,of the particular shots1 the numerous misses1 the various mishaps1 it were vain to tell4 ,a baptism in the shallow bay-water is regarded as a necessary initiation1 and not being dangerous1 the ceremony is frequently repeated4 ,good shots are rarer than bad ones1 even with the best marksmen1 and perhaps the author would have to vindicate truth by telling some awkward blunders of his own1 and thus forfeit the reader's respect for ever4 ,it is sufficient for the reader to recall the best day's sport at ducks he ever had1 to imagine his own shooting considerably improved1 his strength and activity augmented1 and his promptest deliberation surpassed2 and he will have a faint idea of our performance4 ,it is enough to say the birds were there1 and we were there4 ,towards night we occupied a series of points above the ,gap1 as it is called--an opening between the island where the house is situated and the land beyond--and waited for the evening flight4 ,the wind had died away1 and as the sun was setting1 the mallards came in from the lake to pass the night4 ,innumerable flocks1 one after another1 appeared from behind the trees1 and passing overhead1 settled down into the reeds4 ,by twos1 threes1 or hundreds in a flock1 in straight1 even lines of battle1 or bent like the two sides of a triangle1 or in long single file1 their wings whistling in the still air1 or producing reports like pop-guns as they flirted or touched one another--immense numbers moved over us4 ,having ascertained by several ineffectual shots that they were far out of range1 we watched them with delight and curiosity1 wondering whence they could all come1 and whither they were going4 ,there was no abatement or pause till the increasing darkness shut them out from our sight4 ,had we been prepared with ,ely's wire cartridge we could have rained destruction among them1 but as it was we only killed a few chance birds2 and then reassembling our party where the open lead joined the bay1 we returned to the club-house together4 ,the next day being clear and still1 it was devoted to fishing and exploring4 ,a ,kentuckian who was among our numbers1 having no fishing in his own ,state1 and knowing nothing of salmon or striped-bass1 and little of trout1 was devoted to black-bass fishing4 ,persuading the writer to go in the boat with him1 while two friends accompanied us in another1 we crossed the bay1 and having fastened large ,buel's spoons to the end of stout hand-lines1 proceeded to troll in the most primitive manner4 ,the bass were plentiful1 and rushing from their lairs in the weeds close to the shore1 darted out after the boat had passed1 and devoured our baits4 ,although quite large1 they gave feeble play1 turning over and over in the water1 and rarely jumping with the vigor of fish brought up in cooler latitudes2 in fact1 the river and lake bass differ so greatly as to seem almost to belong to different species4 ,the river fish1 which lie in the discolored water where long weeds grow from a bottom of deep mud1 are yellow in color1 have a large head1 and a yellow iris to the eye4 ,the lake fish1 which prefer the clearer element near rocky shoals1 have a small head and reddish eye1 are dark-sided and vigorous1 have a large forked tail1 and are infinitely preferable on the table4 ,one of our friends in the other boat was a practical joker1 and of a lively turn of mind4 ,he at first amused himself by jerking the line of his companion who sat nearer the bow1 to induce him to think it was a bite2 then he landed all the fish that were taken on either hook2 and finally1 having accidentally caught his hook into his companion's and drawn it in without the latter's knowledge1 he hung it on the gunwale and had the fishing to himself4 ,as the portion of the line1 or bight as sailors call it1 which still towed overboard kept up the ordinary strain1 his associate was in great wonderment at his bad luck1 and did not discover the reason till the fishing was over4 ,having absolutely filled our boats with bass that weighed from two to four pounds1 and having ordered a good dinner at the club-house to entertain some strangers1 we returned1 rather disgusted with such tame sport4 ,we caught1 besides the bass1 a few pickerel and a small pike-perch1 lucioperca ,americana2 and found the most successful bait was a red and tin spoon1 with a white feather on the hook4 ,the natives call the pickerel a grass-pike1 and the pike-perch a pickerel4 ,those curious nondescripts--half fish1 half reptile--bill or gar-fish1 lepidosteus1 relics of antediluvian ages1 were seen in the water1 but are only taken in the net4 ,the weather had been clear1 mild1 and still2 it continued so for several days1 and as storm and wind are necessary to duck-shooting1 our sport1 although pleasant1 was greatly diminished4 ,consequently we rose at reasonable hours1 ate comfortable breakfasts1 and smoked our pipes before we left the house4 ,one morning1 as ,i was about departing1 the ,kentucky fisherman1 who had found the weather admirable for his sport1 offered to bet ten of the largest fish he would catch against the largest bird ,i should shoot1 that ,i would not kill a dozen ducks4 ,of course ,i accepted the wager4 ,it was unpromising weather1 still and warm1 and there was absolutely no flight either during the morning or evening2 but by chance two cormorants came close to my stand4 ,without waiting to distinguish what they were ,i fired1 killing one dead1 and dropping the other some distance off in the open water4 ,my disgust on picking up the one nearest1 and observing the thick legs1 ugly shape1 and crooked yellow bill1 was only diminished by the recollection of my bet4 ,i lost1 failing in the end to bring home the dozen birds--although ,i shot more than that number1 but was unable to recover several that fell in the weeds--and on my return1 using that fact as an excuse1 endeavored to beg off4 ,the ,kentuckian was delighted2 imagining from my conversation that ,i had shot a canvas-back1 and anticipating an amusing triumph1 he insisted upon the letter of the law4 ,our discussion1 as was intended on my part1 attracted the attention and interest of all the members1 and my opponent waited with a victorious air till ,i should bring him my largest bird4 ,at last1 after much procrastination1 it was produced amid such shouts as rarely rang through the old club-house4 ,in vain did my ,kentucky friend attempt to disclaim his acquisition or propose to waive his rights2 8he would have the bird1 and he must take him2 it was a remarkably fine one of the kind1 and a good specimen40 ,at last he burst forth3 8,oh1 get out with your cormorant2 take him away2 do1 and ,i'll never make another bet with you as long as ,i live40 ,to this day1 in that section of the ,west1 a man who is too exacting occasionally wins a cormorant4 ,the time that circumstances permitted me to devote to pleasure was drawing to a close1 and the last morning that was to be appropriated to the ducks had arrived1 when1 as ,i was about loading my boat1 ,henry stood before me1 and with great earnestness remarked3 8,i am going to shoot with you to-day1 sir40 ,if he had said1 8,i am going to shoot you10 he could not have spoken with more firmness and solemnity2 or1 if he had anticipated the most violent contradiction1 he could not have assumed a more convincing manner4 ,the proposal1 as it suggested an augmented bag for my last day1 was1 however1 cordially welcome2 and1 as soon as he was ready1 ,i inquired in an unconcerned manner3 8,well1 which way shall we go80 ,the effrontery of the question fairly took him aback1 and1 pausing in apparent irresolution as to whether he was not in danger of being caught at last1 he seemed for a moment half inclined to run for it4 ,incoherently he commenced his usual response about not giving advice2 paused1 and then1 in a sadly reproachful tone1 remonstrated as follows3 8,you know if ,i were to give advice to gentlemen1 and they were to have bad luck1 they would blame me2 and how can ,i know all the time where the ducks are flying80 8,but1 ,henry1 as we are going together1 ,i must certainly be told where the place is to be40 ,this appeared to surprise him2 for1 after a moment's deliberation1 he jumped into his boat1 and1 seizing his paddle1 said1 8,i am going to ,grassy ,point10 and made off as fast as he could4 8,well1 ,henry1 ,i suppose ,i shall have to go with you1 instead of you with me2 but the difference is not very great40 ,he seemed confused1 and in doubt whether he had not compromised himself1 and paddled with such speed that ,i could scarcely keep up with him4 ,seated with his face towards the bow of the boat1 his guns lying ready for instant use in front of him1 he plied his double paddle--that is to say1 a long paddle with a blade at both ends1 which are dipped alternately--with a vigor that would have distanced1 for a short stretch1 the most expert rower4 ,like the other natives1 he preferred the double paddle to the oars4 8,while using it he could make an accurate course--an important consideration in the intricate channels2 could watch for a chance shot ahead of him1 or chase a wounded duck advantageously2 at a moderate speed1 could travel a long journey2 and1 for a spurt1 could surpass the same boat propelled by oars2 and was not annoyed by catching the blades in the innumerable weeds4 ,so great was the respect that ,i acquired for the double paddle1 from his manner of wielding it1 that ,i thereupon resolved to have one and learn to use it1 even if ,i did suffer somewhat in the attempt4 ,we proceeded in unbroken silence1 and1 reaching the point1 located ourselves well upon it1 not far apart1 and awaited the ducks4 ,henry was an excellent shot1 and set me an example that ,i did my best to follow2 but as the birds did not fly well1 we left at the expiration of a couple of hours1 and crossed ,mud ,creek into the main swamp1 called ,lattimer ,marsh4 ,on the way1 happening to pass an old muskrat house1 my curiosity was excited1 and ,i inquired3 8,are there any animals in that house now80 8,i don't know whether there are any animals1 sir2 there might be some sort of animals1 but there are not any rats40 8,where are the rats1 then80 8,they all disappear in summer2 they leave their houses1 and in the fall build new ones4 ,i can't tell what becomes of them2 but they have queer ways4 ,they build a big house--a sort of family house1 as ,i call it--where a number of them dwell2 and around it1 about fifty rods off1 smaller ones1 where each rat appears to feed or go when he wants to be alone4 ,there are generally two entrances1 one above and the other under water1 so that when the bay is frozen over they can get in40 8,how do you catch them80 8,we set spring-traps of iron1 but without teeth1 so as not to hurt the skin1 near their houses1 and where we think they will be apt to step into them4 ,the time to catch them is from the #ast of ,march till the #ajth of ,april40 8,can anybody trap them80 8,oh no1 sir2 that wouldn't do at all2 a person has to own the land1 or have the right to trap4 ,the land isn't worth much1 though--only about a dollar an acre40 8,the ,indian name of muskrat is said to be musksquash80 8,i don't know how that is2 but ,i have heard people call them so4 ,there are a good many in the marsh1 and we sometimes make three or four hundred dollars a year from them40 8,but1 as the swamp fills up and the land makes1 won't they disappear80 8,no1 sir2 the swamp isn't filling up2 but the land is sinking1 or the water rising--either one or the other2 for the swamp is growing larger4 ,the trees on the island are being killed by the water--some are dead already2 and every year more high land becomes meadow1 and the meadow turns into swamp40 8,i thought the ,western lakes were growing shallow1 and receding yearly40 8,not here1 sir4 ,why1 that long spit of reeds beyond ,grassy ,point was dry land once1 so that you could drive a team clear over to ,squaw ,island2 there were large trees on it1 but they are all dead1 and the channel between it and the island is six feet deep40 8,all the better for us sportsmen4 ,have you any other valuable animals besides the rats80 8,a few otter2 but not many4 ,no1 sir2 the ducks are the most valuable things we have40 8,they will soon be killed off40 8,no1 sir2 as there is no shooting allowed in the spring they are becoming more plentiful4 ,they are tamer1 too2 and some stay here all summer and breed4 ,it was the spring shooting1 when they were poor and thin1 that killed them off or drove them away40 8,how many birds can a good shot average daily the season through80 8,i think ,i can kill forty a day1 but perhaps there are some men who can shoot better4 ,but now1 sir1 if you will choose your stand1 ,i will go a little way below40 ,i ensconced myself in a bunch of high weeds surrounded by a pond of open water1 and killed a few mallards4 ,the birds did not fly well1 however1 and we moved from place to place in the hope of better luck1 and with a restlessness that showed increasing dissatisfaction on the part of ,henry2 so that ,i was not surprised when1 early in the afternoon1 he told me that he must return to the club-house4 ,i remained for some hours where he left me2 but hearing rapid shooting near the ,gap1 ,i poled my way there through a broad field of lilies1 known as the ,pond ,lily ,channel1 and there1 to my surprise1 found ,henry4 ,whether it was the desire to be alone1 for his peculiarity of preferring to shoot by himself has been mentioned1 or whether he was tempted by a favorable flight of birds1 ,i never knew2 when ,i appeared1 he paddled hastily away as though ashamed1 and made no answer to my inquiries as to what detained him1 or how they could manage without him at the house4 ,unceremoniously occupying his place1 ,i completed the evening1 and the allotted hours of my stay1 with some excellent shooting at flocks of mallards1 widgeons1 and blue-bills1 that poured through the ,gap in endless flights1 till after dark4 ,then1 for the last time1 ,i rowed through the darkness towards the well-known point2 for the last time sat down at the groaning board which our kind-hearted landlady had furnished so liberally2 played my last game with the euchre-loving son of ,kentucky2 smoked a farewell pipe of ,killikinnick in the sociable circle around the air-tight2 slept for the last time in the comfortable bed under the hospitable roof of the club-house2 and next morning1 having seen my associates depart1 each in his little boat1 and bid them all farewell1 ,i set out1 with my birds packed in ice1 for the ,city of ,new ,york4 ,my friends welcomed me and my birds gladly4 ,reader1 had you been my friend1 you would also have welcomed us both4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,suggestions ,,to ,,sportsmen4 ,the word 8sport0 has been more abused1 ill-treated1 and misapplied than any other in our language2 of a high1 pure1 and noble signification1 it has been debased to unworthy objects2 of a restricted and refined significance1 it has been extended to a mass of improper matters2 from its natural elegant appropriateness1 it has been degraded to vulgar and dishonest associations4 ,the miserable wretch who lives on the most contemptible passion in human nature1 and with practised skill cheats those who would cheat him--winning by the unfair rules of games1 so-called1 of chance--or1 with less conscience1 converting that chance into a certainty1 calls himself a sporting man4 ,the individual who1 having trained a horse up to the finest condition of activity and endurance1 drives or rides him under lash and spur round a course to win a sum of money1 although he may call himself a sportsman1 is really a business man4 ,the daring backwoodsman of the ,far ,west1 who follows the fleet elk or timid deer1 and who attacks the formidable buffalo or grizzly bear1 is less a sportsman than a mighty hunter2 the man who shoots with a view of selling his game is a market-gunner2 and he who kills that he may eat is a pot-hunter4 ,the sportsman pursues his game for pleasure2 he does not aspire to follow the grander animals of the chase1 makes no profit of his success1 giving to his friends more than he retains1 shoots invariably upon the wing1 and never takes a mean advantage of bird or man4 ,it is his pride to kill what he does kill elegantly1 scientifically1 and mercifully4 ,quantity is not his ambition2 he never slays more than he can use2 he never inflicts an unnecessary pang or fires an unfair shot4 ,the man who1 happening to find birds plentiful in warm weather1 and1 after murdering all that he can1 leaves them to spoil1 is no more a sportsman than he who fires into a huddled bevy of quail1 or who considers every bird as representing so much money value1 and to be converted into it as soon as possible4 ,the sportsman is generous to his associate1 not seeking to obtain the most shots1 but giving away the advantage in that particular1 and recovering it if possible by superiority of aim2 for although to be a sportsman a person must naturally be an enthusiast1 he should never forget what he owes to his friend1 and above all what he owes to himself4 ,boys and ,germans need not imagine that killing robins or blackbirds on trees1 no matter how numerously1 is sport4 ,robins and blackbirds1 the latter especially1 if the old song is to be believed1 make dainty pies1 but do not constitute an object of pursuit to the sportsman4 ,diminutive birds shot sitting are as far beneath sport as gigantic wild animals shot standing or running are above it4 ,the only objects of the sportsman's pursuit are the game birds2 not in the confined sense used in old times by the ,english1 when the very prince of all--the woodcock--was excluded from the list1 but embracing every bird1 fit for the table1 that is habitually shot on the wing4 ,many of these1 perhaps the finest1 gamest1 and bravest1 are shot over dogs1 where the wonderful instinct of the animal aids the intelligence of the human2 but whether followed by the faithful setter1 or lured to bobbing decoy2 killed from points where1 prone in the reeds1 the eager sportsman1 insensible to cold or wet1 at the grey of dawn or dusk of night1 awaits his prey2 or from the convenient blind which the deluded birds approach without suspicion1 or pursued with horse and wagon on the open plain--these all are game birds1 and he who follows them legitimately is a sportsman4 ,wild birds1 like the tame ones1 are given for man's use1 and the best use that can be made of them is the one that will confer most health1 nourishment1 and happiness on mankind4 ,fanatics imagine that although birds may be killed1 it must be done only to furnish food2 as if there was nothing beyond eating in this world1 and as if contribution to health were not as essential as supplies to the stomach4 ,the two may and should be combined2 a man who is hungry may kill that he may be satisfied1 the man who is sickly may kill that he may recover--neither may kill in excess2 and a third may kill lest he become sick1 provided nothing is injured that is not used4 ,death before the muzzle of a gun1 in the hands of an experienced marksman1 when the body of the charge striking the object terminates life instantly--and even when1 in the hands of a bungler1 the wounded bird is not put out of his pain till he is retrieved--is far more merciful than after capture in a trap1 accompanied with agonies of apprehension and perhaps days of starvation1 till the thoughtless boy shall remember his snare and awkwardly end life4 ,the birds of the air and beasts of the field are given for man's use and advantage1 whether domesticated1 or wild as they once all were2 and if they serve to supply him with food or healthful exercise1 and especially if they do both1 they have answered their purpose4 ,it is certainly no more brutalizing to shoot them on the wing or in the open field1 when they have a reasonable chance to escape1 than to wring their necks in the barn-yard1 or knock them on the head with an axe4 ,to become a sportsman1 the first thing to acquire--provided nature has kindly furnished the proper groundwork of heart and body1 without which little can be done--is the art of shooting4 ,a few1 very few men become1 through fortuitous circumstances of nature and practice1 splendid shots2 many shoot well1 and some cannot shoot at all4 ,the author of this work has handled a gun from his twelfth year1 and been out with thousands of sportsmen1 but he never yet saw a dead shot--one who can kill every time4 ,crack shots1 however1 are numerous2 and include1 according to ,frank ,forester1 those who1 in covert and out of covert1 the season through1 will kill three out of five of the birds that rise fairly within range2 but in the opinion of the author1 the application should be extended to any man who can kill two out of five on an average4 ,this calculation1 however1 has no reference to fair shots2 every bird that rises within twenty-five yards and is seen1 though it be but for an instant1 and many that rise at thirty-five yards1 are to be counted4 ,in our country there is so much covert1 that the man who picks his birds and only fires at open chances1 is a potterer1 unworthy even of the common-place name of gunner2 he has nothing of the sportsman and little of the man about him4 ,afraid to miss1 anxious to boast of his skill1 desirous of surpassing his friends1 he unites the qualities of braggart and sneak4 ,be liberal in your shots2 do not grudge ammunition1 nor dread the disgrace of a miss--the disgrace of eluding the trial is far greater2 and no man who waits for open shots1 and acquires a hesitating manner1 will ever effect anything brilliant4 ,if you miss1 there are always plenty of excellent excuses at hand--your foot slipped1 the bird dodged1 a tree intervened2 or1 you hit him hard1 cut out his feathers1 or even killed him stone dead1 but he did not fall at once4 ,if you doubt the validity of these excuses1 go out with the best shot you know1 and observe whether he does not furnish you with ten times the number in a week4 ,now1 the author cannot shoot1 and never could2 but he manages to bring home as many quail1 woodcock1 snipe1 rail1 ruffed grouse1 and ducks1 on the average1 as any of his friends4 ,he observes that most of them miss as often as he does1 with no better excuses1 and some far oftener2 but still he never1 to the best of his belief1 saw the season during which he killed--that is1 bagged--one-half of the birds he shot at4 ,some professionals1 of course1 shoot at one kind of game wonderfully2 the gunners of ,long ,island ,bay are astoundingly accurate on wild-fowl1 but would not kill one quail in a week2 while some men who could scarcely touch a duck1 handle their guns splendidly in the thickest cover4 ,professionals1 however1 usually yield the best chances to their employers1 and may be more skilful than they seem2 but among amateurs the author claims a rank that will at least entitle him to judge of others4 ,the majority of persons rarely consider how many birds escape1 without the fault of the marksman2 at over thirty yards the best gun1 especially when a little dirty1 will leave openings in the charge where a bird may be hit with only one shot1 if at all4 ,ducks1 the larger bay-snipe1 ruffed grouse1 and1 above all1 quail late in the season1 will carry off several shots--flying away apparently unhurt1 although in the end they may fall dead4 ,if the gun was held perfectly straight this would happen less frequently2 but to so hold it is almost impossible1 for no living man could kill1 once in a dozen times1 a flying bird with a single ball2 and even then the probabilities are1 that a yellow-leg snipe shot at more than thirty-five yards off1 would once in five times carry away the few pellets that may strike him2 and at forty yards escape entirely untouched4 ,if the reader will select the best target his gun can make with an ounce of ,no4 #h shot at forty yards1 and see how many spaces there are entirely vacant large enough to contain a snipe1 he will be convinced that the above statement is correct2 and at fifty yards1 the chances are three to one against the marksman4 ,sir ,francis ,francis1 who is a good authority in ,england1 says1 that to kill one bird in two shots is good shooting2 and there the grounds are almost always open1 while the reverse is the case with us4 ,do not be discouraged1 therefore1 if the sun gets in your eyes1 your foot slips1 the bird dodges1 a few floating feathers are the only result of your effort1 or you make a clean miss2 others do the same4 ,neither lose your temper nor curse your luck1 as by so doing you may excite your nerves and injure your shooting1 and cannot improve it4 ,be cool1 never shoot without an attempt at aim1 if it is only where the bird disappeared2 take your disappointments pleasantly1 strive to do your best1 and you will improve4 ,many ducks fly at least ninety miles an hour2 that is1 twenty-six hundred yards a minute1 or forty-four yards a second2 if1 therefore1 a duck starts at your feet with that velocity1 and you require a second to cover him1 he will be out of range2 or if he is flying across1 and you dwell one forty-fourth part of a second on your aim1 you will miss him4 ,a quail1 late in the season1 flies as fast as this1 and rises with a rapidity equal to his flight4 ,he is often found in coverts1 dodges and twists with remarkable skill and judgment1 frequently flies off in a direct line behind the thickest bush1 and requires the perfection of training to bring down with certainty4 ,these are difficulties that patience alone can overcome2 for if shooting were simple1 there would be no art or pleasure in it4 ,all books on sporting tell you to fire ahead of cross shots1 and in this they are right2 but the reason they give is1 that time is necessary for the shot to reach the object--in this they are wrong2 shot moves infinitely faster than the bird1 and for practical purposes1 reaches its mark instantaneously4 ,human nerves and muscles1 however1 are imperfect1 and it requires an instant1 an important one1 to discharge the gun after the aim is taken4 ,the result1 therefore1 is the same1 and you must endeavor to shoot ahead of the bird2 and if he is flying fast1 far ahead of him4 ,if the motion of the object is followed and the gun kept moving before the discharge1 some writers allege no allowance need be made1 but it is so difficult not to pause slightly1 that it is better in all cases to allow some inches4 ,to follow the motion of a very fast-flying bird1 is almost1 if not quite impossible1 and the attempt to do so at all1 is apt to create a popping habit4 ,when a broad-bill1 driving before a strong northwester1 darts past1 the best plan is to try and fire many feet1 even ten or fifteen1 ahead of him2 and then you will rarely succeed in discharging your piece before he is abreast of the muzzle1 and frequently will lag behind him4 ,the aim must be taken on the line of flight1 and a little attention will convince you that the bird is up with the sight ere the trigger is fairly pulled4 ,a knowledge of this principle1 and an ability to practise it1 may be said to be the art of duck-shooting2 as in that there are a vast majority of cross shots1 and the birds fly rapidly4 ,there is an erroneous idea that the eye must be lowered close down to the breech1 in order to have a correct aim2 but1 while it is apparent if the neck is not bent at all there can be no aim1 a slight inaccuracy will not only make no difference1 but will give an advantage by throwing the shot high4 ,it will be perceived1 on fastening the gun in an immovable position1 that the eye may be moved from near one hammer to the other1 and the aim altered but a few inches1 on an object thirty yards distant--an inaccuracy1 considering the spread of shot1 which is utterly unimportant4 ,so also1 although by the attraction of gravitation the charge falls somewhat1 the deflection is too inconsiderable to merit attention4 ,after watching himself carefully1 reading what the best authors have written1 and comparing experiences with his friends1 the author has concluded that experienced sportsmen miss from hesitation in pulling the trigger1 dwelling on the aim1 and nervously shrinking from the recoil4 ,the first fault arises from some temporary or permanent condition of mind or body1 the second from anxiety to make assurance doubly sure1 and the last from habit4 ,if a man is naturally slow he can never shoot fast-flying birds1 but if his fingers are stiff from cold he can warm them4 ,a resolution to fire boldly1 and not to dread missing1 will cure the over-anxiety that destroys its own intent1 but to meet the recoil without giving to it1 or pushing against it1 which is the more common mistake1 is often extremely difficult4 ,this unfortunate habit1 occurring at the moment of highest excitement amid the noise and smoke1 is rarely noticed by the guilty party1 and some will at first stoutly deny its existence4 ,to mind the recoil of a gun seems pusillanimous1 and few can believe1 till assured by actual experiment1 that it equals sixty or seventy pounds1 and will crush the bones of the body if immovably fixed4 ,let the reader observe the next time that his gun is unwittingly left at half-cock1 how far he will pull it out of aim1 and how he will push against it1 when attempting to discharge it at game4 ,an acquaintance of the writer1 who would scout the idea of being affected by the recoil of his gun1 and indeed would have sworn 8it did not kick a bit10 was once chasing a diver on a placid1 sluggish stream1 in a dug-out4 ,when the bird rose close to the boat1 the sportsman was standing erect1 poising himself with care in the unsteady craft1 but as he pulled the trigger he instinctively pushed so hard1 that1 as the cap snapped1 he lost his balance1 upset the canoe1 and pitched forward head-foremost overboard6 ,probably one half of the fair shots that are missed escape on account of this unfortunate nervousness2 and it is a habit that can only be cured by incessant care and unrelaxed watchfulness4 ,anything that affects the nerves1 as smoking or drinking1 increases the difficulty1 and the sudden flushing of a bird will cause it4 ,unhappily it is apt to be most prevalent when the shooting is good and the sportsman excited1 thus ruining many of his best days4 ,with heavy loads1 or what is known as a kicking gun1 the error will be aggravated2 and most persons have no idea of the proper proportions of powder and shot1 putting in immense quantities of the latter and sparing the former4 ,the true load for a gun not exceeding eight pounds in weight1 regardless of its size or bore1 is one ounce and a quarter of shot and three drachms of the strongest powder1 or three and a half drachms of common powder4 ,the same proportion should be retained if the gun is heavier or the charge increased4 ,where more shot is used power is lost and recoil aggravated2 and if the powder is not augmented one ounce of shot will do better execution than two4 ,many persons who have ascertained this fact and practise upon it1 will inform you that they drive their shot through the birds1 and consequently kill them instantly4 ,this is a mistake2 small shot are rarely1 if ever1 driven through a bird2 but where the force is increased the blow is much harder1 and stuns4 ,it is the velocity rather than the size or number of the shot that tells4 ,a soldier in battle was struck on the belt-plate by a spent mini bullet not a half inch in diameter1 and he described himself as feeling that he had been torn to pieces1 and that a cannon-ball had gone directly through his body4 ,the size of the shot is to be proportioned to the size of the bird--weight1 of course1 being an element of power and telling on each individual pellet--but the more the aggregate amount can be reduced the less the recoil4 ,six drachms of powder and one ounce of shot1 will not occasion as much recoil as three drachms of powder and an ounce and a half of shot4 ,the gun should always be held firmly to the shoulder1 and the shoulder never rested against a solid substance2 indeed1 the collar-bone may be broken by simply firing directly upwards4 ,therefore1 never fire in the air while lying on your back upon the ground1 and be careful when shooting at ducks from a boat not to support yourself upon the latter4 ,if the reader still doubts the universally disastrous effects of cringing at the moment of discharge1 let him have an assistant to load the gun out of sight1 who without his knowledge shall vary the load1 and occasionally put in none at all4 ,then let the reader fire at a mark1 and in spite of the efforts which he will naturally make1 he will find when there is no load1 and consequently nothing to distract his attention1 that he does shrink1 and pull the muzzle somewhat off the object4 ,this book is not written for beginners2 there are plenty of works with every variety of instruction in them1 and the reader is supposed to have read them1 digested their contents1 acquired a knowledge of the gun1 and some skill in its use1 and to have been frequently in the field1 but to be perfect neither in the use of the gun1 nor the practice of the sportsman's art4 ,there are1 however1 a few simple suggestions that may prove valuable1 not only in acquiring the ability to shoot1 but in restoring it where1 from want of practice1 it has diminished4 ,the sportsman must be as quick and ready in handling his gun as the juggler in handling his tools2 he must be able to bring it to his shoulder and point the muzzle at a stationary mark simultaneously1 to aim in every direction with equal facility1 and to follow a moving object accurately4 ,this is merely mechanical1 and is acquired1 like every other mechanical art1 by dint of practice4 ,some writers recommend firing at turnips tossed through the air by an assistant1 and this is well2 but an equally advantageous plan is to throw a soft ball about a room and take aim at it1 pulling the trigger every time1 with an unloaded and uncocked gun4 ,the sole1 but important1 recommendation of this idea is1 that it may be carried out anywhere and at all seasons1 and if the reader will try it daily for a week before going into the field1 he will perceive the effects4 ,so also1 to acquire quickness3 if the reader will throw two small objects--pennies1 or the like--into the air1 and endeavor to aim at or hit them both before they reach the ground1 he will in a short time obtain such facility that he will be able to lay down his gun1 and after throwing the pennies1 to pick it up and hit them both twice out of three times4 ,to shoot at pigeons from a trap1 robins from trees1 and even swallows on the wing1 although the practice differs greatly from shooting at game1 is useful to a certain extent2 but steady and long-continued practice of this nature is injurious rather than beneficial4 ,it is somewhat notorious that the celebrated pigeon-shots are generally poor marksmen in the field1 and entirely at a loss in thick covert4 ,after all1 however1 the best place to learn the use of the gun1 while it is by all odds the pleasantest1 is in the field2 where1 amid the thousand beauties of nature1 and under the excitement of the presence of game1 the sportsman by slow degrees overcomes the innumerable difficulties that surround the art of shooting flying4 ,closely allied to skill in killing the right object is the ability to avoid killing the wrong one4 ,a gun is extremely dangerous--how much so is known only to those who have handled it long2 in spite of the best care it will occasionally go off at unexpected times1 and in careless hands is sure1 sooner or later1 to do terrible damage4 ,every possible precaution must be taken1 vigilance must never be relaxed1 the muzzle must under no circumstances point towards the owner or his companions2 if two men are crawling through thick brush1 the gun of the first must point forwards1 and of the last1 backwards2 the caps should always be removed when the sportsman gets into a wagon1 and when the loaded weapon is left in a house the hammers ought never to be left down on the caps2 but1 above all1 no man who is not in search of an early grave should pull a gun towards him by the barrels4 ,these rules are simple1 and the reasons for them apparent2 if the hammer is on the cap1 a blow on it1 or its catching on a twig1 will discharge the load2 if a horse runs away1 as horses have an unpleasant habit of doing1 even if the lock is at half-cock1 the tumbler may be broken down2 if a gun is capped in a house1 every one but an idiot knows it is loaded2 and if it is drawn towards a person--as will be often done by thoughtless people in taking it from a wagon or lifting it from a boat or from the ground--it is almost sure to go off4 ,in the field it should be carried either at whole or half-cock2 authorities differ as to which of these two modes is the safer4 ,if the hammer is at full cock1 a touch on the trigger will set it loose2 if it is at half-cock1 in the excitement of cocking it when a bird rises unexpectedly1 it will often slip unintentionally4 ,i prefer the former method1 believing that the sense of danger makes the person more careful1 and that the risk of a twig's touching the trigger in spite of the trigger-guard is very slight1 while the weapon is ready for instant use1 and only has to be pointed at the object and discharged4 ,moreover1 ,i have twice seen a gun that was at half-cock discharged when the sportsman was in the act of cocking it hastily1 and twice when putting it back to half-cock2 but the piece should never for a moment be trusted out of the sportsman's hands without his first putting it at half-cock2 nor should he ever cross a fence without the same precaution4 ,in changing from whole to half-cock1 pass the hammer below the first notch1 so as to hear a distinct click when it is drawn back4 ,countrymen when about to walk a log over a rapid stream1 will usually carefully put the hammers down on the caps1 and placing the butt on the log1 steady themselves by it1 thus insuring their destruction if they should happen to slip2 and if they stand on a fence they do the same thing1 and rest the stock on the upper rail4 ,not only should such follies be avoided1 but the gun should never be leaned against a tree1 as thoughtless people are apt to do when they stop at a spring to drink1 and never placed where it can slip or roll4 ,when you have fired and desire to reload1 put the hammer of the loaded barrel at half-cock1 and if the right barrel has been discharged1 set down the butt so that the hammers are towards you1 and the contrary way if the left barrel is to be loaded2 in this manner you will avoid bringing your hand over the loaded barrel1 and in case the other charge should go off you would lose the end of your thumb1 perhaps1 but save most of your fingers4 ,from the foregoing rules1 which apply mainly to muzzle-loaders1 it will be seen how much safer are breech-loaders2 with them the entire charge can be withdrawn on entering a house or getting into a wagon1 and there is absolutely no danger to fingers or thumb in the process of loading4 ,and in carrying the weapon on long tramps in the woods1 where it is frequently removed from boat to shoulder1 from shoulder to boat1 and from wagon to case1 and when it has to be ready at any instant1 with the muzzle-loader the only possible precaution is to leave the nipples without caps1 which are to be carried in the vest pocket1 and must be removed after every vain alarm2 while with the breech-loader1 the charge itself is not inserted till needed4 ,with these few suggestions1 which are applicable not merely to the kinds of sport treated of in this volume1 but to every species of shooting1 we leave the young sportsman to his own resources and to the knowledge that he will acquire in the field1 hoping that he may find something in them that will aid him to kill reasonably often the game he points at1 and to avoid the dreadful misfortune of injuring a friend or companion4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,trap-,,shooting4 ,the amusement of trap-shooting is pursued in the ,northern ,states1 on the margins of the western lakes--as some eminent marksmen of ,buffalo and ,niagara ,falls can testify--and on the sea-coast--as some famous matches at ,islip would prove4 ,it is not a field sport2 it is hardly a sport at all2 and a pigeon is not1 properly speaking1 a game-bird1 in spite of the instances quoted4 ,if this work were to be confined strictly to its professed objects1 this chapter would have to be excluded2 but for the reason that it belongs nowhere else1 that an account of this peculiar style of shooting will be useful to many sportsmen1 and that no published book contains any information on the subject1 the writer has presumed to collate the experience of his friends rather than of himself--for he does not pretend to much skill in this particular art--and to offer it to the sporting public4 ,trap-shooting1 although quite an ungrammatical expression1 is perfectly understood as a sporting term1 having acquired a conventional meaning2 it signifies neither shooting at a trap1 which its construction implies1 nor shooting out of a trap1 but shooting at a bird--generally a pigeon--released from a trap4 ,although not a highly scientific sport1 and somewhat open to the charge of cruelty1 it has its devotees2 and certainly1 amid a crowd of spectators and competitors1 to take the palm and carry off the prize is no mean glory4 ,the birds probably suffer as little1 cut down with the whistling charge of fine shot while on the wing1 and with a chance for life1 as though their necks were remorselessly wrung by the poulterer2 and in either case they find their way to market and furnish food for the people4 ,the most serious objection to this sport is1 that the wild pigeons have to be taken from their nests in the spring1 and thus1 either prevented laying their eggs1 or hatching their broods4 ,as the preservation and increase of all species of wild birds1 animals1 and fishes1 and the prevention of their destruction at unseasonable times1 are the first duties of a sportsman1 the killing of pigeons ere they have raised their broods is on a par with shooting ducks and snipe in spring1 and is excusable only because the feeling of the people does not require the enactment of thoroughly appropriate laws2 and while it prevents the protection of the latter1 makes the preservation of the former--which is a comparatively valueless bird--scarcely worth the trouble4 ,under these circumstances1 and in order to fill up a season of the year when there is no other legitimate sporting excitement1 trap-shooting has grown in public estimation1 and being adopted by a large class of sportsmen1 has led to the employment of a numerous body of followers1 skilled in the secrets of trapping and preparing birds so that they may be presented to the shooter in the best possible condition4 ,this class of underlings1 who attend to the many wants of the sportsman1 whether in the field or at the trap2 who break his dogs1 carry his bag1 or tend his birds2 with their quaint wisdom and innate honesty1--deserve more consideration than they receive3 but above all1 in trap-shooting1 are they a necessity1 and is their uprightness above price8 ,an unfair trapper may give one man strong birds1 and another weak2 may pull their wing-feathers1 or keep some without water or food1 and thus almost decide a contest beforehand4 ,their labor is excessive2 they have first to catch the birds1 and attend to their arrival at the place of shooting early enough to meet the sportsmen2 and then they have to run eighteen or twenty-one yards over the uneven and often muddy ground for every bird they place in the trap4 ,hence1 in selecting a place to shoot pigeons1 it is desirable1 by avoiding sand or soft earth1 to save the trapper2 under the most favorable circumstance1 he will soon be exhausted1 and with every advantage1 cannot trap more than five hundred birds in a day4 ,two birds are released1 either together or successively1 ere the traps are replenished2 the trapper1 carrying two birds1 runs to the traps1 sets one after the other1 and returns also on the run--for the marksman by this time is at the score--and selects two more birds from the box2 this labor1 continued during the noontide hours of a blazing day1 is not over-remunerated by liberal pay and the surplus birds1 that1 unless claimed by the shooter1 fall by common consent to the share of his hard-working assistant4 ,the most rapid way is to use five traps1 in single-bird shooting1 and employ five boys--with a relay of five others when the first are exhausted--to set them2 boys are naturally more active than men1 and are buoyed up by an excitement that the latter do not feel4 ,the five birds are shot at before the traps are refilled2 and by the time the last bird is released the boys stand armed with a fresh one apiece1 ready to reset the traps in a moment4 ,in this mode1 with good luck in not having too many birds that have to be retrieved1 and with regularity1 fifteen hundred birds may be shot at in ten hours4 ,the difficulty of obtaining pigeons in our seaboard cities has been so great of late years1 as advancing civilization has reduced the number1 and driven westward the migratory hosts which once visited the ,eastern ,states1 that not only has the expense enormously increased1 but the practice of trap-shooting has diminished4 ,the ordinary price along the ,atlantic coast is from twenty to thirty dollars a hundred1 and the supply is so small1 that the collection of any considerable number1 even at that rate1 is extremely difficult4 ,as skill in the act of shooting birds released from a trap1 where the sportsman stands prepared1 gun in hand and nerves disturbed1 if at all1 only by the presence of spectators1 does not imply ability to acquit oneself well in the field1 and tends but little to that end2 so it is pursued not for improvement so much as for temporary excitement during the dull months of the year4 ,pigeons nest in ,june1 a season during which there is absolutely no legitimate sport with the gun whatever2 the woodcock are not yet grown1 the snipe have passed to their northern homes1 and the sportsman fills the vacancy with the emulation of surpassing his associates at trap-shooting4 ,the attempt is exciting1 and the art peculiar1 requiring great self-command and utter disregard of the jeers1 praises1 or contemptuous laughter of a thousand spectators4 ,tame pigeons are not so well adapted to the purpose as their wild brethren1 having a quiet way of ignoring the object for which they are produced1 and walking towards the stand1 or picking up scraps of food the moment they are released1 that is trying to the expectant shooter4 ,then they are strong of wing and well feathered1 so that the shot must be driven hard to penetrate to a vital spot2 and they fly as often towards the crowd assembled behind the score as in the contrary direction4 ,their flight is uneven1 and frequently1 after rising a few feet1 they will suddenly alight1 or pitch down part of the way4 ,the best shots1 therefore1 prefer the wild birds1 that go off with a rush the moment the trap is pulled--for1 although they fly faster1 they are more certain in their motions4 ,tame birds are collected in the neighborhood of towns and through the country1 but rarely in large numbers2 and being accustomed to the presence of man1 require little special care4 ,wild birds are brought from long distances1 frequently from the confines of ,wisconsin1 and in consequence of their timid1 excitable nature1 require continued care4 ,they are captured on their nests1 where they congregate in millions2 and being cooped in shallow boxes made of slats1 only deep enough to allow them to move1 but not to use their wings or bruise themselves1 are transported as rapidly and tenderly as possible to their destination4 ,they must invariably be accompanied by a careful person to wait on them1 and supply food and water1 of the latter of which they require large quantities1 and they must be moved as rarely and carefully as possible4 ,the moment they arrive1 they should be placed in a prepared room2 and each one1 as he is taken out1 must have his head plunged in water1 and be allowed to drink freely4 ,the ceiling of their apartment should be low1 or there will be difficulty in catching them1 and the windows may be slatted2 a sufficient number of perches to accommodate them readily should be set up1 and they must be disturbed as little as possible4 ,food and water should be introduced three times a day1 either very quietly1 or after the apartment has been darkened by closing the shutters4 ,in spite of the best of care1 about ten per cent4 will perish on the journey1 or in consequence of it4 ,having been retained in the room two or three days1 they will be in their best condition1 recovered from their exposure1 and not yet injured by their confinement2 and may then be caught1 replaced in the boxes1 and carried to the shooting-ground4 ,it is a common practice to pull out some of the smaller feathers under the tail1 or to stick a pin in the gristle of the rump1 with a view of making them fly better2 as a bird that remains in the trap1 when a ground-trap is used1 after it is pulled1 and refuses to rise1 baulks the shooter1 and any pain inflicted on them just as they are being used will make them wild and anxious to escape4 ,there are three kinds of traps used1 called the ground1 spring1 and plunge traps2 the former is so arranged that when the string is drawn1 the trap1 which is composed of tin plates1 falls over and lies flat on the ground2 while the others1 through the instrumentality of a spring1 or by a vigorous jerk on the line1 throw the birds into the air4 ,the ground-traps are considered by many the most scientific1 leaving the shooter in doubt as to the direction of the bird's flight1 and preventing his shooting on the calculation which can be made very accurately with a spring-trap--that the bird will invariably be thrown to a certain place1 and may be killed there1 nominally on the wing1 but before he has really got under weigh2 but in the ,west the plunge-traps are generally preferred1 as they insure the bird's flying at once4 ,the traps are also spoken of as 8,h and ,t10 or 8head and tail0 traps1 and are usually marked with a large ,h or ,t2 but this means merely that the shooter may select the trap to be pulled by the toss1 in case the terms of the contest permit it4 ,the sportsmanlike mode1 however1 as claimed by ,eastern sportsmen1 is to allow the trapper1 provided he can be perfectly relied upon1 to pull any trap he may choose1 without notice to the shooter4 ,four or five traps are generally used1 placed several feet apart1 at twenty-one yards from the score in single-bird shooting1 and at eighteen yards in double-bird shooting4 ,in double-bird shooting the two birds are not placed in the same trap1 but two traps are pulled at the same time4 ,in single-bird shooting only one barrel can be discharged at one bird2 and to save time1 the shooter should fire at two birds1 one after the other1 before he leaves the score1 being thus compelled to use both barrels of his gun4 ,a bird1 to be credited as killed1 must be retrieved within the bounds--that is to say1 must be gathered with the hands alone2 and it was formerly permitted to take him not only on the ground or in the air1 but from a tree1 and the shooter might walk round a running bird and drive him towards the trap2 but more modern rules require that the bird shall fall1 and shall be proceeded to straight from the score4 ,the bounds are eighty yards radius from the centre of the traps in single-bird shooting1 and one hundred yards in double-bird shooting4 ,the distance should be measured with a rope1 and marked by small flags or painted stakes set up in the ground4 ,the judges order the shooter to retrieve any bird they think proper2 and in case there is doubt whether a bird was hit1 although duly retrieved1 they must examine and decide1 being occasionally compelled to pick the feathers in order to ascertain4 ,in case of a missfire1 according to the rules of the ,new ,york ,club1 if the cap explodes1 the bird is counted against the shooter1 although his gun may be properly loaded1 he being responsible for the cleanliness of the gun2 but in case the cap fails to explode1 he is allowed another bird4 ,other clubs only require that the gun shall be properly loaded2 and others score the bird as missed4 ,if in double-bird shooting one bird only rises1 it used to be counted to the shooter1 and he was allowed another bird in place of the one that failed to fly1 thus really shooting at two single birds4 ,this was so manifestly unjust that the rule has been changed by the ,state ,association1 and the shooter is required to shoot at a fresh brace4 ,the sportsman stands at the score and directs the trapper when to pull2 he must hold the butt of his gun beneath his elbow1 but usually drops his head1 and bends his body into the position it would take were the gun at his shoulder1 so that he merely has to raise his gun to his eye and point it4 ,in double-trap shooting1 undoubtedly1 the marksman requires every advantage he can obtain1 and then will have many birds pass beyond range ere he can fire2 but where a single pigeon is presented1 it would be advisable to require every contestant to hold his gun with the muzzle above his head4 ,professional shots usually extend the arms and assume an attitude1 and gain an advantage that would be impossible to them in game-shooting4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the weight or character of gun and load of powder have not heretofore been restricted1 although it is unreasonable to match a light field-gun1 loaded with three drachms1 against a fourteen-pound ducking-gun1 driving its charge of ,no4 #aj shot with six drachms of powder4 ,the load of shot should not be over one ounce and a quarter2 but even with this restriction the heavy guns will have the advantage1 being able to send fine shot stronger1 and have the benefit of the extra quantity of pellets4 ,the size of shot in light guns is generally ,no4 #g1 with three and a quarter drachms of powder4 ,the guns are loaded in the presence of a judge selected for the purpose1 and the shot is poured into a measured charger2 but with breech-loaders1 as the cartridges are already prepared1 it is customary to select one of the latter at random and open it4 ,a good shot will frequently kill twenty single birds in succession1 and some persons who have made this sport their specialty have been known to kill many more2 but the majority of excellent sportsmen will not kill over nineteen out of twenty4 ,the best field-shots are often bunglers at trap-shooting4 ,where double birds are shot at1 it is rare that twenty are killed without a miss1 and an excellent average out of ten double rises would be seventeen birds4 ,the second bird is frequently so far off ere he is fired at1 that1 even if hit1 he will go out of bounds and be recorded as missed1 although he falls dead4 ,in this shooting there is much in accident1 not only as to the bird's falling out of bounds1 but as to the mode of flight2 for if both birds go directly away from the stand1 the chances are against the shooter1 whereas if one approaches1 the difficulty of killing is not much greater than with single birds4 ,in ,england a better rule in shooting single birds generally prevails1 by which the rise is extended to twenty-five or thirty yards1 but the shooter is allowed to use both barrels2 thus occasionally making some brilliant shots at long distances1 and proving the qualities1 not merely of the sportsman1 but of his weapon4 ,firing a single barrel at a pigeon within thirty yards1 is dull sport2 better marksmanship is required to stop him at from thirty-five to forty with the first barrel1 even with the additional chance with the second at from forty to fifty4 ,no scattering gun1 filling the air with its cloud of mustard-seed1 will answer for this work2 the closest and strongest-shooting gun will have to be held so true that the centre of the charge will hit the object1 to obtain the least chance with the second barrel1 or to insure certainty even with the first4 ,fewer birds that are fairly hit will go out of bounds1 as the second barrel may complete the work of the first2 and the best marksman will generally exhibit himself by the management of this barrel1 to use which at all will require extreme rapidity and accuracy4 ,this fact has been recognised occasionally at conventions1 or where the contests were for honor and not money1 by increasing the distance at which ties are shot off4 ,in a large match there are always several ties1 which are shot off at five birds1 and frequently not finished till repeated several times4 ,at the ,new ,york ,state ,convention of #ahfe1 held at ,niagara ,falls1 the parties tying one another were set back five yards at every tie1 and still at thirty-one yards four birds out of five were killed with a single barrel--although1 of course1 at this distance much will depend upon the direction and mode of flight4 ,success1 even with the use of both barrels1 will require far more brilliant shooting than in the present mode4 ,there has always been great dispute among trap-shooters as to the best trap4 ,the ,new ,york ,city ,club claims that a bird released from a ground-trap1 selecting his own time to rise1 and mode and direction of flight1 is harder to kill than one tossed heels over head from a plunge or spring-trap4 ,but our ,western brethren1 who are naturally more rapid1 and who have less difficulty in obtaining pigeons1 are so annoyed with the waste of time occasioned by a dilatory pigeon1 that they universally prefer the plunge-trap4 ,probably the mesne between these two opinions is correct1 or more properly a combination of them both2 a single bird is undoubtedly harder to kill at a ground-trap1 whereas the plunge-trap will free the two birds in double-shooting1 to go off at the same moment4 ,so that for these reasons1 and to insure skill at both1 they should be appropriated to these offices respectively4 ,the best ,western shot1 if not the best gentleman shot in the world1 who has killed his eighty-four out of ninety double birds1 was terribly baulked by the ground trap1 to which he had not been accustomed1 when he first attempted to kill even single birds from it4 ,but for double-shooting1 as it is essential that both birds should fly together1 the trap that insures this is preferable4 ,one of the worst features of trap-shooting is1 that it has fallen mainly into the hands of professionals2 and although there is no reason for not pursuing a legitimate sport because blacklegs enjoy it also1 they have introduced tricks and artifices that degrade the entire amusement4 ,the use of heavy guns is one of the mildest of these1 for it is madness for the best shot in the world to match his ordinary field-gun against a number six bore single-barrelled piece2 and they will put a clod of grass or even a dead bird in the same trap with the live one1 and if this is a spring-trap1 the adversary will be taken at a disadvantage4 ,they deaden their own birds by squeezing them under the wings1 and excite those of their opponent by plucking them or pulling their feathers1 and can even give them an irregular flight4 ,the professionals1 therefore1 may be expected to gain a nominal superiority1 and claim to be champions1 more from their cunning unscrupulousness than from their actual skill1 and1 by this fancied superiority1 degrade the entire sport4 ,the rules which were adopted at a convention of the principal clubs in the ,state of ,new ,york1 held in #ahfe1 when the best sporting talent in the country was represented1 are given in the ,appendix4 ,although an improvement in many particulars on the former rules1 they are not perfect2 it is probable that they will be further amended1 so as1 while increasing the difficulty of killing the bird1 to place all sportsmen on an equal footing1 and to remove as far as possible the influence of accident4 99 99 99 99 99 ,and now1 apologizing to the many sportsmen who are abler shots and have had far greater experience than himself1 the author urges in extenuation of his presumption in publishing this book1 that as they would not commit their experiences to paper1 he felt justified in attempting it2 and as the other sporting writers have utterly neglected this field of labor as beneath their notice1 he could not be blamed for entering upon it and doing with it the best of which he was capable4 ,and to those persons who follow in the track of the literary sporting men1 and affect to despise the various kinds of water-fowl and bay-shooting1 the author would say that he only wishes they may have such days with the geese and ducks1 the marlins1 yellow-legs1 and dowitchers1 the rail and the plover1 as he has had1 in the full confidence that they will be very soon converted4 ,,appendix4 ,the following technical descriptions are taken mainly from 8,giraud's ,birds of ,long ,island10 a work that is now almost out of print1 but which is more valuable to the student of nature than some of its more pretentious rivals2 and ,i have interpolated such suggestions and made such alterations as my experience dictated and the purposes of this work demanded4 ,a discourse on the wild-fowl of the ,northern ,states hardly seemed complete without such a description of them as would enable the sportsman to distinguish one from another2 and yet it was not within the purview of a work intended for sportsmen1 to devote much attention or many of its pages to ornithology4 ,this is therefore condensed into an ,appendix1 where it will not trouble the general reader1 but will be easy of reference when the information it contains is wanted4 ,,the ,,goose4 ,genus ,anser1 ,briss4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,in this class of birds1 the bill is shorter than the head1 rather higher than broad at the base2 head small1 compressed2 neck long and slender2 body full2 feet short1 stout1 and central1 which enables them to walk with ease2 wings long2 tail short1 rounded4 ,,the ,,wild ,,goose4 ,canada ,goose4 ,anas ,canadensis1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,length of bill from the corner of the mouth to the end1 two inches and three-sixteenths2 length of tarsi1 two inches and seven-eighths2 length from the point of the bill to the end of the tail1 about forty inches2 wing1 eighteen2 the head and greater portion of the neck black2 cheeks and throat white4 ,adult with the head1 greater part of the neck1 primaries1 rump1 and tail1 black2 back and wings brown1 margined with paler brown2 lower part of the neck and under plumage1 whitish-grey2 flanks1 darker grey2 cheeks and throat white1 as are the upper and under tail-coverts4 ,the plumage of the female rather duller4 ,this bird is nowhere very abundant1 but migrates across the ,northern ,states in their entire breadth from ocean to ocean2 it obeys the call well1 and stools readily if the gunner is carefully concealed4 ,it is the latest in its migrations of the wild-fowl4 ,,the ,,brant4 ,barnacle ,goose--,brent ,goose4 ,anas ,bernicla1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill black2 head and neck all round black2 a patch on the sides of the neck white2 upper parts brownish-grey1 the feathers margined with light greyish-brown2 quills and primary coverts greyish-black2 fore part of breast light brownish-grey1 the feathers terminally margined with greyish-white2 abdomen and lower tail-coverts white2 sides grey2 feathers rather broadly tipped with white4 ,length two feet2 wing fourteen inches and a half4 ,female rather smaller4 ,the brant is not fond of the fresh lakes and streams1 but prefers the ocean and its contiguous bays and lagoons2 it is far more abundant along the sea-coast than upon the western waters1 and in fact ,i am not aware that ,i have ever killed one in the inland ,states4 ,it responds to its peculiar note1 stools well1 and is often killed in great numbers on the ,south ,bay of ,long ,island4 ,,the ,,swan4 ,genus ,cygnus1 ,meyer4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill longer than the head1 higher than broad at the base1 depressed and a little widened towards the end2 upper mandible1 rounded1 with the dorsal line sloping2 lower mandible flattened1 with the angle very long1 and rather narrow2 nostrils placed near the ridge2 head of moderate size1 oblong1 compressed2 neck extremely long and slender2 body very large1 compact1 depressed2 feet short1 stout1 placed a little behind the centre of the body2 tarsi short2 wings long1 broad2 tail very short1 graduated4 ,,the ,,white ,,swan4 ,american ,swan4 ,cygnus ,americanus1 ,aud4 ,specific ,character4--,plumage1 pure white2 bill and feet black2 length of the specimen before us1 four feet2 wing twenty-one and a half inches4 ,these magnificent birds1 the most majestic of the game-birds of our continent1 are rarely shot to the northward and eastward of ,chesapeake bay1 but are much more abundant in the far ,west--even to and beyond the ,rocky ,mountains4 ,,fresh-,,water ,,ducks4 ,genus ,anas1 ,linn4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill higher than broad at the base1 widening towards the end1 and about the same length as the head2 the upper mandible with a slight nail at the end2 neck rather long2 body full2 wings moderate1 pointed2 feet short1 stout1 and placed behind the centre of the body2 walks with a waddling gait2 hind toe furnished with a narrow membrane4 ,,mallard4 ,green ,head1 ,english ,duck1 ,grey ,duck 7female71 the ,duck1 the ,wild ,duck4 ,anas ,boschas1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,speculum bright purple1 reflecting green1 bordered with black2 secondaries broadly tipped with black2 secondary coverts towards their ends white1 broadly tipped with black2 adult male with the entire head and upper part of the neck bright green1 with a few touches of reddish-brown passing from the forehead1 on the occiput2 middle of the neck with a white ring2 the lower part of the neck and breast reddish-brown1 approaching to chocolate2 fore part of the back light brown1 rest of the back darker2 rump black2 upper tail coverts greenish-black2 upper parts of the wings brown1 intermixed with grey2 breast1 sides1 flanks1 and abdomen1 grey1 transversely barred with dusky2 bill greenish-yellow2 feet reddish-orange2 tail rounded1 consisting of sixteen pointed feathers1 nearly white2 speculum violet2 length two feet1 wing eleven inches4 ,female smaller than the male2 speculum less brilliant2 general plumage brown2 head and neck streaked with dusky2 the feathers on the back and flanks margined with white1 with a central spot of brown on the outer webs2 bill black1 changing to orange at the extremity4 ,this bird is abundant both at the ,west and along the coast1 but on the fresh water it frequents the mud-holes and shallow marshes1 in contradistinction to the open water-ducks that affect the broad unbroken stretches of water4 ,,black ,,duck4 ,dusky ,duck4 ,anas ,obscura1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,general plumage dusky2 speculum green1 reflecting purple1 bordered with black2 secondaries tipped with white4 ,adult with the forehead1 crown1 occiput1 and middle space on the hind neck brownish-black1 the feathers slightly margined with greyish-brown2 cheeks1 loral space1 and sides of the neck dusky grey1 streaked with black2 throat reddish-brown2 general plumage dusky1 lighter beneath2 under wing-coverts white2 speculum brilliant green2 bill yellowish2 feet reddish-orange4 ,female rather smaller1 plumage lighter1 speculum less brilliant4 ,length of male about two feet2 wing eleven inches4 ,these ducks are killed equally in the fresh and salt waters2 they come to the decoys warily4 ,,gadwall4 ,welsh ,drake1 ,german ,duck4 ,anas ,strepera1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,speculum white2 secondary coverts black2 upper wing-coverts chestnut-red2 general plumage dusky grey1 waved with white2 abdomen white4 ,adult with the bill bluish-black2 head and upper part of the neck grey1 streaked with dusky--darkest on the upper part of the head1 as well as the middle space on the hind neck2 lower neck1 upper part of the breast and fore part of the back blackish-brown1 the feathers marked with semi-circular bands of white1 more distinctly on the fore part of the neck and upper part of the breast2 sides of the body pencilled with greyish-white and dusky2 lower part of the breast and abdomen white1 the latter barred with dusky towards the vent2 lower and upper tail-coverts and sides of the rump greenish-black2 tail greyish-brown1 margined with white2 hind part of the back dark brown1 faintly barred with white2 primaries brown2 secondaries greyish-brown1 tipped with white2 middle coverts reddish-brown2 a few of the outer secondaries broadly margined with greenish-black2 inner scapulars brown1 broadly margined with dull yellowish-brown2 outer undulated with dark brown and yellowish-white2 feet dull orange4 ,female two inches shorter2 about four inches less in extent4 ,length twenty-one inches and a half2 wing eleven4 ,this is an ugly duck1 and not much esteemed by epicure or sportsman4 ,,widgeon4 ,bald-pate4 ,anas ,americana1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill short1 the color light greyish-blue2 speculum green1 banded with black2 under wing-coverts white4 ,adult male with the loral space1 sides of the head below the eye1 upper part of the neck and throat1 brownish-white1 spotted with black2 a broad band of white1 commencing at the base of the upper mandible1 passing over the crown2 behind the eye1 a broad band of light green1 extending backwards on the hind neck about three inches2 the feathers on the nape rather long2 lower neck and sides of the breast1 with a portion of the upper part of the breast1 reddish-brown2 rest of the lower parts white1 excepting a patch of black at the base of the tail2 under tail-coverts same color2 flanks brown1 barred with dusky2 tail greyish-brown1 tipped with white2 two middle feathers darker and longest2 upper tail-coverts white1 barred with dusky2 lower part of the hind-neck and fore part of the back undulated with brownish and light brownish-red1 hind part undulated with greyish-white2 primaries brown2 outer webs of inner secondaries black1 margined with white--inner webs greyish-brown2 secondary coverts white tipped with black2 speculum brilliant green1 formed by the middle secondaries4 ,length twenty-one inches1 wing ten and a half4 ,female smaller1 plumage duller1 without the green markings4 ,this duck is much prized along the sea-coast1 but at the ,west he holds an inferior rank4 ,,pintail4 ,sprig-tail--,pigeon-tail--,grey-,duck4 ,anas ,acuta1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill long and narrow1 lead color2 at the tip a spot of black1 at the corner of the mouth a spot of similar color2 neck long and slender2 speculum bright purple1 with reflecting deep green bordered with black2 the feathers broadly tipped with white2 tail long and pointed4 ,adult male with head1 cheeks1 throat1 upper parts of the neck in front and sides1 dark brown2 a band of light purple behind the eye1 extending about three inches on the sides of the neck2 on the hind neck a band of black1 with green reflections1 fading as it extends on the back--a band of white commencing between the two former1 passing down the neck on the lower part of the fore neck2 breast and fore part of the abdomen white1 tinged with pale yellow--hind part of the abdomen and vent greyish-white tinged with yellow1 and marked with undulated lines of brown or dusky2 at the base of the tail a patch of black2 under tail-coverts black1 margined with whitish2 two middle feathers black1 with green reflections1 narrow1 and about three inches longer than the rest1 which are rather long and tapering2 upper tail-coverts ash-grey1 margined with yellowish-white1 with a central streak of dusky4 ,rump greyish-brown1 marked with undulating lines of white2 sides of the rump cream color2 sides of the body1 back1 and sides of the breast1 marked with undulating lines of black and white4 ,primaries brown2 shafts brownish-white1 darker at their tips2 secondaries and scapulars black1 with green reflections1 the former margined with grey1 which is the color of the greater part of the outer web1 the latter margined with white2 speculum bright purple1 with splendid green reflections edged with black1 the feathers broadly tipped with white4 ,length twenty-nine inches1 wing eleven4 ,female with the upper part of the head and hind neck dark brown1 streaked with dusky2 sides of the throat and fore neck lighter2 a few touches of rust color on the chin and on the base of the bill4 ,upper plumage brown1 the feathers margined and tipped with brownish-white2 lower plumage brownish-white1 mottled with brown2 speculum less extensive1 and without the lengthened tail feathers so conspicuous in the male4 ,this duck is more abundant in the neighborhood of the great lakes than along the margin of the ocean2 in epicurean qualities it ranks with the black duck4 ,,wood-,,duck4 ,summer-,duck4 ,anas ,sponsa1 ,aud4 ,specific ,character4--,the pendant crest1 the throat1 upper portion of the fore neck1 and bands on the sides of the neck white1 with the speculum blue1 glossed with green and tipped with white4 ,adult male with the bill bright red at the base1 the sides yellow2 between the nostrils a black spot reaching nearly to the black1 hooked nail2 the head is furnished with long silken feathers1 which fall gracefully over the hind neck1 in certain lights exhibiting all the colors of the rainbow2 a narrow white line from the base of the upper mandible1 passing over the eye2 a broader band of the same color behind the eye1 both bands mingling with the long feathers on the occiput2 throat and upper portion of the fore neck pure white1 a band of the same color inclining towards the eye2 a similar band on the sides of the neck1 nearly meeting on the nape2 lower portion of the neck reddish-purple1 the fore part marked with triangular spots of white2 breast and abdomen dull white2 sides of the body yellowish-grey1 undulated with black2 the feathers towards the ends marked with a broad band of black1 succeeded by a band of white2 tips black2 tail and upper tail-coverts greenish-black2 lower tail-coverts brown2 sides of the rump dull reddish-purple2 rump1 back1 and middle portions of the hind neck1 dark reddish-brown1 tinged with green2 a broad white band before the wings1 terminating with black2 lesser wing-coverts and primaries brown1 most of the latter with a portion of their outer webs silvery white2 the inner webs glossed with green towards the ends2 secondaries tipped with white2 their webs blue1 glossed with green2 the inner webs brown1 their crowns violet-blue2 secondaries black4 ,female1 upper part of the head dusky1 glossed with green2 sides of the head1 upper portion of the sides of the neck1 with the nape1 greyish-brown2 a white patch behind the eye2 throat white1 the bands on the sides of the neck faintly developed2 fore part and sides of the neck1 with the sides of the body1 yellowish-brown1 marked with greyish-brown2 breast and abdomen white1 the former spotted with brown2 lower tail-coverts greyish-white1 mottled with brown2 tail and upper tail-coverts dark brown1 glossed with green2 rump1 back1 and hind neck1 dark brown1 glossed with green and purple2 bill dusky1 feet dull green4 ,the crest less than that of the male1 and plain dull brown4 ,length twenty inches2 wing eight inches and a half4 ,this is an extremely beautiful duck1 but of moderate size2 it is rare on the sea-coast1 but absolutely swarms during the month of ,september among the lily-pads of the ,western swamps4 ,fed upon the berry of this plant1 called at the ,south chincapin1 it becomes fat and deliciously tender4 ,it does not pay much attention to decoys4 ,,green-,,winged ,,teal4 ,anas4 ,anas ,crecca1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill black1 short1 and narrow2 the outer webs of the first five secondaries black1 tipped with white2 the next five plain rich green1 forming the speculum2 secondary coverts tipped with pale reddish-buff4 ,adult male with a dusky band at the base of the bill1 of which color is the throat2 a faint white band under the eye2 upper part of the neck1 sides of the head1 and the crown1 chestnut brown2 a broad band of bright green commencing behind the eye1 passing down on the nape1 where it is separated by the terminal portion of the crest1 which is dark blue2 lower part of the hind neck1 a small space on the fore neck1 and the sides of the body1 undulated with lines of black and white2 lower portion of the fore neck and upper part of the breast reddish-brown1 distinctly marked with round spots of brownish-black2 abdomen yellowish-white1 faintly undulated with dusky2 a patch of black under the tail2 outer tail-feathers buff1 inner white1 with a large spot of black on the inner webs2 tail brown1 margined with whitish1 the outer feathers greenish-black2 upper parts brown1 faintly undulated with black and white1 on the fore part of the back2 outer scapulars similar1 with a portion of their outer webs black2 lesser wing-coverts brown-ash2 greater coverts tipped with reddish-cream2 the first five secondaries velvety-black2 the next five bright green1 forming the speculum1 which is bounded above by pale reddish-buff1 and on each side by deep black2 before the wing a transverse1 broad white band4 ,female smaller2 head and neck streaked with brownish-white and dusky1 darker on the upper part of the head2 lower parts reddish-brown1 the feathers margined with dusky1 upper parts dusky-brown1 the feathers margined and spotted with pale reddish-white1 without the chestnut red and the green on the head2 the black patch is wanting1 as is the white band before the wings1 the conspicuous spot on the wings is less extensive4 ,its short and narrow bill is at all times a strong specific character2 length fifteen inches2 wing seven inches and a half4 ,this is an excellent little duck1 too confiding for its own security1 but capable of saving itself by great rapidity of flight4 ,it is greatly attracted by decoys1 and will generally alight among them if permitted4 ,,blue-,,winged ,,teal4 ,anas ,discors1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill bluish-black and long in proportion with the other dimensions of this species2 smaller wing-coverts light-blue2 speculum purplish-green4 ,adult male with the upper part of the head black2 a broad band of white on the sides of the head1 before the eye margined with black2 rest part of the head1 and upper part of the neck greyish-brown1 with purple reflections on the hind neck2 chin black2 lower parts reddish-brown2 lower part of the fore neck and sides of the body spotted with blackish-brown2 breast and abdomen barred with the same color2 lower tail-coverts blackish-brown2 tail brown1 margined with paler1 the feathers pointed1 a patch of white on the sides of the rump2 back brownish-black1 glossed with green2 the feathers on the fore part of the back and lower portion of the hind neck margined with yellowish-white2 primaries brown2 inner webs of the secondaries same color2 outer vanes dark green1 which form the speculum2 secondary coverts brown1 the outer broadly tipped with white1 the inner tipped with blue2 tertials dark-green1 with central markings of deep buff2 feet dull yellow4 ,female without the white patch on the sides of the head2 throat white2 lower parts greyish-brown1 the feathers spotted with darker2 upper parts blackish-brown1 the feathers margined with bluish-white and pale buff2 smaller wing-coverts blue2 speculum green2 secondary coverts the same as those of the male2 length fourteen inches1 wing seven inches and a half4 ,this species greatly resembles the last4 ,,spoonbill4 ,shoveller4 ,anas ,clypeata1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill brownish-black1 about three inches in length1 near the end it is more than twice as broad as it is at the base2 much rounded and closely pectinated1 the size of the upper mandible at the base having the appearance of a fine-toothed comb4 ,adult male with the head and the neck for about half its length glossy green1 with purple reflections2 lower part of the neck and upper part of the breast white2 rest of the lower plumage deep chestnut-brown1 excepting the lower tail-coverts and a band across the vent1 which is black1 some of the feathers partly green2 flanks brownish-yellow pencilled with black and blackish-brown2 inner secondaries dark green with terminal spot of white2 outer secondaries lighter green2 primaries dark brown1 their shafts white1 with dusky tips2 lesser wing-coverts light blue2 speculum golden-green2 rump and upper tail-coverts greenish-black1 a patch of white at the sides of the rump2 tail dark brown1 the feathers pointed1 broadly edged with white1 of which color are the inner webs of the three outer feathers4 ,female with the crown dusky2 upper plumage blackish-brown1 the feathers edged with reddish-brown2 breast yellowish-white1 marked with semi-circular spots of white4 ,young male with similar markings on the breast2 length twenty inches and a half1 wing ten4 ,,sea-,,duck4 ,genus ,fuligula4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,in this class the head is rather larger1 neck rather shorter and thicker1 than in the preceding genus 7,anas71 plumage more dense1 feet stronger1 and the hind toe with a broad appendage1 which is the principal distinction4 ,,canvas-,,back4 ,fuligula ,valisneria1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill black1 the length about three inches1 and very high at the base2 fore part of the head and the throat dusky2 irides deep red2 breast brownish-black4 ,adult male with the forehead1 loral space1 throat1 and upper part of the head dusky2 sides of the head1 neck all round for nearly the entire length1 reddish-chestnut2 lower neck1 fore part of the breast and back black2 rest of the back white1 closely marked with undulating lines of black2 rump and upper tail-coverts blackish2 wing-coverts grey1 speckled with blackish2 primaries and secondaries light slate color2 tail short1 the feathers pointed2 lower part of the breast and abdomen white2 flanks same color1 finely pencilled with dusky2 lower tail-coverts blackish-brown1 intermixed with white2 length twenty-two inches1 wing nine and a quarter4 ,female1 upper parts greyish-brown2 neck1 sides1 and abdomen the same2 upper part of the breast brown2 belly white1 pencilled with blackish2 rather smaller than the male1 with the crown blackish-brown4 ,this is without question the finest duck that flies1 as it is the largest and gamest2 it is abundant late in the season1 but wary4 ,,red-,,head4 ,fuligula ,ferina1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,bill bluish1 towards the end black1 and about two inches and a quarter long2 irides yellowish-red4 ,adult male with head1 which is rather large1 and the upper part of the neck all round1 dark reddish chestnut1 brightest on the hind neck2 lower part of the neck1 extending on the back and upper part of the breast1 black2 abdomen white1 darker towards the vent1 where it is barred with undulating lines of dusky2 flanks grey1 closely barred with black2 scapulars the same2 primaries brownish-grey2 secondaries lighter2 back greyish-brown1 barred with fine lines of white2 rump and upper tail coverts blackish-brown2 tail feathers greyish-brown1 lighter at the base2 lower tail-coverts brownish-black1 rather lighter than the upper2 length twenty inches2 wing nine and a half4 ,female about two inches smaller1 with the head1 neck1 breast1 and general color of the upper parts brown2 darker on the upper part of the head1 lighter on the back2 bill1 legs1 and feet1 similar to those of the male4 ,this duck1 as it is scarcely distinguishable from the canvas-back1 and has mainly the same habits1 is but little inferior to that incomparable bird4 ,,broad-,,bill4 ,blue ,bill1 ,scaup1 ,black ,head1 ,raft ,duck4 ,fuligula ,marila1 ,linn4 ,specific ,character4--,the head and neck all round1 with the fore part of the breast and fore part of back1 black2 the sides of the head and the sides and hind part of the neck dark green1 reflecting purple2 length of bill1 when measured along the gap1 two inches and five-sixteenths2 length of tarsi one inch and three-eighths2 length from the point of the bill to the end of the tail nineteen inches2 wing eight inches and five-eighths2 a broad white band crossing the secondaries and continues on the inner primaries4 ,adult male with the forehead1 crown1 throat1 and upper part of the fore neck brownish-black2 sides of the head1 neck1 and hind neck1 dark green2 lower portion of the neck all round1 with the upper part of the breast1 purplish-black2 rest of the lower parts white1 undulated with black towards the vent2 under tail-coverts blackish-brown2 tail short1 dark brown1 margined and tipped with lighter brown2 upper tail-coverts and rump blackish-brown2 middle of the back undulated with black and white2 fore part black2 wings brown1 darker at the base and tips2 speculum white1 formed by the band crossing the secondaries and inner primaries2 scapulars and inner secondaries undulated with black and white2 secondary coverts blackish-brown1 undulated with white4 ,female with a broad patch of white on the forehead2 head1 neck1 and fore part of the breast umber brown2 upper parts blackish-brown2 abdomen and lower portions of breast white2 scapulars faintly marked with white4 ,,whistler4 ,golden ,eye1 ,great ,head4 ,fuligula ,clangula1 ,linn4 ,specific ,character4--,bill black1 high at the base1 where there is quite a large spot of white2 head ornamented with a beautiful crest1 and feathers more than an inch long and loose2 insides yellow2 the entire head and upper part of the neck rich glossy-green1 with purple reflections1 more particularly so on the throat and forehead2 rest of the neck1 with the entire plumage1 white2 sides of the rump and vent dusky grey2 tail greyish-brown2 back and wings brownish-black--a large patch of white on the latter1 formed by the larger portion of the secondaries and the tips of its coverts2 legs reddish-orange4 ,length twenty inches2 wing nine inches4 ,female head and upper part of the neck dull brown2 wings dusky2 lower parts white1 as are six of the secondaries and their coverts2 the tips of the latter dusky4 ,about three inches smaller than the male4 ,,dipper4 ,butter ,ball1 ,buffel-,headed ,duck1 ,spirit ,duck4 ,fuligula ,albeola1 ,linn4 ,specific ,character4--,bill blue1 from the corner of the mouth to the end about one inch and a half1 the sides rounded1 narrowed towards the point2 head thickly crested1 a patch behind the eye and a band on the wings white4 ,adult male with the plumage of the head and neck thick1 and long forehead2 loral space and hind neck rich glossy green1 changing into purple on the crown and sides of the head2 from the eye backwards over the head a triangular patch of white2 the entire breast and sides of the body pure white2 abdomen dusky white2 tail rounded1 greyish-brown2 upper tail-coverts lighter2 under tail-coverts soiled white2 back and wings black1 with a patch of white on the latter4 ,female upper plumage sooty-brown1 with a band of white on the sides of the head2 outer webs of a few of the secondaries same color2 lower part of the fore neck ash-color2 breast and abdomen soiled white2 tail feathers rather darker than those of the male4 ,male fourteen and a half inches long2 wing six inches and three-fourths4 ,female rather smaller4 ,the dipper is quite plentiful everywhere in the ,northern ,states1 but not much valued4 ,,old ,,wife4 ,south ,southerly1 ,old ,squaw1 ,long-,tailed ,duck4 ,fuligula ,glacialis1 ,linn4 ,specific ,character4--,length of bill1 from the termination of the frontlet feathers to the point1 one inch and one-sixteenth--the upper mandible rounded2 the sides very thin2 the bill rather deeply serrated1 and furnished with a long nail2 tail feathers acute4 ,in the male the middle pair of tail feathers are extended about four inches beyond the next longest1 which character is wanting with the female4 ,adult male with the bill black at the base2 anterior to the nostril reddish-orange1 with a dusky line margining the nail2 fore part of the head white1 the same color passing over the head down the hind neck on the back2 eyes dark red2 cheeks and loral space dusky-white1 with a few touches of yellowish-brown2 a black patch on the sides of the neck terminating in reddish-brown2 fore neck white2 breast brownish-black1 terminating in an oval form on the abdomen--the latter white2 flanks bluish-white2 primaries dark brown2 secondaries lighter brown1 their coverts black2 a semi-circular band of black on the fore part of the back2 the outer two tail feathers white--the rest marked with brown1 excepting the four acuminated feathers1 which are blackish-brown1 the middle pair extending several inches beyond the others4 ,female without the long scapulars or elongated tail feathers2 bill dusky-green2 head dark1 greyish-brown--a patch of greyish-white on the sides of the neck2 crown blackish2 upper parts dark greyish-brown2 lower parts white4 ,length of male from the point of the bill to the end of the elongated tail feathers twenty-three inches2 wing eight inches and five-eighths4 ,female about six inches less in length4 ,this bird is abundant along the coast1 but is generally tough and fishy4 ,,merganser4 ,genus ,mergus1 ,linn4 ,generic ,distinctions4--,bill straight1 higher than broad at base2 much smaller towards the end2 upper mandible hooked2 teeth sharp2 head rather large1 compressed2 body rather long1 depressed2 plumage very thick2 feet placed far behind2 wings moderate1 acute2 tail short1 rounded4 ,,shell-,,drake4 ,goosander ,weaser4 ,mergus ,merganser1 ,wils4 ,specific ,character4--,forehead low2 head rounded1 crested2 bill bright red1 the ridge black1 high at base2 upper mandible much hooked4 ,adult male with the head and upper part of the neck greenish-black2 lower portion of the neck white2 under plumage light buff1 delicately tinged with rose-color1 which fades after death2 sides of the rump greyish-white1 marked with undulating lines of dusky2 fore part of the back and inner scapulars glossy black2 hind part of the back ash-grey2 the feathers margined and tipped with greyish-white1 lighter on the rump2 upper tail-coverts grey1 the feathers marked with central streaks of dusky2 tail feathers darker2 primaries dark brown2 wing coverts and secondaries white1 the outer webs of the latter edged with black2 the basal part of the greater coverts black1 forming a conspicuous band on the wings2 under tail-coverts white1 outer webs marked with dusky grey1 which is the color of the greater part of the web2 bill and feet bright red4 ,female with the head and upper part of the neck reddish-brown2 throat and lower neck in front white2 breast and abdomen deeply tinged with buff2 upper parts and sides of the body ash-grey2 speculum white4 ,length of male1 twenty-seven inches2 wing1 ten and a half4 ,female about three inches smaller4 ,young like the female4 ,,rules ,,for ,,trap-,,shooting ,,of ,,the ,,new ,,york ,,sportsmen',s ,,association4 ,,rule ,i4 ,traps1 ,rise1 and ,boundaries4--,all matches shall be shot from ,h and ,t plunge-traps4 ,rise for single birds to be twenty-one yards2 and for double birds eighteen yards4 ,the boundaries shall be eighty yards for single birds1 and one hundred yards for double birds1 which1 in single-bird shooting1 shall be measured from a point equidistant from1 and in a direct line between1 the two traps2 in double-bird shooting from a point equidistant from1 and in a direct line between1 the centre-traps4 ,,rule ,,ii4 ,scoring4--,when a person is at the score and ready to shoot1 he is to call 8pull20 and1 should the trap be sprung without his having given the word1 or in single-bird shooting should more than one bird rise at a time1 he may take the bird or birds1 or not2 but if he shoot1 the bird or birds shall be charged to him4 ,the party at the score must not leave it to shoot1 and must hold the butt of his gun below his elbow until the bird or birds rise2 and in case of infraction of this provision1 the bird or birds shall be scored as missed4 ,,rule ,,iii4 ,rising of ,birds4--,a bird must be on the wing when shot at4 ,all contingencies from missfire1 non-explosion of cap1 gun not cocked1 etc41 etc41 are at the risk of the party shooting4 ,,rule ,,iv4 ,recovering ,birds4--,it shall be optional with the party shooting to recover his own birds1 or to appoint a person for that purpose4 ,he shall in all cases walk directly up to the bird and take it without injury2 and1 in case of doubt1 hand it to the ,judges for their decision4 ,if a bird flies outside the bounds it shall be scored as missed4 ,should a bird alight upon a tree1 house1 or any other resting-place within the bounds1 after it has been shot at1 the party shooting1 or his deputy1 shall proceed immediately to the spot1 and if the bird does not fall1 without any extraneous means being used1 such as throwing clods1 stones1 sticks1 or using poles1 etc41 within three minutes from the time it alights1 it shall be scored a miss4 ,,rule ,v4 ,flight of ,birds4--,in double shooting1 both birds shall be on the wing when the first is shot at2 if but one bird flies1 and but one barrel is fired or snapped1 the birds shall in no wise be scored1 whether hit or missed1 but the party shooting shall have two more birds2 or if both birds fly and are killed with one barrel1 he must shoot at two other birds4 ,,rule ,,vi4 ,placing the ,traps4--,in single-bird shooting the distance between the traps shall be eight yards2 in double-bird shooting1 as four traps are used1 the ,h and ,t traps shall be set alternately1 and four yards apart4 ,when five traps are used1 they shall be four yards apart4 ,,rule ,,vii4 ,powder and ,shot4--,the charge of shot shall not exceed #a ounces4 ,all the guns shall be loaded from the same charger1 except in cases of breech-loaders1 when the ,referee may open one or more cartridges to ascertain if the charge of shot is correct4 ,,rule ,,viii4 ,ties4--,in case of a tie at single birds1 the distance shall be increased five yards1 and shall be shot off at five birds4 ,in case of a second tie1 the distance shall again be increased five yards1 and this distance shall be maintained till the match is decided4 ,the ties in double-bird shooting shall be shot off at twenty-one yards rise without any increase1 at five double rises4 ,,rule ,,ix4 ,judges and ,referee4--,two ,judges and a ,referee shall be appointed before the shooting commences4 ,the ,referee's decision shall be final2 he shall have power to call 8,no bird10 in case any bird fails to fly2 and may allow a contestant another bird in case the latter shall have been baulked1 or interfered with1 or may1 for any reason satisfactory to the ,referee1 be entitled to it4 ,if a bird shall fly towards parties within the bounds1 in such a manner that to shoot at it would endanger any person1 another bird may be allowed2 and if a bird is shot at by any person besides the party at the score1 the ,referee shall decide how it shall be scored1 or whether a new bird shall be allowed4 ,,the ,,end4 ,,index4 ,accidents from muzzle-loaders1 #db4 ,accidents in rail-shooting1 #aig4 ,a day's shooting in ,new ,jersey1 #ajf4 ,adventure in ,new ,jersey1 #ii4 8,a ,girl from ,new ,jersey10 #ih4 ,american golden plover1 #adc-agi4 ,american gun-makers1 #fc4 ,american ring-plover1 #aeh2 swan1 #cjf4 ,anas1 bernicla1 #cjd2 canadensis1 #cjd2 genus1 #cjf2 boschas1 #cjf2 obscura1 #cjh2 strepera1 #cjh2 ,americana1 #cji2 acuta1 #caj2 sponsa1 #cab2 crecca1 #cad2 discors1 #caf2 clypeata1 #cag4 ,ancient and modern hunting1 #h4 ,apparatus necessary for breech-loader1 #cg4 ,appendix1 #cjc4 ,barnegat ,bay1 #bb4 ,barnegat pirates1 #aag-aah4 ,bartram's sandpiper1 #aeb4 ,bass-fishing out ,west1 #bfa4 ,bathing-party on ,jersey coast1 #ajc4 ,batteries1 #bj2 description of1 #ba1 #bje2 condemned1 #ba1 #bb1 #be4 ,bay-birds1 #ai2 definition of1 #ff2 improper modes of pursuing1 #bj2 batteries1 #bj1 #ba1 #bb1 #be4 7,see ,bay-,snipe47 ,bay-snipe1 shooting1 #ff1 #ajc1 #ajd2 none in ,england1 #eh2 what are1 #ff2 traits of1 #ajc2 sociability of1 #ajc2 peculiarities of1 #acf2 8trading10 #ajd2 skill required for shooting1 #fg2 sport of shooting1 #fh-ajf2 shooting on the ,jersey coast1 #ajf2 the ,french gentleman's beautiful shot1 #fi2 rivalry in shooting1 #gj2 number bagged at one shot1 #gj2 flight of uncertainty as to1 #ga1 #he1 #hf-hg2 season for sport1 #ga-gb2 flying1 mode of1 #gb2 flight1 line of1 #gc-hf2 lead migration of game birds1 #ah2 flight1 direction of1 #gc-gd2 period of incubation1 #gc2 varieties of1 #gd2 sickle-bills1 #ge2 jack-curlew1 #gf2 plover1 #aji2 marlin1 #gf2 willet1 #gg2 golden plover1 #gg-aab2 black-breast1 #gg2 yelper1 #gg2 yellow-legs1 #gg2 brant-bird1 #gh-acb2 robin-snipe1 #gh2 dowitcher1 #gh-acb2 krieker1 #gh-aca2 pursuit of2 best mode1 #gh2 stools1 #gi-hj1 #hb-hc2 calls1 #gi1 #hc-hd2 stands1 #gi2 wooden stools best1 #ha2 whistling1 #hd2 cries of the birds1 #hd2 shooting1 uncertainty of1 #he2 gun to be used for1 #hg-ij2 charge and powder for1 #hg-ia2 how to carry the gun1 #hg2 shooting1 dress for1 #ij2 names of2 confusion as to1 #ia2 names of1 varieties of1 #ia2 names of1 scientific1 #ib-aji2 varieties of2 ,bartram's sandpiper1 #aaj2 frost-bird and frost-snipe1 #ib-aac2 meadow-snipe1 #ib2 beach-bird1 #ib2 fat-bird1 #ib2 short-neck1 #ib2 pectoral sandpiper1 #ib2 horsefoot snipe1 #ib-acb2 varieties of1 discussion about1 #aji2 which are good eating1 #ic2 stringing1 how to be done1 #id2 migration of1 #id2 localities for1 #id-ie1 #ig2 not killed south of ,virginia1 #ie2 at ,quogue1 #if2 sport spoiled by establishment of watering-place1 #if2 at ,squan ,beach1 #ig2 at ,barnegat1 ,egg ,harbor1 ,brigantine ,beach1 #ig2 shooting in ,new ,jersey1 #ajf4 ,beach-bird1 #aac1 #ade4 ,beach on ,jersey coast1 #aja4 ,beach-robins1 #adh4 ,beetle-headed plover1 #ada4 ,big yellow-legs1 #afe4 8,bill10 and the names of the plovers1 #aac4 ,bill's ghost stories1 #abj4 ,bill's house1 #aaf4 ,birds1 wounded1 what becomes of them1 #bcg4 ,birds1 definition of term1 #i4 8 game1 which are1 #aj2 in restaurants out of season1 #ae2 protection of1 #aj1 #ac1 #ad2 services rendered by1 #aa1 #ab2 out of season1 #af2 legal time for killing1 #ag2 singing birds1 murder of1 #ac2 season for killing different kinds1 #ag1 #ah1 #ai2 migration of game-birds1 #ah4 ,black-bellied plover1 #aab-ada4 ,bald-pate duck1 #cji4 ,black duck1 #cjh4 ,black-head duck1 #cbj4 ,blue-bill duck1 #cbj4 ,blue-winged teal1 #caf4 ,blind for shooting1 #ajf4 ,blind-snipe1 #aeg4 ,blue-bills1 #bch4 ,blue-fish1 season for1 #acc4 ,bony fish1 #acd4 ,black-breast1 #ada1 #aef4 ,brant-bird1 #adh4 ,breech-loaders1 #cb1 #cg2 advantages of1 #db1 #bhg2 objections to1 #dc1 #dh-di2 superiority of1 #cc2 history of1 #cc2 ,lefaucheux1 #cc2 mode of using1 #cd1 #ce2 safety of1 #ci2 cartridge for1 #cd1 #ci1 #ej1 #fb2 needle-gun1 #cf2 ,jeffries gun1 #cf2 ,english gun1 #cg2 impervious to wet1 #da2 apparatus necessary for1 #cg2 recoil of1 #da2 refilling cartridges1 #ed1 #eg2 trial between breech and muzzle-loaders in #ahfc1 #dd2 pigeon match with1 #dd2 discussion as to in 8,the ,field10 #dc2 the dead shot1 #dh-ei2 heating of gun1 #eh2 useful for killing snipe1 duck1 and rail1 #fj2 compared with muzzle-loaders1 #fj2 ,dougall's invention1 the lockfast1 #fa2 price of1 #fb2 must be imported1 #fd4 ,broad-bill1 #bch1 #cbj4 ,brown-back1 #aga4 ,bull-headed plover1 #aab-ada4 ,buffel-headed duck1 #cbb4 ,butter-ball duck1 #cbb4 ,calls for birds1 #gi1 #hc-hd4 ,canvas-back ducks classified as sea-ducks1 #bcg2 comparison between them and mallards1 #bcg1 #cah4 ,carrying gun1 #hg4 ,cartridges for breech-loaders1 #cd-ci2 safety of1 #ci2 impervious to wet1 #da2 objections to answered1 #ej2 filling1 #ej2 refilling1 #ed-eg2 extractor1 #ed2 missfires with1 #ef2 best kind1 #fb4 7,see breech-loaders47 ,cedar-birds destroy worms1 #aa4 ,change of guns1 #bh4 ,change of seasons for birds1 #aac4 ,charadrius1 helveticus1 #aab1 #ada2 pluvialis1 #aab1 #adc1 #agi2 semipalmatus1 #aac2 vociferus1 #aac1 #adf2 hiaticula1 #ade2 rubidus1 #adg4 ,charge used for shooting bay-birds1 #hg4 8,charley's10 #aja4 ,cheap guns1 #bh4 ,chesapeake ,bay1 ducks on1 #bj4 ,cleaning gun1 #hi4 ,close times for killing game-birds1 #ag4 ,clubs1 sportsmen's1 #ad2 ,western1 #bai4 ,coast of ,new ,jersey1 #ajf4 ,comparison between breech and muzzle-loaders1 #fj4 ,confusion in names of birds1 #ia4 ,cook's 8,tommy10 #ih4 ,crabtown1 #ajj4 ,crack shots1 #bgd4 ,cross-shots1 #bgh4 ,cries of birds1 #hd4 ,curlew1 #gf1 #acc1 #agc2 ,esquimaux1 #agf4 ,cygnus1 genus1 #cje2 ,americanus1 #cjf4 ,dead birds1 stools made of1 #hb4 8,dead-shot10 the1 #dh1 #eh-ei4 ,deceptions by gun-makers1 #cj4 ,decoys1 #gi4 ,defence of sporting1 #bgc4 ,definition of game in ,english law1 #g4 ,delaware rail-shooting1 #aig4 ,depredations of worms checked by birds1 #aj-aa4 ,derivation of name of 8plover10 #aaa4 ,description of plover1 #aaa4 ,dipper-duck1 #cbb4 ,doe-bird1 #agf4 ,dogs1 for wild-fowl shooting1 #bjg2 for all shooting1 #bjh2 varieties of1 #bji2 training of1 #baj2 colors of1 #baa2 ,newfoundland1 #bji1 #bab2 retriever1 #bji2 at the ,south1 #bji4 ,dougall's invention--the 8lockfast10 #fa4 ,dowitch1 #aga4 ,dowitcher1 the1 #gh1 #acb1 #aga4 ,dress for shooting1 #ij4 ,ducks1 game1 #aj2 time for killing1 #ag-ah2 where plentiful1 #bj2 ,classification of1 #bcg2 flavor of1 #bcf2 shooting1 #bai2 with breech-loader1 #fj2 sport of1 #bac-bbg2 localities for1 #bac2 weather for1 #bad2 on inland lakes1 #bai2 sportsmen's club out ,west1 #bai2 adventures in ,west1 #bba1 #bbf2 ,mud ,creek bridge1 #bbi2 record of shooting in the ,west1 #bcc2 talk about sport1 #bcc2 canvas-backs and the wild celery1 #bce2 shot to be used for1 #bch2 ,henry1 #bhb2 how to shoot the ducks1 #bee2 ,irish gentleman's shot1 #bef2 among the weeds1 #beh2 punting1 #bei2 fresh-water1 #cjf2 mallard1 #cjf2 greenhead1 ,english1 grey1 wild1 #cjf-caj2 gadwall1 ,welsh drake1 ,german1 #cjh2 widgeon1 bald-pate1 #cji2 pintail1 sprig-tail1 pigeon-tail1 #caj2 wood1 #cab2 summer1 #cab2 green-winged teal1 #cad2 blue-winged teal1 #caf2 spoonbill1 shoveller1 #cag2 sea duck1 #cah2 canvas-back1 #cah2 red-head1 #cai2 broad-bill1 blue-bill1 scaup1 black-head1 raft1 #cbj2 whistler1 golden eye1 great-head1 #cba2 butter-ball1 buffel-headed1 spirit1 #cbb2 old wife1 south-southerly1 old squaw1 long-tailed1 #cbc2 ,merganser1 #cbd2 shell-drake1 goosander weaser1 #cbe4 ,dusky duck1 #cjh4 ,eating1 which birds are best for1 #ic4 ,england1 no bay-snipe nor rail in1 #eh4 ,england1 trial of breech-loaders in1 #dd-dg4 ,english guns1 ,german palmed off as1 #cj4 ,english guns preferable1 #cg4 ,english law defines game1 #g4 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of at unseasonable times1 #ae2 at restaurants1 #ae2 legal times for killing1 #ag2 upland game disappearing1 improper pursuit of1 #bj2 bay-birds not killed as game south of ,virginia1 #ie4 ,game-birds1 definition of term1 #i1 #bgc4 ,game-laws1 #ad4 8,gap10 the1 #bfj4 ,geese1 game-birds1 #aj2 description of varieties1 #cjc4 ,genus strepsilas1 #adh2 totanus1 #afc2 limosa1 #afh2 numenius1 #agc2 anser1 #cjc2 cygnus1 #cje2 anas1 #cjf2 fuligula1 #cah2 ,mergus1 #cbd4 ,german guns1 #cj2 duck1 #cjh4 ,ghost stories of ,jersey coast1 #abj4 ,giraud on plover1 #aab4 ,godwit1 #acc1 #afh1 #agj2 great marbled1 #afh4 ,golden plover1 #gg2 specific character1 #adc1 #agi2 at ,nepeague ,beach1 #ahe4 ,golden-eye duck1 #cba4 ,goose1 the1 #cjc2 wild1 #cjd2 ,canada1 #cjd2 brant1 #cjd2 barnacle1 #cjd2 brent1 #cjd4 ,goosander weaser1 #cbe4 ,grass plover1 #aeb4 ,grassy point1 #bee1 #bfh ,greater yellow-shanks1 #afe4 ,great pond1 ,long ,island1 #ahg4 ,great-head duck1 #cba4 ,green-head duck1 #cjf4 ,green-winged teal1 #cad4 ,grey duck1 #cjf1 #caj4 ,grey plover1 #aeb4 ,grouse1 time for killing1 #ah4 ,guns1 good and inferior1 #bg2 first used for feathered game1 #g2 changing1 #bh2 for bay-birds1 #hg1 #ij2 cheap1 dangerous1 #bh2 light1 necessary1 #bi2 difficulty of distinguishing between good and bad1 #cj2 ,german1 palmed off as ,english1 #cj2 importers of1 practise deceptions1 #cj2 how to distinguish good from bad1 #ca2 how to select1 #ca2 how to carry1 #hg1 #bhf2 protect and clean1 #hg1 #hh1 #hi2 ,manton's theory1 #cb2 breech1 shape of1 #cb2 breech-loaders1 #cb-cg2 advantages of1 #db2 objections to1 #dc-dh2 superiority of1 #cc2 history of1 #cc2 ,lefaucheux1 #cc2 ,jeffries1 #cf2 ,english preferred1 #cg2 ,dougall's invention--the lockfast--#fa2 the dead-shot1 #dh1 #eh-ei2 makers of in ,america1 #fc2 fired too close to shooting companion1 #gj2 recoil of gun1 #bhj2 load for1 #bha2 shot for1 #bhb2 rules for safety1 #bhd4 ,habits of plover1 #aec-afj4 ,hackensack rail-shooting1 #bja4 ,hawking in olden time1 #g4 8,henry10 #beb2 his advice1 #beb2 he shoots with the author1 #bfd4 ,horsefoot snipe1 #ib1 #acb1 #adh4 ,how to clean1 carry1 and protect the gun1 #hg1 #hh1 #hi4 ,how to string birds1 #id4 ,how to approach plover1 #aee4 ,hudsonian curlew1 #agc4 ,hunting in olden time1 #g4 ,hunting1 comparison between ancient and modern1 #h4 ,imported guns best1 #fc4 ,improper pursuit of game1 #bj4 ,incubation of bay-birds1 #gc4 ,india-rubber stools1 #hc4 ,inferior guns1 #bg4 ,inlet1 closing of1 #acd4 ,interest of farmer to protect game-birds1 #aj4 ,irishman's duck-shooting1 #bee4 ,jack-curlew1 #gf1 #agc4 ,jacks1 #acc4 ,jack-snipe1 #afj4 ,jakey's tavern1 #ajb4 ,jeffries' breech-loaders1 #cf4 ,jersey1 a girl from1 #ih4 ,jersey coast shooting1 #ajf4 ,jersey courts and damages1 #ahj4 ,jersey1 bathing in1 #ajc4 ,jersey coast1 a day's shooting on1 #ajf4 ,judgment required in bay-bird shooting1 #gj4 ,kentuckian's bass-fishing1 #bfa2 his wager1 #bfc4 ,kildeer plover1 #aac-adf4 ,killing song-birds1 #ac4 8 game-birds out of season1 #ae4 8 birds1 game-laws1 #ad4 8 legal times for1 #ag1 #ah1 #ai4 8 by batteries1 #ba1 #bb1 #be2 by pivot-guns1 #bc1 #be2 by sail-boats1 #bd4 ,killing snipe1 ducks1 and rail1 gun for1 #fj4 ,krieker1 #gh1 #aca1 #afj4 ,lakes at the ,west increasing1 #bfh4 ,lattimer ,marsh1 #bff4 ,laws1 game1 #ad1 #ae4 ,lefaucheux gun1 #cc-fd4 ,legal times for killing1 #ag-ah4 8,lester's10 #ahj4 ,light gun necessary1 #bi4 ,limosa1 #acc2 fedoa1 #afh2 ,hudsonica1 #afh4 ,little yellow-legs1 #aff4 ,long ,island1 ,south ,bay1 #bj4 ,long-legged sandpiper1 #aeg4 ,lockfast1 the1 #fa4 ,loading1 accidents from1 #db4 ,long-billed curlew1 #agd4 ,long-tailed duck1 #cbc4 ,localities for bay-snipe1 #id-ig4 ,lucky man's duck-shooting1 #bdj4 ,mallard1 #cjf4 ,manton's theory1 #cb4 ,marbled godwit1 #afh4 ,marlin1 #gf1 #afh1 #agj2 ring-tailed1 #agj4 ,match1 shooting1 in ,england1 #dd4 ,meadow-snipe1 #ib1 #afj4 ,merganser1 #cbd4 ,mergus1 #cbd4 ,migration of birds1 order of1 #ah2 of bay-birds1 #id4 ,missfires with breech-loader cartridge1 #ef4 ,montauk1 sport at1 #ahh2 ,point1 #agh4 ,mud-creek bridge1 #bbi4 ,muskrat traps1 #bff4 ,musquitoes1 #ij1 #aja1 #abe1 #ace4 ,muzzle-loaders and breech-loaders1 #bg4 ,muzzle-loaders1 accidents from1 #db4 8 and breech-loaders1 trial between1 #de2 discussion about in field1 #dc2 pigeon match between1 #dd2 compared1 #fj4 ,names of bay-birds1 confusion as to1 #ia2 varieties of names1 #ia2 scientific species1 #aji2 of plovers1 8,bills10 remarks1 #aac4 ,needle-gun1 #cf4 ,nepeague ,beach1 #ahj4 ,new ,york snipe1 #acb4 ,new ,jersey1 sport in1 #ajf2 a girl from1 #ih2 adventure in1 #ih2 bathing in1 #ajc2 wreckers in1 #aaf2 pirates of1 #aag2 ghost stories about1 #abj2 courts and damages1 #acj2 fight for stands1 #abf4 ,numenius1 #acc2 ,hudsonicus1 #agc4 8 ,longirostris1 #agd4 8 ,borealis1 #agf4 ,number of birds bagged at one shot1 #gj4 ,olden-time hunting1 #g4 ,old-squaw duck1 #cbc4 ,old-wife duck1 #cbc4 ,ortley family in ,jersey and the fight1 #abf4 ,ox-eye1 #afb4 ,pectoral sandpiper1 #ib-afj4 ,peculiarities of bay-birds1 #acf4 ,pigeon-match in ,england1 #dd4 ,pigeon-shooting practice1 #b-d4 ,pigeon-tail duck1 #caj4 ,pintail duck1 #caj4 ,potomac1 ducks on1 #bj4 ,pivot-guns1 condemned1 #bc-be4 ,plover1 shooting1 directions for1 #ahh2 a game bird1 #aj2 kinds of1 #aji2 discussion about1 #aaj1 #aaa2 ,frank ,forester and ,giraud on1 #aab2 charadrius helveticus1 #aab1 #ada2 pluvialis1 #aab1 #adc2 black-bellied1 #aab1 #ada2 bull-head1 #aab1 #ada2 ring-neck or ring1 #aac2 semipalmatus1 #aac2 ,wilson's1 #aac2 piping or beach-bird1 #aac1 #ade2 melodius1 #aac2 kildeer1 #aac1 #adf2 vociferus1 #aac1 #adf2 8,bill's0 remarks about names of1 #aac2 specific character of each species1 #ada2 black-breast1 #ada1 #aef2 beetle-headed1 #ada2 ,american golden1 #adc1 #agi2 frost bird1 #adc2 hiaticula1 #ade2 sanderling1 #adg2 rubidus1 #adg2 turnstone1 #adh2 genus strepsilas1 #adh2 brant-bird1 #adh2 strepsilas interpres1 #adh2 horsefoot snipe1 #adh2 beach-robins1 #adh2 sandpiper1 #aej2 robin-snipe1 #aej2 red-breasted sandpiper1 #aej2 tringa cinerea1 #aej2 tringa rufa1 #aej2 upland plover1 #aeb2 grey1 grass1 or field1 #aeb1 #agi4 ,plover1 ,american ring1 #aeh4 7,see bay-birds and bay-snipe47 ,poachers1 #ae4 ,pond-lily channel1 #bfi4 ,punting for rail1 #aib4 ,quail1 a game-bird1 #aj2 not migratory1 #aj2 time for killing1 #ag-ah4 ,quail snipe1 #aga4 ,raccoon ,beach1 #bc4 ,rail1 a game-bird1 #aj2 none in ,england1 #eh2 shooting1 #aij2 flight of1 #aia2 description of sport1 #aia1 #bjb2 in boat1 #aib2 ,delaware sport1 #aid1 #aig2 breech-loader best for1 #aib2 charge for1 #aie2 best places for rail-shooting1 #aii2 rail in ,illinois1 #aii2 varieties of1 #bja2 short-billed and long-billed1 #bja2 ,hackensack shooting1 #bja2 eating of1 #bjc4 ,raft-duck1 #cbj4 ,red-head duck1 #cai4 ,red-backed sandpiper1 #aef4 ,red-breasted sandpiper1 #aej-aga4 ,restaurants having game out of season1 #ae4 ,ring-plover or ring-neck1 #aac-aeh4 ,ring-tailed 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load1 #bha2 quickness1 #bhc2 practice1 #bhc4 ,shoveller duck1 #cag4 ,sickle-bills1 #ge1 #acc4 ,sickle-billed curlew1 #agd4 ,sir ,francis ,francis1 #bgg4 ,sneak-box1 #aad ,snipe1 a game-bird1 #aj2 time for killing1 #ag2 when it stools1 #acc2 migration of1 #ah2 time for bay-snipe1 #ai2 batteries1 #bj2 no bay-snipe in ,england1 #eh2 killed by breech-loaders1 #fj2 ,english snipe1 #aad1 #acc2 shooting bay-snipe1 #ff1 #ajc2 what are so-called1 #ff2 winter-snipe1 #aef2 peep1 #aef2 blind1 #aeg2 frost1 #aeg2 meadow1 #afj2 jack1 #afj2 quail1 #aga2 snipe1 #agj4 7,see bay-snipe47 ,south-southerly duck1 #cbc4 ,spoonbill duck1 #cag4 ,spirit duck1 #cbb4 ,sprig-tail duck1 #caj4 ,sport1 misapplication of term1 #bga1 #bgb2 when in perfection1 #ai2 spoiled by batteries1 #bj2 by watering-places1 #if2 at ,south and ,west1 #bb1 #bbj2 at ,barnegat ,bay1 #bb2 at ,nepeague ,beach1 #ahj4 ,sporting1 defence of1 #bgc4 ,sportsmen1 term misapplied1 #ac1 #bga2 protect birds1 #ad2 club in the ,west1 #bai2 shooting there1 #bbj2 suggestions to1 #bga2 art of shooting1 #bgd2 shot1 #bge4 ,squan ,beach1 #ig4 ,stands1 #gi2 fight for1 #ajf4 ,stools1 #gi-hj2 ,india-rubber1 #hc2 dead birds1 #hb2 wooden1 #ha4 ,stories of ,jersey pirates1 ghosts1 and wreckers1 #aai2 of the lucky man's duck-shooting1 #bdj2 of the unlucky man's trout-fishing1 #bde4 8,stratton's10 #ahg4 ,strepsilas1 genus1 #adh2 interpres1 #acb1 #adh4 ,swallows serviceable1 #ab4 ,summer-duck1 #cab4 ,swan1 #cje2 ,white1 #cjf2 ,american1 #cjf4 ,table of shots with breech-loaders1 #de1 #df4 ,tatler1 #aff2 semipalmated1 #afd2 tell-tale1 #afe4 ,tell-tale tatler1 #afe4 ,the beach1 ,new ,jersey1 #aja4 ,the 8dead shot10 #dh4 ,the ,englishman's woodcock-shooting1 #abf4 ,the fight for stands1 #abf4 8,the ,field10 #dc4 ,the ,french gentleman's shot1 #fi4 ,the ,jersey girls1 #ih4 ,the 8lockfast10 #fa4 ,times for killing birds1 #ag1 #ah1 #ai4 ,totanus1 #acc1 #afc2 semipalmatus1 #afd2 vociferus1 #afe2 flavipes1 #aff4 8,trading10 #ajd4 ,traits of bay-birds1 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