UC-NRLF
B M 5D1 53a
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
PRESENTED BY
PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND
MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID
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THE
AMERICAN SPORTSMAN:
CONTAINING
HINTS TO SPOHTSMEN, NOTES ON SHOOTING,
AND THE HABITS OF THE
GAME BIRDS, AND WILD FOWL OF AMERICA.
BY
ELISHA J. LEWIS, M.D.,
MEMBER OF TIIK ACAnI:^rv OF NATl'IiAL SCIEXCF.S OF IMIILAnii LPHIA I
AMERICAX EniTuR OF "YOUATT ON THE DOG," ETC. ETC.
V/ITK NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS.
9
PHILADELPHIA:
LIPPING OTT, GRAMBO AND CO
185
o.
Entcrol according to the Act of Cougress in tlie year 1854, by
LIPPINCOTT, GRAM BO, AND CO.,
ill the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United States, in and for
the Ivistei'ii District of Peiiiisylvniiia.
5^313
TO
J. K. MITCHELL, M. D.,
PROFKSSOR OF TlIK PRACTICE OF MKDICIN'E IN TlIK JEFFERSON LIEDICAL COLLEGE
OF PHILADELPHIA,
^jjiB i^nrk nn Iprting
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY
iriS FRIEND AND FORMER PUPIL,
ELISHA J. LEWIS, M.D.
{V]36S5g6
My Deae Doctok : —
Although we liave never fiusliecl tlie Covey, started the
Woodcock, or winged tlie Wild Duck in company, yet I know
full well your partiality for tlie country, as also your early fond-
ness for Field and Eural Sports ; and if you had not been so
early engrossed by professional duties, I doubt not that you
would have been the foremost among those who derive so much
enjoyment and healthful recreation from the Dog and Gun.
Be not surprised, therefore, my Dear Sir, that, without any
previous intimation, I should dedicate this volume to you ; and
at the same time rest assured that, in so doing, I am not alone
influenced by those early feelings of friendship naturally en-
gendered by your many kindnesses to me while a Student in
your office ; but I beg rather to present it as a slight token of
the high appreciation I entertain of your varied talents and
distinguished worth in that profession of which you are so
successful a teacher and practitioner.
Accept, then. Dear Sir, this little tribute of esteem from one
who has ever regarded the period of his association with yon
as a Pupil as a bright spot in the vista of life, to which he ever
refers with peculiar feelings of pleasure ; and, in conclusion.
Believe me, my Dear Doctor,
Very faithfully j'ours,
ELISHA J. LEWIS.
To Professor J. K. Mitchell.
PUEEACE
TO THE FIEST EDITION,
The sporting j^ublic is already under many and great obliga-
tions to Henry William Herbert, Esq., for his most excellent
Avorks on Sporting, wliicli speak for themselves, and need no
commendation from us, abounding in information and research
which few have had so great opportunities of collecting or so
much talent to put together. We also owe much to William
T. Porter, Esq., for his valuable and beautiful edition of
"Hawker;" and we sliould not forget to thank J. S. Skinner,
Esq., f )r his many contributions to the same branch of litera-
ture. The favor that the productions of these gentlemen liave
met with from the public in general, has the more emboldened
us to venture forth with this unpretending Yolume ; trusting,
however, far more to the well-known generosity of " the craft"
for its kind reception than to any great merit of its ov0.
We shall not, in a short preface like this, attempt to offer, for
the consideration of our readers, anything like an culogium
upon Field Sports ; nor shall v/e endeavor to exhibit to the
world the many benefits and advantages to be derived from the
general encouragement of these healthful pursuits.
We beg merely to remind the student of science, the cunning-
expounder of Blackstone, the deeply-read follower of Galen, the
shrewd devotee of commerce, as well as the most skilful and
industrious of artisans, that liis intellectual powers demand
some remission of their labors, and that his physical energies
also need a certain degree of recreation or resuscitation to
VUl PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITIOX.
enable him to pursue those studies and attain those ends that
stern necessity or exalted amljition prompts him to undertake.
How, then, or Avhere, then, may we ask, can this relaxation of
the mind as well as of the body be more agreeably obtained
than in the open fields and beautiful forests of our favored
country ? There ! and there alone ! — far away from the busy
throngs of selfish men, wandering with some favored friend, in
sweet communion with the green fields, the stately forests, and
limpid streams, the mind of the most grave and studious be-
comes truly unbent, and freed from its labors. There the heart
beats with renewed vigor, the blood courses through its usually
sluggish channels with a quickened pace, and the whole animal
as Avell as intellectual economy becomes sharpened and revivi-
fied under exciting and healthful influences.
Add, then, to this scene the eager Sportsman, surrounded by
his faithful and sagacious Dogs ; call up tlie sharp echo of the
unerring Gun; recollect the plaintive call of the timid Par-
tridge, the startling Avhir of the affrighted Pheasant, the ra})id
flight of the lonely Woodcock, the devious course of tlie fickle
Snipe, or perchance the sudden rush of the skulking Hare ; and
the picture is complete. Then tell us whether such, scenes as
these are not calculated to enliven the mind, expanfl the ener-
gies, and not only bring the glow of liealth to the cheek of
youth, but infuse renewed vigor into the very soul of the infirm
and sedentary.
Is there not a time when the wan-faced Student of science
may nc|dcct for a while the sickly flickerings of tlie midnight
lamp ? ^s tliei"c not a time when the learned Counsellor may
escape the wranglings, the jeerings, the bitter feuds of tlie halls
of justice ? And is there not a moment of leisure, an hour of
repose, when the skilful Physician may turn a deaf ear to the
harassing solicitations of sufierinj^ humanitv, and draw for a
brief period the curtain of oblivion around the couch of disease
and death ?
Yes ! there is a time for all these ; and there is a time when
even the anxious, upright, and enterprising Merchant may, for
a brief period, while quaifing, as it were, the fabled waters of
Lethe, forget the perplexities of commerce, the fluctuations of
trade, tlie uncertainty of riches, and remain even unmindful of
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. IX
liis gallant ships, that come bounding across the briny deep,
heavily freighted with the fine wares of the North, the South,
the East, and the West.
Yes, there is a time, thanks to the noble founders of our
liberal institutions, when even the industrious Artisan, freed
from all care and anxiety, may forget the labors and duties of
the shop, and wander foiMi to enjoy the works of nature, and
learn more highly to appreciate the boon of freedom, his coun-
try's dearest gift.
To the fields, then ! to the bright and beautiful fields, with
" Dog and Gun," do we invite you, one and all, to spend these
hours of leisure, and participate in those innocent enjoyments
so captivating to a true Sportsman.
My Dear Doctor : —
I AM fully conscious of tlie fact tliat it does not seem well in
tlie present age for an Author to appear egotistical, and it there-
fore becomes liim even far less to allude to liis own productions
in terms of praise or commendation ; but still I may, I trust, in
this instance, at least, be pardoned for expressing a conviction
that you will be much gratified with the new dress that my
Volume on Sporting has assumed on this its second advent.
I beg particularly to call your attention to my Introduction
to this second edition, which, in connection with some other
matters, explains the motives that impelled me to change the
Title of my Book, and of which I dare hope you will ec|ually
approve.
In its present improved form and attractive gear, I flatter
myself that the "American Sportsman" will give increased
satisfaction to my Sporting Friends, and withal again afford
you an hour or so of pleasant relaxation from the more severe
studies and weighty responsibilities thcit your eminent position
in the Profession necessarily imposes upon you.
With many more kind wislies, and with sentiments of high
esteem and great personal regard, I have much pleasure as well
as pride in subscribing myself, as ever,
My Dear Doctor,
Most truly and faithfully yours,
ELISIIA J. LEWIS.
To Professor J. K. Mitchell.
P II E F A C E
TO THE SECOND EDITION.
We must confess that it was with some degree of surprise,
as well as pleasure, that we learned from our Publishers that
they were so soon ready to enter into an arrangement with us
for a second edition of our " Hints to Sportsmen," as it was a
gratifying assurance, on their part, that the unpretending
volume, that we had sent forth from the press Avith many
misgivings as to its merits, had met with a kind and liberal
reception from those for whom we had in our hours of leisure
compiled it.
It would be affectation in us not to acknowledge that it was
with considerable satisfaction that we observed from time to
time the many flattering reviews and complimentary notices
that appeared in the various journals in reference to our work.
We sincerely trust that on this, its second advent^ in an en-
tirely neAV as well as doubly attractive garb, that we will meet
with the like good treatment from our friends of the press. We
can assure all our readers that nothing has been wanting on
our part to render the Volume still more instructive and inte-
resting, both as regards the style of getting-vjy, and the addi-
tional matter that we have inserted.
These additions, however, though many, have been in most
instances ingrafted so insidiously on the old text, that they can
scarce be discerned, save b}^ those who may have felt their de-
ficiency in the first edition, and will now, we trust, in the present
Volume, find a portion at least of these defects supplied.
XIV PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
Ill accordance witli the repeated suggestions of some of onr
Sporting friends, we have deemed it advisable to change the
title of our book from " Hints to Sportsmen" to that of the
" American Sportsman."
The former appellation, considering the great variety of sub-
jects introduced, and the copiousness with which many of them
are treated, seemed rather too restricted in its signification, and
far less comi.irehensive in its general bearing than a work of
this character merited. Besides all this, the large additions as
well as alterations that we have made in the present Volume,
seemed still further to urge upon us the propriety of this chantje,
and more especially as the work in its entirely new and beauti-
ful gea7', can scarcely be regarded as the same Book, or even
recognized as the offspring of the first edition. We cannot
refrain from calling the attention of our Sporting friends to the
wood-cuts of the various Game-Birds, more especially those from
the hands of the Messrs. Louderback and lloflinan, and ]\[r.
Van Ingen, the most of which, in point of execution, have not
been equalled, let alone excelled, by anything of the kind be-
fore done in this country.
To the former artists, Messrs. Louderback and Ilof^hian, more
particularly are we indebted for the skill and faithfulness with
which they have accomplished their work, and we cheerfully
acknowledge that their great attention to our suggestions,
coupled with a becoming ambition on their part to do that
which wtjuld be creditable to themselves, relieved us of much
trouble as well as anxiety. Of the truthfulness of these en-
gravings to nature Ave need say but little, as they speak for
themselves, the most of them being really very lifelike both
in position and expression. We may remark, however, en
passant, that eveiy Bird and every Fowl were sketched from
choice specimens obtained from the Academy of Natural
Sciences, or from other equally good sources — and in almost
every instance, the drawings were subjected to the ai)i)roval of
our much esteemed friend, John Cassin, Esq., before the blocks
were placed in the hands of the Engravers.
This latter circumstance alone should of itself be a sufiicient
guarantee of their correctness, as every one at all conversant
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. XV
with science, knows full well of Mr. Cassin's rare acquirements
in this particular department of Natural History.
And we now gladly avail of this opportune occasion to make
our public acknowledgments to this gentleman for his many
valuable suggestions in reference to the execution of these
drawings, the securing of which, by the by, has been by far
the most difficult — in fact, we may freely say, the only unpleas-
ant as well as vexatious portion of our task. We also return
thanks to Mr. John Krider for his generous aid in supplying
us with the skins of several specimens of Birds, which assisted
materially in insuring correct Drawings.
This is not the only good service that Mr. Krider has done
us as well as the rest of the craft during the last year ; for, in-
dependent of the many fine Guns that he has turned out from
his workshop, he has, with the valuable assistance of his friend,
^Ir. H. M. Klapp, furnished us with his " Sporting Anecdotes,"
a book replete not only with amusing but very instructive in-
formation regarding the habits of our Game Birds, Sporting
Dogs, &c. (fee.
Mr. George AVhite, the principal Draughtsman, and I may
say pupil of Mr. Cassin's in this particular kind of Drawing,
has displayed much taste as well as artistic skill in his delinea-
tions of the Birds, and we doubt if he has many, if any, equal
on this side of the vasty deep in this special branch of Design-
ing. His Chapter Headings and many of the Yignettes are also
spirited and characteristic; the Title Page of the Four Seasons,
and Frontispiece as well, are very pleasing compositions, and
give still further evidences of his talent and genius as an Artist.
With these few comments, we again send our volume forth
from the press, trusting, as before, far more io the well-known
generosity of the craft for its hind reception^ than to any great merit
of its oion^ but at the same time bearing in mind the good old
Latin proverb, that — " Frustra laborat qui omnibus placere
studet."
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
Exposition of the Technical Terms used by Ornithologists . . . .33
CHAPTER II.
Sensation in Feathers ; Necessity of this Sensation ; Particularly in Noc-
turnal Birds ; How preserved in its highest state of perfection — Proyisions
of Nature — Change of Plumage in the Northei'n Regions; Cause of this
change — Protection afforded from various Animals of Prey — Preserves
the Natural AVarmth, and prevents the waste of Heat— Moulting of Birds
— Periods of Moulting — Fowl that procreate in the far North . . 36
CHAPTER III.
Sporting Terms — Terms applicable to Dogs ; Explanation of same — Tei-ms
applicable to Partridges ; to Grouse ; to Woodcocks ; to Snipes ; to Plo-
vers ; to Wild-fowl ; to Reed-birds ; to Rails ; to Hares, &c. . . .39
CHAPTER IV.
Dogs — American edition of "Youatt on the Dog" — Youatt as a Veterinary
Surgeon — The Dog a type of all that is noble and great — The Dog's love
for his Master — An instance of devotion — The attachment and submission
of other Animals contrasted ......... 43
CHAPTER y.
Art of Shooting on the Wing — The first grand desideratum — Possession of a
good Gun — Coolness and deliberation — Shooting Swallows — Wonderful feats
in Shooting— Great difference between shooting at some particular objects
and shooting at Game Birds — Dogs come to a stand — How to approach
the Game — Position of the Gun — Fii'ing at random — Feeling of anxiety —
Discomposure on the Flushing of a Covey — Cross Shooting — Velocity of
Flight of the Partridge — Sighting the Gun — Philosophy of Sighting the
Gun — Crossing to the right — Crossing to the left — Going from you — Going
over your head— Covert Shooting — Beating bushes with the Gun — Both
eyes open — Snap Shot — Poking Shot — Excellency of American Sportsmen
2
XVlll CONTENTS.
PAGE
as compared with English — Diifcrence between Shooting in our Coverts
and Shooting in the English Preserves — Mr. Fowler's statements as regards
our Game, and American Sporting generally — IIow erroneous his views —
Killing clean — The advantages of nice Shooting — Distances that Birds
should be killed
CHAPTER YI
The Partridge — Their wide dissemination — 'Where found — Nomenclature —
Description — Habits — AVhen shy and wild — Perching upon trees — They
delight in the open country — Time of feeding — Time of leaving their roost
— Basking in the mid-day sun — Ridding themselves of Vermin — Not
strictly migratory — During deep snows — The Running Season — The course
they pursue at this season — Numbers taken in traps — AYliat course the
prudent Sportsman should pursue at this inclement season — Their Fecun-
dity— Period of Pairing — More ]\Iale Birds batched than Females — Battles
resulting from this circumstance — This fact well established in the English
variet}' — The destruction of the surplus Males — Completion of their Nests ;
where placed ; how constructed — The Eggs ; their number — Fecundity of
the English Partridge — Fecundity of the American — Period of Incubation
— Their Habits while Setting — Strictly Monogamous — When the Young arc
able to fly — During inclement weather — Leaving the nest — Actions of
the Young Birds, of the Parents, in time of danger — Their affection for
their Progeny — Battle with Snakes — Snakes '^charmi?!// JBirds ;" vulgar
error — Domestication — Their wild nature — Cannot bear close confinement
— The Author's Experience — Two broods in a season; how accounted for —
Full grown — Associated in Coveys — Their Call — Their Habits at this sea-
son— Roosting; their peculiar mode — Food — !Mr. Skinner's opinion as to
Food — Feeding on Mountain Laurel; Cases of Poisoning in consequence;
how treated — Old and Young Birds — Those shot in the neighborhood of
the Tapahannock — Fine Birds shot by George D. 'Wcthcrill, Esij. — Their
numbers in different localities — Difference between the English and Ameri-
can Bird — Size of the former — American Partridge not a Quail; their
many striking differences — Quails among the ancient Athenians — Running
Season — An immense drove encountered — Their actions at this season —
Causes of these migrations — Flight of the Partridge — Whirring noise ;
how produced — Rapidity and force of Flight — Much more hardy than the
English Bird — Average duration of life — Change of Plumage — Instances
mentioned by Mr. Daniel in the English variety — A pied one in possession
of the Author; another, of Mr. Gratz; another in Academy of Natural
Sciences — Specimens in the British .Museum — Buffou's statement — What
to be attributed to — A AVhitc Snii)e — A Yellow Reed-Bird — A remarkable
Partridge; Avhere shot; description of same — Anecdote — The importance
of studying the Natural History of Game Birds — Pot-Huntcrs; their
Motto; how to act if in company with such a fellow — Furtlier Hints on
the Habits of Partridges — Numbers caught in Nets — Numbers of Quails
in the Old AVorld — Horse-hair Nooses — Figure of 4 Trap — The barbarous
practice of eating their eggs — Driving Partridges, as practised in the
CONTENTS. XIX
PAGE
South — Description from Audubon — Introduction into England; efforts
abortive — Actions of Old and Young Birds — Best to break Dogs on — Coveys
that will not lie — Eetaining Scent; a mystery; Dr. Smith's letter on the
subject; the matter fully discussed; the Author's experience — Enemies
of the Partridge ; Animals of various kinds ; several species of Hawks —
Predictions regarding Game — Haunts of Partridges — Their movements at
early dawn — Where to look for them — Different states of the weather —
Piainy Spell- — Good Weather — Buckwheat Patch — IMid-day — Hints for the
Sportsman — Time for the Shooter to desist from his labors ; reasons for —
Pot-Hunters — Early dawn — Mutual congratulations — Why Partridges
seldom or never roost in the field where they feed — Their movements dur-
ing snow — Good Shooting in Delaware — Better still in Virginia — Unusually
plenty in 1851 and 1852 ; reasons for it — Mr. Phillips kills sixty-one Birds
— Mr. Skinner's Correspondent — The best record of Shooting — The Par-
tridge most difiScult of all Game Birds to be shot — Frank Forrester's
opinion — The Field — Properly equipped — A Pointer and Setter; their
respective merits — Arrived at the Tavern or Farm-house — Attention to
Dogs — After Supper — After Breakfast — In the Field — A markei* — Mode
to hunt Dogs — Half-broke Dogs — Young Dogs ; how to manage them —
Various dispositions — Fear of punishment — Kicking Dogs — The act of
Pointing Gam'e ; among Predatory Animals — Throwing Dogs off — Spoken
to as little as possible in the Field — AVhen at a stand — The Bird Flushed
— Fire at random — Dead Birds — Chance Shots — -A Pictriever — Our expe-
rience as to Retrieving — A perfect Retriever a great rarity — To make a
Young Dog gentle with Game — Wounded or Dead Birds — An invaluable
Dog — Care not to have a Retriever — A Bird marked down — Partridges
most difficult to be found — Not to be discouraged — Close Cover — Sides of
the Fields — English Dogs ; not equal to the American — Memoranda . G5
CHAPTER YII.
The Wild-Turkey — Description — Natural History — Localities where found —
Its former abundance — Few or none North or East of Pennsylvania —
Found in Virginia ; in other States — Acknowledgments to Dr. Sargent —
Neighborhood of Natchez — Incubation ; an interesting period to study the
Characteristics of this Fowl — The Turkey very salacious — Their battles
at this season — Audubon's remarks — The Nest; where and how formed —
The Eggs — The Hen approaching the Nest— Her efforts at concealment —
The Turkey-Cock at this particular period — Several Hens using the same
Nest — The full Period of Incubation — Wet Weather ; very destructive to
the Young — Solicitude of the Hen ; she feeds her tender offspring on Spice
Wood Bush Buds — The Young take to the Trees — Plumage of the Young
— The Young Cocks — Rears but one Brood — The Males become ema-
ciated; they separate from the Hens; their recovery — Food — Varieties —
Their Migrations — Crossing Rivers — Their Domestication — Their associa-
tions with tame ones — Various notions as regards the appellation of Tur-
key ; the Paradoxy explained — When and how introduced into England — ■
The Turkey the most valuable addition made to the Domestic Fowl — Ac-
XX CONTENTS.
PARE
cording to Prescott, domesticated among tlie Aztecs — Enormous quantity
consumed by the Household of the Tezcucan Monarch — Their Flesh —
Trapping Turkeys; Audubon's account — Shooting Turkeys; various plans
— Turkey Dog — Run vrith great speed — IIow to be shot — Shooting on the
Pvoosts — Dr. Sargent's statements — The Doctor's Artifice — Enemies of the
Turkey — Cunning Instincts of the Lynx — Owls and Hawks . . .118
CHAPTER VIII.
The Ruffed Grouse or Pheasant ; where found — Barrens of Kentucky and
Tennessee — Nomenclature — Why called Ruffed Grouse — Several local ap-
pellations— Description — Confounded with the Prairie Hen — Difference in
Habits, &c. — Their gradual destruction — Demand for them in our cities
— Numbers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York — Shooting them
out of season — Time of Pairing — The Nest — Number of Eggs — Nest often
plundered by the Crow, Raven, &c. — Two Broods in a season — The Young
Brood — Their Instinct and Habits — Carrying their Young off in their Bill
— Habits of the Cock Bird during the rearing of the Young Brood —
Drumming of Pheasants ; Audubon's dcscrijition of the operation — Sjiots
for Drumming — Their Battles during the Pairing Season — Cocks not con-
fined to one Mate — Migrations — Their Flight — Difference of flight when
natural and undisturbed, and when frightened — Habits — Places that they
frequent — Their Food — Their flesh poisoned by eating Laurel Leaves ; this
opinion controverted — Place of Roost — Enemies besides Man — Delicacy of
their Flesh — Remarks on cooking them — A dinner of English Game; re-
marks on flavor, &c. — Modes of Shooting Plieasants — AYhcre and how shot
— Their Habits when being hunted — Several shot off the same trees — To
decoy them during the Drumming Season — Treeing Pheasants with Dogs
— The kind of Dog in use for this purpose — Setters and Pointers for this
Sport — The young Birds early in the season-^The Cocker Spaniel proper
Dog to hunt these Birds — The necessity of absolute silence — Snares, &c.
— The Markets supplied by the Snares and Nets — Pheasants when feeding
— Memoranda ........... 134
CHAPTER IX.
Pinnated Grouse, or Prairie Hen — Different from the Ruffed Grouse — The
sources from where we get our information concerning this Bird — Descrip-
tion— Location — The country they delight in — Rare in the Northern and
Middle States — Their former abundance on Long Island — Their presence
in New Jersey — Ten Braces killed — The fate of these Birds — Some in
Pennsylvania — Barrens of Kentucky and Tennessee — The Prairies of
Louisiana, Indiana, and Illinois — Very numerous in Kentucky — Tiie mis-
chief they did to the orchards, &c. — Difficulty of driving them off — Siioot-
ing them witli rifles — Still a few on Long Island, Elizabeth Islnn<l,
Martha's Vineyard, New Jer.-^cy, &c. — Ti)e Phiins of the Missouri, Arkan-
sas, and Columbia Rivers — Period of Pairing — The Tooting of the Cock —
- How pcrformed-^Vcry pugnacious — Their Scratcliing Grounds — Battles —
CONTENTS. XXI
PAGE
Their Nests; number of Eggs — The young Birds — The Prairie Hen easily
domesticated— Audubon's domestication of sixty Birds — Their habits dur-
inff confinement — One brood each season — Their Enemies — Artifices to
protect their Young — Their Food at different seasons — No disposition to
Migrate — Their antipathy to -water — Necessity of carrying water for the
Dogs — Flight — Their habits -when pursued — Feeding — Fioosting on the
ground — Their Flesh, as compared with the Pheasant — Other varieties
in the States — Time of Hunting them, &c. — Memoranda. . . . 14G
CHAPTER X.
The Woodcock — The claims of the Woodcock — Eagerness of Sportsmen in
pursuing this Bird — The delight of Sportsmen when examining a Wood-
cock— How prized in England — Considered the Fox Hunting of Shooting
— The Nomenclature — How yarious and confused — Description — Com-
pared with the English variety — Their size, weight, &c. — The largest ever
shot — Uncommon large one sent a friend — The plumage of the American
and English Bird — Superiority of the flesh of the American Bird — One
Species only in the States — The Female much h.rgcr than the Male — Their
Habits — A Migratory Bird — Extent of their journeyings — Where they
Breed — When they go South — Some remain North in the Winter — Their
movements in the Spring — The formation of the Head — How remarkable —
Their large and beautiful Ejcs — Incapable of supporting a glare of light
— Instances of imperfect vision in full day — Their habits at night — Feed-
ing at the South — Ignorance of country people of this Bird — Food —
Erroneous opinions regarding their mode of Feeding — Feeding of the
European Bird — Full description of those feeding in the Aviary of St.
Ildephonso — The nervous system of the Bill of the Woodcock — Their
Voracity — How fed in Captivity — Their Voracity the cause of their unsocial
Habits — Incubation — The young Birds — Singular Manoeuvres at this sea-
son— The conveyance of their Young on their Backs — Two Broods — Frank
Forrester's Opinion — Time for Shooting — Their slaughter in July — Argu-
ments against this custom — The Game Laws a mere hagaielle — Ignorance
of Legislation — Change proposed — Ingenuity to conceal her Young — Where
to find Cocks — Under various circumstances of the weather — Not found in
Swamps of the Iron Districts — Woodcocks abundant in Jersey and Dela-
ware— The excessive heat an objection to July Shooting — The spoiling of
the Birds — Remarks of Mr. Skinner ; condemnatory of the ambition to kill
for quantity — Temptations for hunting Woodcocks in July — Benefits to be
derived from having Birds, Squirrels, &c., in the Public Squares — Disap-
pearance of AVoodcocks during the Moulting Season in August and Septem-
ber— Various opinions on this subject — Where to find them at such times
— Other reasons for their scarcity at this time — Flight of these Birds — Fire-
hunting of Cocks — How practised in Louisiana — Described by T. B. Thorpe,
Esq. — Somewhat similar to English " Bird-battings" — Nets and Snares —
Some peculiarities while Feeding — Abundant in Ireland — How hunted
there — Dogs for Cock Shooting — Barbarous custom of shooting them in
XXll CONTENTS.
PAGE
July — How to hunt them — Cocker Spaniels used in England — Bells at-
tached to them — The use of Bells recommended for Partridge Shooting —
Epitaph on a Cocker Spaniel — Memoranda 155
^'" CHAPTER XI.
Wilson's, or English Snipe — Their distribution over the AVorld — Found in
India, Ceylon, Japan, Egypt, Carolina, &c. — Highly esteemed — Varieties
— The Horseman's Snipe — The Double or Solitary Snipe — Resemblance to
the English Snipe — Why called Vrilsou's Snipe — The cry of the Snipe —
Audubon's opinion — Frank Forrester's opinion — Hoiv known in England ;
how in Louisiana — Description — Their Location and Food — Their stay in
the South — Audubon's statement as regards numbers — Numerous in
Florida — Their stay in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, &c. — Their
condition — How they feed — Singular manoeuvres in the Spring — "When
they depart' for the North — When mated — Some remain the whole Summer
— The Nest of one discovered in May — Situation of the Nest — Period of
Incubation — Abundant in Canada, Nova Scotia, New Foundland, or La-
brador— The Brood — Their Food — Soon gain Strength — Beturn to the
South — They stop in New Jersey and Delaware — Not gregarious — Their
Flight — Fickle in their movements — The presence of Frost — Very meteo-
rological Birds — Seldom found in the Woods — Their delight in the wet
meadows — DifBcult to shoot — Their irregular Flight — Snipe Shooting -in
England — The pleasures and ills of Snipe Shooting — Different plans for
shooting Snipe — A good Snipe Shot — Snap Shooting — Deliberate Shooting
— Anecdote from the Spirit — Cause of the irregular flight of Snipes — Flying
against the wind — Windy weather — Snipes lie better — When hunted after
much — Very acute organs of hearing — Calm, clear weather — More diffi-
cult to be killed on a windy day — Arguments in favor of windy weather —
Hunt down wind — When raining — In the Spring more shy — Causes — Dogs
for Snipe Shooting — Strong game effluvia — Snipe Shooting injurious to
young Dogs — First chop Betriever useful — Dog on a point — Fear of shoot-
ing the Dog — Account of same — Advantages of Snipe Shooting — Improv-
ing to a young Shot — White Snipe — Memoranda . . . . .181
CnAPTEK XII.
Beed-Bird, or Bice Bunting — Their History — Nomenclature — Where found
— The Bobolink of the Eastern States — How called in Pennsylvania — How
styled in Carolina — How known in Louisiana — Description — Their Migra-
tions— Their Breeding Ground — Their Young — Associating of Broods —
Their familiar Note — Their appearance in the neighborliood of Philadel-
phia— Their Food — Shooting them — The markets overstocked — Their Size
and Weight — Selling price — Numbers killed at one shot — Netting Heed-
Birds — Compared v>ith the Ortolan of Europe — Anecdote — Progress South
— Visit to the Bice-fields — Their arrival in the AVest Indies — Their high
estimation — Curious facts — Change of Plumage — Considered as a Cage
Bird — A Yellow Reed Bird — Memoranda 196
CONTENTS. XXm
CHAPTER XIII.
PAGE
The Rail, or Sora— Description and Nomenclature— History— Their mys-
terious Movements— Their sluggish Flight— Transformed into Frogs-
Several Species known in England— Their regular Migrations— Their
Young found on the Meadows in the vicinity of Philadelphia — Corn Crake
of England— Rails able to fly long distances— Some caught at Sea— Singu-
lar Characteristics of Rails— Epileptic Fits— Their powers of Ventrilo-
quism— Ventriloquism of the Arctic Fox — Their Food — The Zizania Aqua-
tica — Their Flesh — Their Note— Their skulking Habits — An easy mark —
Their Flight — When wounded— At the North — Very sensitive to Cold —
Shooting Rails; how accomplished — Paraphernalia necessary for Rail
Shooting — The Pusher— Tricks of Rail Shooters— High Tides— The causes
of high Tides— Rails better at the full of the Moon— Easily killed— Num-
bers killed— A list of the best Shooting— Mr. Eyre's Exploit— Mr. Hub-
bell's Exploit- How killed in Virginia— Netting Rails— Fish prey upon
them— Places to Shoot Rails— Expense attending Rail Shooting— Memo-
randa ............. •"0"3
CHAPTER XIY.
Great Red-breasted Rail — Well known on the Delaware — Frequents Fresh-
water Marshes — Their Food — More common in the South — Description —
Their Flesh — Iving Rail — Skulking Habits — One shot on an Upland Marsh
— Known as the Fresh-water Marsh Hen 220
CHAPTER XY.
Clapper Rail, or Mud Hen — Nomenclature — How known to Coast Shooters —
Location — The flesh insipid — Not known in Europe — Resembles the Moor
Hen — Habits — Abundant in Delaware and New Jersey — Migratory Bird —
Their Note — Time of Nidification — Number of Eggs — Robbery of their
Nests — The marshes overflown — Great and inhuman destruction of Mud
Hens at such times — Difficult to Flush — How to kill them — A good Re-
triever useful — Their Flight labored — Numbers about Cape May and
Henlopen — Description, &c. .
900
CHAPTER XVI.
Esquimaux Curlew, or Short-billed Curlew — Known as the Jack Curlew —
Description — Migratory — Breeding and Rearing of their Young — Numbers
on the Labrador Coast — on the Coast of New Jersey — Their Food — Their
Flesh — Their Flight — Ways of Shooting them — How to approach — When
wounded — Proper Gun — Along the Inlets — Not the same as the Whimbrel
of England 226
XXIV CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XYII.
PAG E
Long-billed Curlevr, or Sickle-bill — Larger than the preceding Vai'iety —
Habits — Locality — Numbers remain near Charleston — Description — Re-
sembles the English Curlew — Their Food — Very Shy — Easily decoyed —
How to Shoot them 230
CHAPTER XVIII.
Black-bellied Plover — "Well known to Sportsmen — Pteturn from the South —
Stay at the Sea-coast — Where they Breed — Their Food — Old Field Plover
— Plumage of the Young Bird — Known as the Bull or Beetle-headed
Plover — ^Very shy — An excellent mode to approach them — The Species
known in England — Return to the South — Description . , . , 233
CHAPTER XIX.
Golden Plover — Plumage — Habits — Notes — Known as Frost Birds — Their
Food — Their Breeding Grounds — Description — Numerous Variety of
Plovers — Grass or Field Plover, &c. &c. 23G
CHAPTER XX.
Semipalmated Snipe, or AVillet — Snipe Species very numerous — None more
sought after — The Cry of the Willet — Not known in England — Return
from the South — Period of Nidification — Their Nests — Their Food — Their
Flesh — Their Call Note — How Shot — Description — Affection for their
Young 238
CHAPTER XXI.
Red-breasted Snipe — Plumage resembles the Common Snipe — AVhere found
— Immense Flocks — Known as the Brown Back, or Dowitcher — Less fishy
— Called Quail Snipe — Breeding Grounds — Their return — Less shy — Their
Food — Description — Other Varieties of Shore Birds — Yellow Shanks —
Tcll-Tale, or Godwit 241
CHAPTER XXII.
Wild Fowl Shooting — The state of this Amusement in America; in England
— Great abundance of Coast Game — The Sport confined to the ]\Larket
Shooters — New York Sportsmen — Philadelphia Amateurs — No child's play
— Some of the Hardships — The benefits to be derived — Essentials for the
Pui-suit of AVild Fowl — Chesapeake Bay; all Species of Wild Fowl resort
there — Their wonderful numbers — The Canvass-Back the great attraction
— The various Ducks that visit the Chesapeake — The Valisineria, or Water
Celery — Number of Shooters — Hints for Backers — Wild Fowl ever on the
alert — Sense of Smell — Distances on the Water — Velocity of Flight ; ex-
emplified in the Eider Duck; in the Wild Pigeon; in the Falcon . . 244
CONTENTS. XXV
CHAPTER XXIII.
PAGE
Canvass-Back — Their high estimation — Beautiful appearance — Known only
in America — Description — Their average Weight — Natural History — Their
Food — Other Varieties of Ducks that keep company with them — The Can-
vass-Back at the South — Their shyness — Modes of taking them — Toling
Ducks — History of Toling — Boating Ducks ; how injurious — Netting Ducks
— Efforts of the Legislature to protect the Ducks — Dug-Outs — The Sur-
face Boat — Coffin Boat, or Battery — Description of this contrivauce — The
operation of the Battery — Incredible numbers killed by its use — The dan-
gers to be apprehended — Shooting oiF the Points — Holes in the Ice — Stool-
ing off the Points — The principal Points for Shooting on the Chesapeake
Bay — Carrol's Island — A shot at Swans — Art of Shooting Ducks — Flight
of Canvass-Backs — Some Instructions — To Shoot Ducks sitting, &c. &c. 252
CHAPTER XXiy.
Different Varieties of Ducks — Their Natural History — Description — li '•
— Nomenclature — How and where pursued, &c. &c. &c. — The Red lit
— Widgeon, or Bald Pate — IMallard, or Wild Drake — Scaup, or Black Ec:.'.
— Blue-winged Teal — Green-winged Teal — Buffalo-headed Duck, or Buc-
ter-ball — Dusky, or Black Duck — Pin-tail, or Sprig-tail — Summer, or
Wood Duck — Canada Goose — Snow Goose — Brant, or Brent — American
Swan 28'J
CHAPTER XXY.
American Hare, or Gray Rabbit — Description — Habits — General Character-
istics— A true Hare, and not a Rabbit — Their Food — Their Flesh — Hunt-
ing Hares — Domesticated — Their Cry — Enemies — Memoranda — Different
Varieties of Hares ........... 320
CHAPTER XXVI.
The Squirrel — Some Remarks — Varieties of Squirrels — Habits — Locality —
Their Nests — Very Prolific — Their Depredations — Very Provident —
Cleanly and nice — Their Activity and Strength — Audubon's Remarks —
Captivity — Their Cry — Quench their Thirst — Other Characteristics — Dur-
ing Winter — Breed twice — Cheek Pouches — Their Enemies — Squirrel
Shooting — Bai'king Squirrels — Their Flesh — The Migratory Gray Squirrel
— Dimensions — Locality — Habits — Their Abundance — Their Migrations —
Audubon's Remarks — Their Energy — Godman's Description of their IMi-
grations in Ohio — Porter's Account ' . 331
XXVI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXYII.
PACK
Miscellaneous Hints — Use of Gloves — Grasping or holding the Gun — Pro-
tection in case of Bursting — Cocking the Gun — Planner of carrying the
Gun — Wadding — Punch to make AVads — Proper mode of placing the Wad-
ding— A Ramrod wedged in the Barrel — One Barrel discharged — Oiling
the Wads — French Wads ; reason for not liking them — Paper Wadding —
Patent Waslier, or Washing-rod — Powder Flasks — Mr. Sykes' Flask — One
Barrel used more than the other — Shot-Bags or Pouches — Percussion
Caps ; importance of using the best — Composition of the Fulminating
Powder — Water-proof Caps — Cap Chargers — The Indicator — The Nipple,
or Pivot — The Cock-striker, or Hammer ; how should be made — Car-
tridges ; how made ; useful invention ; what Shooting most adapted to —
Eley's Patent Carti'idges — Precautions when using Paper Cartridges —
Spring Cramp — Powder and Shot Guage — Nipple or Pivot AYrcnch — Sport-
ing Knife — Carrying Game — Gunning Clothes — Importance of clean Guns
— A Pvust Flaw — Dirty Guns — Shooting Boots ; how to be made ; dress-
ing for same — Pi,eceipts — Mr. Chandler's Dressing — Shooting Stockings —
Cleaning Guns — Leading of Barrels — To prevent rusting; various plans —
Shape of the Gun-stock too straight and too short; observations on same
— Gun Locks — Greener's Remarks — Gunpowder; origin, &c. ; various
kinds — Dupont's Powder; coarse and fine — Prejudices of Duck Shooters
— Glazed Powder — Tests for Powder — The Epreuvette, or Powder Prover
— To preserve from moisture — Care to be taken of it — Drying Powder —
"Properly loading the Gun — Erroneous impressions — Bursting of Guns —
Commodore Stockton's Experiments ; the Author's Observations on these
Experiments — Recoil; causes of — &c. &c. ...... 343
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Discovery and Introduction of Gunpowder — Known to the Ancients — Friar
Bacon — Berthold Schwarz — Accidental Discovery — IMonument erected to
commemorate the event — Cannon; their introduction — The Stock Goune,
or Match Lock — The Wheel Lock — The Gun and its various parts — The
Longbow-Muskets in the Reign of Elizabeth — Guns made to order —
Westley Richards — Dimensions of a Single-barrel Gun ; of double Gun —
Bill for the latter — Cost of Importing Guns — Gunsmiths ; those of Eng-
land; those of New York; those of Philadelphia — Difference in AVork-
manship — Welding Bai-rels — Boring Barrels — Grinding — Turning — Braz-
ing, or Breeching — Proving Barrels — Staining — Metal used in the Manu-
facture of Guns — Stub-twist Barrels — AVire-twist Iron — Damascus Barrels
— Charcoal Iron — Other kinds of JNIetal — Wood for Stocking . . . 403
CHAPTER XXIX.
The Art of Cooking Game — "God sends meat;" who sends Cooks? — The
happiness of our Sporting Friends — Remarks of tlie Philosophic Rum-
ford — Dr. Johnson's quaint remarks — Sympathy between the Stomach
CONTENTS. XXVll
PAGE
and Brain — Clear Head and clear Stomach — Epicurean Daadies — Rough
and Tumble — Gluttony — Sensuality — The Magnus Coquus — Hominum
Servatorem — The Scientia Popinos — The greatest annoyance to a Sports-
man— Diiference between a Glutton, Gourmand, or Epicure — Facts stated
by Accum — Savages and Gluttony — The Feast of Apicius ; of Vitellus —
Luxurious Romans — Inhabitants of the Celestial Empire — A Glutton —
Quantity eaten — Sentiments of Kitchener; of Louis Eustache Ude — Row
to select Game — The Young and the Old — The Fresh and the Stale — When
to be eaten — V/orms, Leeches, and Bugs found in their Stomachs — Par-
tridges will keep better than other Game — When Frozen — Effect of Frost
— Annual Fair at St. Petersburg!! and Moscow — Cooking Game — Various
Methods — Roast Game — Larded Game — Broiled Game — To Broil Par-
tridges before a Coal-fire — Boiled Game — Cooking Pheasants — To Cook
Snipe, Woodcock, Plover, &c. — Disgusting habit of Cooking without draw-
ing; Audubon's Remarks on this head — To Cook Rail and Reed-birds;
other kinds of Game — Hawker's Picceipt for a "Good Mess" — Cooking
Wild Ducks; Canvass-backs, &c. — Other Remarks on Cookery — Celei-y
Sauce — Sauce, or Gravy Thickening — White Thickening — Brown Thicken-
ing— Potatoes a le Maitre d'Hotel — Venison Soup — Sportsman Beef — An
excellent Stew of Rabbits or Hare — Stew of Squirrels .... 433
CHAPTER XXX.
Hints on Taxidermy — The art of Obtaining and Preserving the Skins of Birds
— Importance to Sportsmen — The Modus Operandi — Most important ob-
ject to be attained — How to kill the Bird — If the Wounds should bleed,
how the Bird should be handled — Process of Skinning a Bird — Mrs. Lee's
Taxidermy — How the Skins are to be treated — Warm Weather — Arsenical
Soaps — Solution of Corrosive Sublimate — The object of our Remarks on
Taxidermy — Captain Brown's work on Taxidermy — Preserving Egg-shells
— The proper method to "blow an Egg-shell" — How to preserve Egg-
shells— To preserve Winged Birds from fatal Hemorrhage — Plan to secure
the Bloodvessels — To Pinion or Amputate a Wing; how to be accom-
plished ............. 456
CHAPTER XXXI.
General Hygienic Remarks — Atmospheric Vicissitudes ; how to be guarded
against — Proper Clothing — Chacun a son Gout — An ounce of Precaution
— If wet — Catarrhal or Rheumatic Affections — Nodding before the Fire —
Overheated — Draughts of Air — Perspiratory Functions — If Hot or Thirsty
— State of the Atmosphere — Difference between Mountain and Low Lands
— Malarious Districts — Morning Mists — Heat of the Day — Chilly Weather
— Fumigation — Cold Weather — Exercise recommended — Diet and Drink —
Quaff lightly — Headache and Malaise — Exclusive use of Water — Fondness
for other Fluids — Effects of Habit — Poisonous Liquors — Avoid drinking
trash — Sleep — Theory of Sleep — Its action on the Economy — A fair quan-
tum— Excess of Sleep — Some require more than others — Napoleon and
^
XXVlll CONTENTS.
PAGE
Frederick the Glreat — Galled Heels — Colonel Hawker's plan to remedy the
evil — Corns — What a Corn is — Charlatanism — Chiropodists — Extracting
Corns — Tight Boots — The remedy — A Recipe to be used on Corns — Corn
Salve — Hawker's Recipe — Treatment of a Fall — Sprain — Blow or Burn —
Proper course to be pursued in such cases — An excellent Recipe — Wounded
Eye; how to be treated — Collyrium, &c. (S:c. — Sore Throat — Gargle for
same — External application — To stoj) accidental Hemorrhage — To tell tlie
age of a Dog 464
LIST OF EMBELLISHMENTS.
FRONTISPIECE. — Backwoodsmen and Indian Shooting Turkeys at the edge of
A Pkairie.
TITLE-PAGE — Beautifully Representing the Four Seasons.
designed by MR. GEORGE G. WHITE.
ENGRAVED BY MESSRS. LOUDERBACK & HOFFMAN.
No. 1. Hawk Flying,
Tailpiece. Duck Flying,
No. 2. Child and Dog,
Tailpiece. Pointer Dog,
No. 3. Dead Game,
Tailpiece. Dog Wliip,
No. 4. Pointer and Setter,
Tailpiece. Pointer Dog,
No. 5. Sportsman Shooting,
Tailpiece. Pheasant Shooting,
" Cocker Spaniels,
No. G. Group of Partridges,
Tailpiece. California Partridge,
No. 7. Boy, and Partridge Noosing,
Tailpiece. Serpent attacking Partridges,
" Pot-Hunter, or Poacher,
" Vii'ginia Sportsmen,
No. 8. Wild Turkey,
Tailpiece. Trespassers' Caution-post,
" V/ild Turkey and Lynx,
No. 9. Ilufl'ed Grouse, or Pheasant,
Tailpiece. Startled Tyro,
No. 10. Pinnated Grouse, or Prairie
Ilcn,
Tailpiece. Prairie on Fire,
No. 11. Woodcock,
Tailpiece. Sportsman and Dogs,
Artist. Engrayer.
Geo. G. White, Louderback & Hoffman.
" VvM. H. Van Ixgen.
" Louderback & Hoffman.
" Wm. II. Van Tngen.
C. ScnussELLE, Wm. B. Giiion.
Geo. G. White, Wm. II. Van Tngen.
C. Schusselle, " "
Geo. G. White, " "
" Louderback & Hoffman.
<i it <f
<<
ti
((
Wm. H. Van Ingen.
Louderback & Hoffman.
Wm. II. Van Ixgen.
C. Schusselle,
Pa.cre
36
38
39
42
42
.40
47
58
64
66
82
90
97
101
117
118
129
133
134
145
147
154
155
168
xsx
LIST OF EMBELLISHMENTS.
Artist.
Engraver.
Page
Tailpiece.
Head of Woodcock,
G:
EO.
G. White,
LOUDERBACK & HOFFMAN.
173
u
Feather of Woodcock,
'1 ((
180
No. 12.
Snipe, English or Wilson's,
(( cc
181
Tailjoiece.
Snipe Shooting,
it (I
195
No. 13.
Reed Birds,
<< (C
19G
Tailpiece.
Reed Bird Shooting,
<C (<
201
(£
A Reed Bird Market Shooter,
<( ((
202
No. 14.
Rail,
cc C(
203
Tailpiece.
A Rail Shooter,
<C ((
209
No. 15.
King Rail,
H. L. Stephens,
, Wji. B. Gihox.
221
Tailpiece.
Heron in Contemplation,
G:
EO.
G. White,
LoUDERBACK & HOFFMAX.
221
No. 16.
Clapper Rail, or Mud Hen,
a
ti a
090
Tailpiece.
Shooting Mud Hens,
i i
Wm. II. Van Ingen.
223
No. 17.
Short-Billed Curlew,
11
LoUDERBACK & HOFFJIAN.
22G
Tailpiece.
Sportsman in a Storm,
a
cc <(
229
No. 18.
Long-Billed Curlew,
a
(c cc
231
Tailpiece.
Si^ortsraan and Wounded
Curlew,
a
Wm. H. Van Ixgen.
232
No. 19.
Black-Bellied Plover,
a
LOUDERBACK & HoFFMAN.
233
Tailpiece.
Shooting Coast Birds,
u
cc cc
235
((
Old Boat,
it
cc ft
237
<<
Dead Dog and Vultures,
II
cc cc
240
(1
Coast, or Bay Scene,
a
U ti
243
No. 20.
Point Shooting,
C.
S(
:)husselle.
Wm. H. Van Ingen.
244
Tailpiece.
Setter Dog Drinking,
Geo.
G. White,
C< it
251
No. 21.
Canvass-Backs,
a
LOUHERBACK & HoFFMAN.
253
No. 22.
Toling Ducks,
(1
Wji. H. Van Ingen.
259
No. 23.
Shooting from a Sink,
C.
SCIIUSSELLE,
C( (£
2G7
No. 24.
Model for Building a Sink,
Geo.
G. White,
(1 It
270
Tailpiece.
Head of Canvass-Back,
LOUDERBACK & HoFFMAN.
287
No. 25.
Red-Heads,
cc CI
289
Tailpiece.
Head of Red-Head,
cc cc
292
No. 20.
Bald-Pates, or Widgeons,
cc cc
293
No. 27.
Mallards, or Wild Drake,
II cc
29G
No. 28.
Blue-Winged Teal,
Wm. H. Van Ingen.
300
No. 29.
Buffel-Headed Duck,
LoUDERBACK & HoFFMAN.
303
Tailpiece.
Water Spaniel and Duck,
"\Vm. H. Van Ixgen.
304
No. 30.
Black or Dusky Duck,
LoUDERBACK & HOFFMAN.
305
No. 31.
Pintail, or Sprigtail,
cc li
307
No. 32.
Summer, or Wood Duck,
ci cc
309
No. 33.
Canada Goose,
(( cc
311
No. 34.
Brant, or Brent,
Wm. H. Van Ingen.
31G
No. 35.
American Swan,
1
cc IC
318
Tailpiece.
Sportsmen carrying
No. 36.
Game,
Hare, or Rabbit,
LoUDERBACK & HOFFMAN.
319
320
LIST OF EMBELLISHMENTS.
XXXI
No. 37. Hunting Hares,
Tailpiece. AVildcat and Hares,
" Hare Running,
No. 38. Squirrel,
Tailpiece. Dog and Cat,
No. 39. Dandy Sportsman,
Tailpiece. Po-wder-flask,
" Youthful Shooter,
No. 40. Schwarz's Discovery of Gun-
piowder,
Tailpiece. Memory of Smoke, Roy,
and Sank,
No. 41. Sportsmen .and Cook,
Tailpiece. Cook and Dog,
" Hawk and Bird,
No. 42. Skeleton of a Bird,
Tailpiece. "Wing of a Bird,
" Bird's Egg,
No. 48. Old Man and Sick Dog,
Tailpiece. Dog Killed by Sportsman,
" Finale,
Artist.
c. schl'sselle,
Geo. G. White,
Engraver. Page
Wji. H. Van Ingen. 327
loudekback & hoffman. 329
Wm. H. Van Ingen. 331
loudekback & hoffman. 331
" " 342
" " 343
" '« 351
" " 402
LOUDERBACK & HOFFMAN. 432
" " 438
" " 448
<< u 455
" " 456
" 462
" " 463
" " 464
" " 478
" " 480
CHAPTEE I.
EXPOSITION OF THE TECHNICAL TERMS USED BY ORNITHOLOGISTS.
Without a cursory knowledge, at least, of the technical
terms employed by Ornithologists in their delineations of the
feathered race, we cannot expect all our readers to under-
stand or appreciate the scientific descriptions which we have
inserted of the Game Birds of our country ; it therefore appears
to us that we cannot do better than devote the first few
pages of this volume to the full elucidation of these terms,
which in fact are the A B C of Ornithology, the Alpha and
Omega of the branch.
This information, so important to the intelligent Sportsman,
can be easily and quickly acquired by reference to the accom-
panying drawing, in connection with the explanations following
immediately after.
1. Auriculars, the ear coverts. — The soft feathers that cover
the organs of hearing.
2, 2, The bastard wing, consisting of three or five feathers,
resembling the quills of the true wing ; they are placed on a
3
34 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
small bone rising from the wrist-joint of the wing. The lastard
wing assists in flight by keeping the wing from turning up-
wards, and contracts the points of the wing in a downward and
backward position to that of the course of the Bird through the
air.
3, 3. The lesser coverts of the wings. — These are the feathers
which are found in successive rows upon the wings ; those on
the inside are termed under coverts^ and are much less regarded
by Ornithologists as a means of distinction than the others.
4, 4. The greater coverts. — The wing feathers lying under the
lesser coverts ; they are much larger and stronger than the latter.
5, 5. The primaries. — Large quill feathers taking their growth
from below the wrist-joint. The length and proportion of the
feathers control, in a wide degree, the movements of the Bird
in the air. The nearer the longer prvaiary quill approaches the
body, the more dexterous and beautiful will be the motion of
the Bird when on the wing. The Haivks, Swalloius, and various
other Birds of rapid flight, that seize their prey when on the
wing, have the longest ^rmar?/ feather very near the body, and
consequently are enabled to turn and twist themselves with
great facility.
6, 6. The secondaries, or second quill feathers, spring from the
second bone of the wing. When the wing is extended, they
frequently appear like a continuation of the primaries.
7, 7. The tertiary, or third quill feathers, also arise from the
second bone, but much nearer the elbow-joint.
8, 8. The scapulars, or shoulder feathers, are formed by the
soft and downy feathers that cover the shoulder-bones, and are
serviceable only as a protection to the parts which they sur-
round ; 'they unite without any regularity with the plumage of
the back and wings.
9, The rump feathers and upper-tail coverts. — These feathers
are the continuation of the covering of the back, and are strong
in proportion to the peculiar habits of the Bird. In the Wood-
pecker tribe, for instance, these feathers are very strong and
unusually long, as they make constant use of the tail as a sup-
port and assistance when climbing the trunks of trees ; and so
it is with some water-fowl not webfooted, but obliged fre-
quently to take flight from the water. The tail feathers in these
TECHNICAL TERMS. 35
last-mentioned Birds afford the greatest assistance in springing
into the air.
10. The vent feathers and under-tail coverts, that extend from
the anus or vent to the tail underneath. These feathers are
much longer in some tribes of Birds than others. Those that
have a constant habit of flirting up their tails — like, for example,
the Eallus Carolinus, and several species of small shore Birds —
have the vent feathers unusually well developed.
The tail feathers are various in size and numbers, and are
generally the most ornamental part of a Bird. The tail per-
forms the most necessary office in the navigation of the Bird
through the air ; in fact, it is the rudder by which the coarse of
the Bird is determined, and acts in concert with the will of the
Bird as freely as a ship obeys her helm.
11. Loral space. — The space between the bill and eye.
12. Frons. — The forehead.
13. Corona. — Crown of the head.
14. Occiput. — The hind part of the head.
15. Flexure. — Bend of the wing.
16. Tarsi. — Shanks of the legs.
17. r^■5^■a.— Thigh.
The upper and lower bills are called the superior and inferior
maxilla., or upper and lower mandibles.
Iris — irides. — The colored circle surrounding the pupil of the
eye.
Mentum. — The chin.
Guttur. — The throat.
Collum. — The neck.
Pectus. — The breast.
In measurement, the total length means from point of bill to
the end of middle tail feathers. Length of the wings means
from the bend of the wing to the end of the longest quill
feather.
CHAPTEK II,
SENSATION IN FEATHERS.
The keenest sense of feeling through the medium of the
plumage is indispensably necessary to the well-being of all the
feathered race.
The feathers, it is true, in themselves, like several other por-
tions of the body, such for example as the nails^ claws, beak,
and hoofs, have no real sensation or actual appreciation of the
sense of touch; still, they are enabled by the nicest possible
organization to convey the most delicate impressions to those
functions of the animal economy that do feel.
If such a wise provision of Nature did not exist, what, we
might ask, would become of all the numerous Nocturnal Birds
that seek their food only during the dark hours of night? The
whole tribe most indubitably would soon be killed off by
striking themselves against the various obstacles that they
necessarily encounter in their midnight rambles. This acute
sensibility on the part of feathers to outward impressions, is
not, perhaps, as essential for those Birds that fly only in the
broad daylight, as it is to the numerous variety of Owls, Bats,
T^
SENSATION IN FEATHERS. 37
&c., that seek their prey solely during the lonely hours of
darkness.
Nevertheless, a certain degree of this delicacy of perception
is absolutely requisite even for them to secure their safety
whilst performing rapid flights through the thickets and forests
that they most generally inhabit or take shelter in. This, then,
being the case, is it not reasonable to infer that the feathers
should at all times be in the highest state of perfection ? This,
however, would not be attained, if they were not shed or re-
newed from time to time, as they necessarily must become
soiled, dried, broken, and ultimately totally unfit for this nice
service by the constant exposure they are subjected to, as well
as the many accidents they must encounter.
To remedy these evils, or rather to make provision for such
casualties. Nature, ever provident in all her works, very wisely
ordains that the feathered race shall moult, or, in other words,
shed their plumage entire once or twice a year. The simple
shedding of the feathers is not the only precaution that a bene-
ficent Providence has established for the preservation of these,
the most extensive and beautiful portion of his creations. For
we may here also notice the remarkable changes that take
place in the tints of the plumage, more especially in those Birds
that remain in the northern latitudes during the long and bleak
winters. Many of them, from the most sombre hues of spring
and summer, become pied, or even pure white; thus cunningly
adapting themselves to the pervading color of the objects by
which they are surrounded, they are the better able to concerJ
themselves from the attacks of their many prowling enemit.
that are now driven to great extremes for food. The proteo
tion afforded Birds as well as many of the smaller quadruped.^
in this alteration of the color of their plumage and pelage fron»
the aggressions of their more powerful foes is not the oiily
benefit that results from this wise providence; as the chilling
effects of constant exposure to the excessive cold of those
hibernal regions are somewhat abated by the transition to
white, from the well-established fact that a surface purely white
reflects heat far more copiously than a dark one; and consequently
it is not difficult for us to infer that, in like manner, it prevents
any undue waste of the animal heat by radiation.
38 lewis' ameeican sportsman.
The moulting of Birds is very gradual, and few of them are
ever so bare of feathers as to prevent them from taking wing,
and even flying long distances.
The time of shedding the feathers varies in the different
species, and in different climes ; some moult late in the summer,
some in the early autumn, and some in the early spring.
The summer or autumnal moult is always the most complete,
the perennial is generally only a change of color of some por-
tions of the plumage, and not a thorough shedding of the
feathers.
Those Birds, as well as water-fowl, that extend their migra-
tions far to the North, for the purposes of procreation, receive
their fresh plumage after the period of incubation has entirely
passed by, so that they come out fresh and entirely freed from
all the filth and vermin that their previous sedentary occupa-
tions may have entailed on them.
CHAPTEE III.
SPORTING TERMS.
The Teclinical terms adopted bj writers on Sporting should
be perfectly familiar to every Sportsman, and ought to be made
use of on all occasions, when the Sports of the field are the
subject of conversation. Many of our Sporting acquaintances
are most wofully deficient in a knowledge of these terms, and
consequently are eternally making the most egregious blunders
in their vain efforts to appear au fait in all that pertains to the
Dog and Gun. A few minutes of reflection and study, my pa-
tient friends, will make you all proficients in these scientific
terms; therefore remain no longer in ignorance, even if it he
bliss.
>
TERMS APPLICABLE TO DOGS.
A brace of Pointers or Setters.
A leash of " "
A couple of Spaniels.
A couple and a half of Spaniels.
40 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
1. Toho!
2. Down charge !
3. Back or heel !
4. Steady ! steady there !
5. Go on ! on !
6. Hold up ! up !
7. Seek dead ! find dead Bird !
8. Fetch!
9. Drop, sir!
10. To mouth a Bird.
11. To run wild.
EXPLANATION OF THE ABOVE TERMS.
1. To make Pointers or Setters come to a stand.
2. " " " lie down while loading.
3. " " " go behind.
4. " " " careful when game is about.
5. " " " rise — a term of encourage-
ment.
6. " " " hold his head up so as to
wind the game.
7. " " " look for a dead Bird.
8. " " " bring the dead Bird.
9. " " " deliver up the dead Bird.
10. To bite or chew a Bird severely.
11. To run heedlessly, without caution.
By a pair is understood two of the same kind or species united
or paired by nature, male and female. Therefore, how evidently
ivrong it is to say a pair of Pointers^ or a pair of Setters.
By a coiqyle, or hrace^ is understood the involuntary union of
two individual companions of the same species, either by a
chain, noose, or tie.
PARTRIDGES.
A covey of Partridges or Birds.
A brace of " "
A brace and a half of " "
To spring or flush " "
SPOETING TERMS. 41
GROUSE.
A brood of Grouse.
A pack of "
A brace of "
A leash of "
To raise a "
WOODCOCKS.
A couple of Woodcocks,
A couple and a half of Woodcocks.
A flight or fall of AVoodcocks.
To flush or start a Woodcock.
SNIPE OR PLOVER.
A wisp or walk of Snipes.
A wing or congregation of Plovers.
A couple of Snipes or Plovers.
A couple and a half of Snipes or Plovers.
To spring a Snipe or Plover.
SMALL AVILD-FOWL, OR SHORE BIRDS, OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.
A flock of.
A couple of.
A couple and a half of.
REED BIRDS AND RAILS.
A flock of Eeed Birds.
A dozen of Reed Birds.
Five, ten, fifteen, or twenty Rails.
To get up a Rail.
To mark a Rail.
HARES.
A brace of Hares.
A leash of Hares.
To start or move a Hare.
42
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
LARGE WILD FOWL.
A flock, team, or badelynge of Wild Ducks.
A company or trip of Wild Ducks.
A gaggle or flock of Geese.
A flock of Teal.
A gang of Brent.
A whiteness of Swans.
CHAPTEK IV.
DOGS.
For the most general and useful information regarding
Dogs, we beg to refer our readers to the American edition of
" Youatt," published under our supervision, a short time since,
by Lea & Blanchard, This valuable work contains nearly
all that is requisite for a Sportsman to know in reference to
these interesting animals ; and the enterprising publishers
deserve high commendation, and the thanks of the whole Sport-
ing community, for the very excellent manner in which they
have put it through the press. No Sportsman, or even admirer
of the faithful Dog, should be without a copy of this beautiful
and instructive volume ; in fact, every one who reads it at all
will find abundance of interesting matter in its pages.
The author of this work, as a Yeterinary Surgeon, had for
many years no rival in England ; his close observation, unre-
mitted industry, and extensive practice in the veterinary art,
enabled him, during a series of years, to lay up a store of
information on these subjects that no other individual could
have possibly collected. Youatt's attention, either from choice
44 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
or the force of circumstances, was particularly directed to the
study of the history and pathology of the canine race ; and
Sportsmen cannot be too thankful for the much useful matter
that this practical writer has embodied in his work; and which,
by the by, was only given to the public a short time before the
close of an honorable life, the greater portion of which was
spent in the noble effort to alleviate the sufferings, lighten the
labors, exalt the position, and teach the inestimable worth, of
our domestic animals.
Much valuable pathological information, as well as other
general matter, will be found in this publication, which, upon
the whole, renders it the most complete work that has ever
been dedicated to this faithful animal; and, as we said before,
should be in the hands of every lover of the Dog. The book
is beautifully embellished with numerous spirited engravings,
which not a little enhance its value in the eyes of every one.
We do not intend our observations as a puff, either for our-
selves as connected with the publication of the work, or for the
benefit of those who have brought it out, but we wish rather
to draw the attention of the reading public generally to the
examination of the volume, being convinced that it needs only
to be known to be properly appreciated; and by thus causing
it to be appreciated, we are richly repaid in the pleasant reflec-
tion that we have done something towards elevating the con-
dition of that animal, which, above all others, owing to his
untiring devotion and never-ceasing fidelity, should elicit the
greatest kindness and best treatment from the hands of man-
kind.
The Dog, 2Mr excellence^ may be considered the type of all
that is noble and great; for, certainly, incorruptible fidelity, dis-
interested attachment, and a never-ceasing desire to be useful to
man are attributes sufficiently high in their moral bearing to
entitle the possessor to this exalted position from among all
other animals. From the remotest ages of the world down to
the present time, we find the Dog the intimate associate of man,
the protector of his habitation, the guardian of his flocks. No
neglect, no ill treatment, can drive him from our doors; he
bears every oppression, forgives every blow, and obeys every
DOGS, 45
command. As from instinct, the Dog abandons his own per-
sonal liberty, shuns even the members of his own race, and
associates himself entirely with man as his dearest friend ; and
no cause, however great, is sufficient, in his estimation, to break
asunder these voluntary ties or destroy this beloved connection.
He asks but a trifle for his proffered services ; a kind word, an
occasional smile, a fragment of our abundance, or a mere mite
of our povert}^, is all that he requires. The extremes of luxury
or indigence are alike the same to him, so that he enjoys the
companionship and kindness of his allotted master, let him be
a prince or a beggar. For his master alone he leaps for joy
when spoken to; on him alone he fondles when caressed; for
him alone he grieves when absent, exults at his return, and
even in the fulness of his heart pines away over his deserted
grave.
"Dark green was the spot, 'mid the brown mountain heather,
AVhere the pilgrim of nature lay stretched in decay ;
Like the corpse of an outcast, abandoned to weather,
Till the mountain winds wasted the tenantless clay;
Nor yet quite deserted, though lonely extended.
For, faithful in death, his mute favorite attended.
The much-loved remains of her master defended.
And chased the hill Fox and the Raven away.
How long didst thou think that his silence was slumber?
When the wind waved his garments, how oft didst thou start?
How many long days and long weeks didst thou number
Ere he faded before thee, the friend of thy heart?"'
How different is all this from the attachment or submission
that we witness in the other domesticated animals, all of which,
we may say, have been reclaimed with much trouble, and
enslaved contrary to their own will. They submit alone to
our arbitrary wishes through the fear of punishment or the
hope of reward ; they greedily partake of our proffered food,
and perform in return their apportioned labors ; these forced
' A young man lost his life by falling from one of the precipices of the
Helvellyn Mountains. Three months afterwards his remains were discovered at
the bottom of a ravine, and his faithful Dog, almost a skeleton, still guarding
them. Sir Walter Scott beautifully describes the scene as above. — Youatt on
the Dog.
46
LEWIS' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
duties at an end, they neither court the society of man nor
manifest any particular pleasure either at his presence or pain
at his absence ; and if left to themselves would soon relapse
into their original state of freedom and independence.
CHAPTER V.
ART OF SHOOTING ON THE WING.
"All the sports of the field are delightful, I own,
But none can with shooting compare ;
'Tis a joy that entices the King from his throne,
'Tis a joy that the wisest may share.
The voice of the Hound on the breeze of the morn,
The note of the bugle may please ;
The song of the Wild Bird is sweet from the thorn,
But the Gun has more music than these."
Most persons unconversant with the use of the gun are
naturally led to believe that there is some great mystery or
some extraordinary sleight-of-hand work connected with the
art of shooting Birds when on the wing. This opinion is often
so firmly engrafted on the minds of some sensitive individuals,
that they are ever unwilling even to make a trial of their own
dexterity in this way, feeling satisfied that they could never
arrive at any degree of perfection in an art so difficult to
acquire. Or, if they should be tempted to venture in the field
with some one of their associates more experienced in the use
of the gun, expecting a day's enjoyment, they become so dis-
48 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
couraged at their want of success, as well as perplexed, at tlie
inability of their Sporting companion to give them any definite
or systematic instruction for shooting, that they not unfre-
quently have withdrawn from the field completely mortified
and disgusted with everything appertaining to the Sport —
when, by a little perseverance and a few well-timed hints from
their companion, they might soon have arrived at that pinnacle
of fame to which all Sportsmen aspire; we mean — a good
shot !
We ourselves do not pretend to be a great shot, but, on the
contrary, are very modest in our claims upon this point ; but
because we can't kill every Bird we fire at, that is no reason
why we may not instruct others, so that they, by longer prac-
tice, may arrive at this degree of excellence, if they desire it,
but to which we have neither the ambition to aspire nor the
time at our disposal to acquire. It is no uncommon circum-
stance in the study of the arts and sciences for the pupil to
excel the master; and we suppose, or rather we flatter our-
selves, that we may yet look forward to encountering some
one of our own pupils in the field who will not hesitate to
snub our nose whenever an opportunity offers. If such should
be the case, we shall be happy in the knowledge of having done
some good for our country, and more particularly for the
Sports of the field.
The first grand desideratum to be considered by the pupil is
the possession of a good gun, of which, however, we will speak
more particularly under the chapter on fire-arms. The next
great acquisition to be sought after is coolness and deliheraiion^
for without these qualities you might as well leave the gun in
its case, and walk into the fields with a Dog at your heels, and
a shooting-cracker in your hand ready to throw at the Birds
as they rise from the stubble, in the vain hope of frightening
them to death by the noise of the explosion, as to fire a gun
over them without perfect self-possession and composure.
Without coolness and deliberation, a young Shooter, or even
an old Shooter, can hope to accomplish but little in the field.
In fact, we have seen the best of shots miss Bird after Bird
during a whole day's excursion, owing to some unexpected but
perhaps trifling occurrence that had interrupted their natural
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 49
equanimity of temper, and thereby destroyed that coohiess and
deliberation which are so essential for the proper handling of
the fowling-piece. Success in shooting, all the paraphernalia
being equally good, is dependent in a great measure upon
coolness and deliberation ; the first and most important step,
therefore, to be taken by a young Shooter, is the resolution to
acquire as soon as possible a perfect control over all his move-
ments during the excitement consequent upon the springing of
a covey of Partridges, the whir of a Woodcock, or the sudden
and irregular flight of a Snipe. This mastery over his feelings
being once acquired, there will be no difficulty in the way of a
rapid progress in the art of shooting flying. Having selected,
with the assistance of a Sporting friend, a gun, made by the
most approved Gunsmith, practise the handling of it in your
own room; be sure that it comes up to the shoulder right, and
that the eye runs along the barrel with facility. Bring it up
to your shoulder ever and anon ; take sight along its barrel at
some small object placed in the furthest corner of the room — a
red wafer, or a piece of colored paper stuck on the wall, will
answer for this purpose. By practising in this wa}'- for a short
time, a certain degree of ease in the handling of the gun will
be acquired, and then it will be as well to crack off" a few caps
by way of accustoming the ear and eye to the explosion, as
also familiarizing the finger with the touch of the trio-o-er.
Having occupied the leisure moments of a few days in this
kind of Sport, it will be high time to sally forth to the fields
to spend a portion of the day in practising shooting on the
wing any of the small Birds that we may encounter in our
peregrinations over the country.
The habit of our young Sportsmen exercising their skill
upon Swallows is not a good practice, and cannot be attended
with any particular benefit to them, as their flight is so entirely
different from any known game Bird that one might soon be-
come expert in killing these harmless but useful little creatures
without ever being able to bag a Partridge, a Woodcock, or a
Snipe.
Swallows fly with considerable swiftness and great irregu-
larity, and cannot be easily killed except when they stop or
rather poise themselves for an instant in the air to seize their
4
50 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
prey, and while in this position, the veriest bungler that ever
handled a gun can soon become expert in knocking them over.
Any of the smaller and less interesting Birds that fill the groves
during the spring and autumn months have flights resembling
that of Partridges much more than that of the Swallow does,
and more improvement may be derived from shooting a few of
them than the slaughter of one-half of all the Swallows found
about a large farm. For after all, the shooting of Swallows is
nothing but a knack, acquired by a little observation and prac-
tice, just as any other kind of shooting or in fact sleight-of-hand
work ; but then it should be remembered by the young aspirant
that he may spend much labor and time both in acquiring this
knack without in the least benefiting himself so far as the shoot-
ing of Partridges or any other kind of game Bird is concerned.
Nicety in shooting exclusively at some particular objects, in
some particular mode, may be carried to a degree of perfection
scarcely to be conceived of, as witnessed in the feats of the bro-
thers Toomer, as described by several English writers.
Of these two celebrated marksmen, Blaine remarks that
Richard and Edward Toomer, with their rifles and a single ball,
killed eight Pigeons out of twelve, shooting alternately; and
one of the Pigeons that did not drop, had a leg carried off by
the ball. They likewise with a single ball struck twice, out of
four shots, a cricket-ball thrown into the air; and Richard at a
cricket-match, his gun being loaded with shot, struck the ball
twelve successive times, when bowled by one of the sharpest
Bowlers in all England.
It is also not an uncommon circumstance to meet with per-
sons who can lay a double-barrelled gun, cocked, on the ground,
throw two pennies up in the air and strike them both, before
touching the ground. This same degree of perfection in hand-
ling the gun and attuning the eye may be acquired in Pigeon-
shooting, as witnessed in the wonderful exploits laid down un-
der this head by numerous authors : but all these various kinds
of shooting, though exhibiting much skill and perfection in the
art, will not qualify a person for taking the field with an expe-
rienced Sportsman; as the killing of game is quite a different
thing from knocking over the tame, quiet, and phlegmatic house
Pigeon, that rises from the trap with a certain degree of regu-
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 51
larity, although with a sudden impetus imparted to it by the
operations of the spring, and most frequently taking a bewil-
dered though easy flight, is brought down with the greatest
facility by those accustomed to its usual course of action at
such times.
How tame, how vastly different is all this to the sudden and
unlooked-for spring of our vigorous little Partridge, as with a
startling noise he bounces up from under our very feet, and
long before any save the initiated one can recover from his be-
wilderment and bring his piece to bear upon the affrighted Bird,
it has fairly soared far beyond his reach, yes, even beyond his
sharpest vision. And then, again, the deep, sonorous, and even
still more perplexing whir of the Ruffed Grouse, as he goes
booming off through the entangled thickets bordering the
mountain streams ; or the delve-resounding start of the lonely
Woodcock, as he rushes through the marshy brake, all in the
full vigor and freshness of his native freedom.
The whirring noise consequent upon the springing of a covey
or even of a single Bird is not a little trying to the nerves of
a young shot, and it requires some considerable time to accus-
tom his ears to this startling sound, which, however, will wear
off by degrees, no matter how nervous he may be at first.
When the Dogs have come to a stand, advance noiselessly and
with firmness towards the spot indicated, holding the gun
cocked, and with the muzzle in such a position that its contents
could not injure any. one of the company, even if it should by
any mishap go ofi' before you have the proper range on the
Birds. Be careful, above all, not to shoot the Dogs; which ac-
cident, by the by, has happened more than once to heedless
beginners. When the Birds are flushed, raise the gun with
perfect coo Z?iess and deliberation ; single out first one Bird and
then another, if you have a double-barrelled gun, as every
Sportsman should have, and be sure not to pull trigger upon
either of them till they are well covered. That is, when look-
ing down the barrel plate, the eye, the sight, the point, and the
Bird are all in the same line, this, then, is the moment to fire;
do not, therefore, hesitate an instant; do not dwell upon the
object after it is once covered, or you will inevitably lose the
point of sight and the load will pass under the Bird. .
52 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
The eye in a correct light is seldom wrong in its calculations,
seldom deceived as regards distances or positions; seldom, in
fact, at fault in any one particular; it is to some one of the
many other circumstances upon which the proper handling of
the fowling-piece is dependent, that we must attribute the fre
quent habit of missing ; such, for example, as a want of self-
possession, over-anxiety, careless loading, hurry, nervousness,
or some such causes. Be careful not to shut both eyes just
at the instant of pulling the trigger, as some beginners do ;
neither pull the muzzle of the gun up or down with a sudden
jerk, but let it lie perfectly free in the grasp. By following
these few instructions, although you may miss your Bird over
and over again, during the first day's shooting, still, we are con-
fident that you will succeed in a very short space of time to
some considerable cleverness in the art. When there is a fair
and open shot and the Bird not killed, you may depend upon
it that it was not properly covered ; or if it was, the gun, by
some imperceptible movement, must have been carried from its
proper direction at the instant of firing, or the Bird might have
perchance varied its straight course at the critical moment of
being covered. One of these three things must have taken
place provided the gun was loaded properly, otherwise the Bird
would have inevitably been brought down. We do not pretend
to say that every one going for the first time into the field shall
acquire in an incredibly short time this beautiful accomplish-
ment of shooting flying, by the mere committing of any set of
rules for the handling of a gun. But, on the other hand, we
must assure the novice that, without pretty constant practice
and great attention, he will never attain the art; but when once
acquired, it is seldom lost, except temporarily, so long as the
visual organs are perfect and the physical powers sufficiently
strong to carry him into the field in pursuit of game. No doubt
thousands of Sportsmen arrive at great excellence in shooting
without ever reading a line on the subject, or receiving a word
of advice from the more experienced ; but still, their progress
has been very slow and up-hill kind of work, and accomplished
at last only by long practice and observation. We do not,
however, wish our readers to understand that any one can ac-
quire the art of shooting flying without ^Jrti/e?2(?e, practice^ and
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 53
study^ as we do not believe any such thing, and would be sorry
to attempt the promulgation of such a fallacy. But we do
assert that the young beginner will much sooner, and with
much more pleasure to himself, arrive at this desirable end, by
giving heed to the experience of those who have gone before
him, no matter whether the instruction be imparted orally or
by means of the pen. That there are certain fundamental rules
for acquiring this accomplishment, no one will deny; and these
rules should be made as simple as possible, and as few as pos-
sible; in fact, reduced down to a few words of caution, which
may be embodied in the following line: Be cool arid deliberate,
and never draw the trigger till the Bird is ivell covered. We do
not wish to bother the novice with a long array of written
instructions for shooting, as information obtained in this way
is too often a mere matter of rote, and cannot be of any great
practical utility; we desire, however, to impress upon his me-
mory a few short rules that will secure him from the commis-
sion of many faults, and prevent him from falling into the
common errors that most beginners do. This end being ac-
complished, we abandon him to the practical operations of the
field, which of themselves will soon make him skilful, if he
possesses any of that aptness for Sport which seems inherent
in many of those who follow the Dog and Gun as a source of
the most healthful and exhilarating amusement. \
Although b}'' strictly adhering to the golden rule, Be cool and
deliberate, and never dratv the trigger till the Bird is well covered,\j
the novice without doubt will miss many Birds, as they will ^
often get beyond the reach of his shot long before he has fairly
covered them, more particularly if shooting in thickets or
woods; nevertheless, he will find, at the conclusion of the day,
that he has not made out so very bad, and, we can assure him,
much better than if he had shot at every Bird before it had
flown ten steps from the spot whence it sprang. To be sure,
he will often feel much mortification and disappointment at the
sight of a Partridge sailing off untouched by his fire, although
well covered by the gun: this chagrin, however, will be of short
duration, as, on the springing of the next Bird, he will invo-
luntarily strive to be somewhat smarter in his movements, but
54 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
at the same time adhering strictly to the golden rule of coolness
and cMihenttion ; and his efforts on this occasion will perhaps
be crowned with greater success. The bagging, then, of this
one Bird will at once atone for many others lost, and at the
same time will impress upon him the importance of sticking to
the principles upon which he entered the field, and make him
a firm convert to the absolute utility of giving heed to our
instructions ; for he will find that as often as he departs from
these rules and fires his gun at random, just so often will he be
disappointed in the results, and will also learn that the chances
of killing Birds at random shots are very few, even when fired
into a large covey — for how frequently have we seen even the
most experienced Sportsmen shoot into coveys without ruffling
a feather, owing entirely to the circumstance of the Birds all
rising, as it were, in a mass together, and confusing him by their
proximity and numbers — or, in other words, throwing him off
his guard, and depriving him momentarily of that coolness and
deliberation of which we are speaking. It is very difficult, at
times, even for an old Sportsman to suppress a feeling of anx-
iety, a kind of nervous trepidation that involuntarily creeps
over him when advancing upon a covey, that he feels certain is
spread out around him, but at the same time entirely ignorant
of the exact spot from whence the Birds will spring. Under
these circumstances, the heart of an old Shooter is apt to palpi-
tate with a slight but agreeable emotion, while the warm blood
of the Tyro rushes through his system with a velocity that
often makes his whole frame quiver with excitement. If, then,
he misses his Bird, it is not to be wondered at, as the confusion
and noise consequent upon the flushing of a covey of frightened
Birds is no small affair; but, on the contrary, is well calculated
to upset his already shaken nerves, and throw him entirely off
his guard ; insomuch that he mechanically raises his gun and
bangs away, liarum-scariim^ without the least aim, and then is
mortified as well as astonished that he did not kill half a dozen
Birds from among so many immediately under his nose.
It is to steel the heart of the novice against this emotion that
we wish to impress upon him, in the most forcible manner, the
importance oi coolness and deliberation in all his actions; for rest
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 55
assured that without these two chief requisites he will never
make a good shot, but always be a bungler and a dangerous
person to go out with, as he will be sure some time or another
to shoot either himself, a friend, or his Dog.
CROSS SHOTS.
We have in the previous pages been endeavoring to explain
more particularly the rules for plain or straight Shooting — that
is, when a Bird is going directly from us, as Partridges most
generally do when a covey is flushed ; we Avill now speak of the
rules for cross shooting.
Many persons can kill Birds with a great deal of certainty
when they are flying from them ; but, for want of a little atten-
tion to the subject, are constantly at fault when they come to
pull upon Birds that are either crossing to the right or the left,
more particularly the former. The first thing to be observed
by the Sportsman when considering a "cross shot," is the velo-
city with which the Bird flies, and the distance it is off from
him at the moment of firing. These two circumstances must
be determined upon in his own mind in a moment of time, as
it were, by intuition; for when the game is on the wing there
is no opportunity for the exercise of inductive reason to arrive
at these points. This faculty of rapid discrimination or rightly
judging the distance that the Bird is from us, or the velocity
with which it is moving through the air, every Shooter must
soon acquire by practice, otherwise he can never become a su-
perior marksman, but will constantly find himself missing the
fairest cross shots. The American Partridge, more particularly
when frightened, or rather startled by the Sportsman, flies with
amazing velocity, perhaps swifter and stronger than any other
game Bird in the world. The ordinary flight of the English
Partridge is nothing to compare to it in point of speed — we
mean of course a full-grown December Bird. This being the
fact, there is no doubt that our Bird requires much more calcu-
lation and precision to bring it down when crossing.
When flushed, Partridges, except in sections of the country
where they are seldom or never hunted, boom off at the top of
56 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
their speed ; and if they attain a distance of thirty, forty, or
fifty paces before we succeed in fairly covering the line of their
flight, it will be necessary to sight the gun at least three to six
inches before them ; and if the distance be greater, say sixty or
seventy paces, double that space must be given. If the Birds
are very large and strong — which, by the by, most generally is
the case in November and December — it will be necessary to
allow even a greater distance than ten inches between the Bird
and the point of sight, and then perhaps we shall not unfre-
quently have the mortification of seeing the Bird move off un-
hurt save the loss of the tail feathers. If the 'course of the
Bird should be oblique, as is often the case, the same rules for
shooting will apply, save that the point of aim should be about
half the distance in advance of the Bird, as if it were flying
directly across. There is another point in cross shooting which
we must not forget to impress upon the attention of our read-
ers, otherwise all our previous remarks on the subject will
prove nugatory and go for nothing. What we refer to is the
absolute necessity of accustoming the hand and eye to keep up
the lateral motion imparted to the gun when sighting it on the
object till after the piece is discharged. If attention be not
paid to this point, and at the moment of pulling the trigger the
gun is arrested in its onward progress, the whole load will most
inevitably pass behind the Bird; as the time intervening be-
tween the pulling of the trigger and the passage of the shot
through the air to the intended victim is quite sufiicient to allow
of its getting beyond the point of sight first caught at by the
eye.
The distance intervening between the Bird and the point of
sight is the space granted the Bird for flying through the air,
during the passage of the shot from the muzzle of the gun to
the point of sight, and not for the pulling of the trigger, igni-
tion of the powder, and the escape of the load from the barrel.
All this, to be sure, appears only to be a momentary, if not an
instantaneous afiair; but such is not the fact, as every Shooter
can testif}'- to; for it is a self evident fact that some time must
elapse between the accomplishment of these two acts, the jiull-
ing of the trigger and the escape of the charge from the gun. This
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 57
time will be regulated in a great measure bj the quality of the
powder, and the construction of the gun, which, however, will
be spoken of more particularly under a more appropriate head.
If, therefore, the motion of the gun be stopped during the time
of pulling the trigger and the escape of the load, the Bird will
inevitably have got beyond the reach of the shot, without we
should allow double the distance to intervene between the Bird
and the point of sight, and this kind of shooting would be very
uncertain. Therefore, we repeat again, that it is of the utmost
importance that the gun should continue its gentle movement
in the line of flight at the proper distance in advance of the
game till after the pulling of the trigger. Most young shots
have a strong inclination to arrest the progress of the gun when
pulling the trigger, which, if not early corrected, degenerates
into a settled habit, that is very difficult to be got rid of.
A Bird crossing to the right is generally considered more
difficult to shoot than when going to the left; and very justly
so; as the gun, being balanced on the left hand, can be carried
towards that side with more ease and freedom than it can
towards the right. If any of our readers are dubious on this
point, let him take a gun in his hand and place himself in the
usual position to fire, and he will readily perceive what we
mean, as upon trial he will find it difficult to take sight on an
object even at right angles with his right side, whereas he will
be able to turn himself with ease so far to the left that he can
shoot in a direct line behind his person.
A Bird when crossing is much easier killed, if struck, than
when going straight from you, or coming towards you, as the
vital parts are somewhat protected in the first case by the rump,
and in the second the shot is very apt to glance off from the
thick feathers of the breast. When a Bird is flying towards
you, or over your head, you will be very apt to miss it; the
better plan is to wait till it has passed, and then turn and take
a fair shot at it. If, however, you prefer shooting as the Bird
advances towards you, aim for the head, or rather the bill, when
he has arrived at a fair shooting distance. If coming very
swiftly, as they most generally do when frightened, it will not
be too much to aim even a foot or more before the Bird. When
58
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
shooting at long distances, be careful to hold the gun full high ;
as shot, after going a certain distance, has, as a matter of course,
a downward tendency. The most common fault committed by
Sportsmen generally is the too frequent habit of shooting under
their game, and we are satisfied from repeated observation that
where one Bird is missed by shooting too high, ten are missed by
shooting too low. When, however, the game is flushed on the
side of a hill and takes a downward course, the point of aim
should then be at the feet, or the load will pass over the object,
as it must be recollected that the Bird is now descending — quite
the opposite of its usual habit. To obviate the inconvenience
arising from the smoke of the first barrel, or, in other words,
to prevent the smOke of the first barrel interfering with the
shooting or sighting of the second barrel, more particularly
when a covey rises, we would advise our readers to get as many
cross shots as possible. This can be done by either heading
the Dogs or by flushing the Birds from the side, and not going
directly on the game from the Dogs, which practice, by the by,
most generally is bad. %
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 59
COVERT SHOOTING.
In covert slaooting, the same rules are applicable as we have
already laid down for open shooting; the only difference is that
Ave must be more fully on the qui vive to take advantage of all
and every chance, as we often only see the Bird for a moment,
and then it is lost to our sight among the trees or thick under-
wood ; and, as before remarked, we constantly kill Birds in thick
coppices without ever seeing them at all.
A Snap Shot is more successful in the woods than a plain
shot ; and the reader should recollect that in firing snap shots,
the fault most generally committed is shooting under the Bird,
forgetting that the Bird is on the rise almost always when first
flushed.
Never beat the bushes wdth your gun, or you may shoot a
favorite Dog, or perhaps, what would be a hundred times worse,
you may shoot a friend; the habit is an unsportsmanlike and
dangerous one, and should never be tolerated in a companion.
You cannot be too careful with your gun in covert shooting ;
its position should be watched with the most jealous attention,
and never for one moment neglected, more especially if shooting
in company ; for a twig or a bough may catch the hammer or
trigger at any moment, and commit perhaps irreparable injury
either to yourself or friend. Be ever cautious also in climbing
fences or jumping ditches.
BOTH EYES OPEN.
Some Shooters fire with both eyes wide open. This practice
is a mere peculiarity acquired by some ready shots, but which
does not possess a single advantage over the old style of closing
the left eye to recommend it to our notice. But, on the con-
trary, we are convinced that no one, except by very long prac-
tice, can shoot with the same degree of certainty with both eyes
open as they can when one is shut in the usual way. The man-
ner of acquiring this knack is to hold the eyes steadily upon
the object, bring the gun up to the proper position, and draw
upon the trigger without sighting down the barrel, the hand
60. lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
and finger actually obeying the promptings of the eye without
there being any actual collusion or rather connection of action
between the two organs. Some Sportsmen, however, recom-
mend the novice to begin shooting with both eyes upon their
game, insisting that this practice is the preferable. Although
we differ with these gentlemen upon this subject, we do not
wish our opinions to be considered paramount, or more worthy
of credence than theirs, but, on the contrary, are willing to
believe all they say upon this head, notwithstanding our own
personal experience teaches us quite the contrary. For "snap
shooting," this plan certainly answers a very good purpose;
but a "snap shot" is generally a very disagreeable companion
to shoot with, and we would not advise any of our friends to
be ambitious in this particular. The Birds are most usually,
under the hands of a snap shot, horribly mangled, and fre-
quently fired upon before his companion has time to put up his
piece, which, to say the least of it, if often repeated, is ill bred
on the part of the Shooter and mortifying to his companion.
Although we do not admire a "snap shot," we trust that our
readers will not understand us as recommending a "poking
shot" to their attention; for we most heartily detest a "poking
shot," who brings up his gun ever and anon, and dwells upon
his Bird, following it in its course for several yards before
drawing the trigger, or perhaps takes his gun down without
firing at all, complacently remarking "that he could not cover
it to his satisfaction." Such a poker usually prides himself
upon his excellent shooting; that is, notes down with unexam-
pled minuteness the exact number of shots he has made in the
course of the day without missing a Bird. Such kind of shoot-
ing we entirely eschew, and consider it beneath the dignity of
a true Sportsman; as for ourselves, we would rather miss three
shots out of five, all day long, than go pottering about in this
style, picking our shots. If the art of shooting is to be reduced
to such a systematic piece of business, that we are never to
shoot except when we are sure of killing our Bird, we for one
would be glad enough to abandon the field altogether, as one-
half, if not all the pleasurable excitement consequent upon the
pursuit of game consists in the uncertainty, the doubts, the
disappointments, and hopes that we encounter. If on the one
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 61
hand we suffer some personal chagrin owing to our carelessness
in missing a fair shot, we receive on the other hand double
gratification in killing on a doubtful chance, and the results of
the day's shooting will always be in favor of the man who
shoots at all and every chance, though he may have missed
three times as often as the tedious "potterer."
Avail yourself of every opportunity to shoot, more particu-
larly when the Birds are scattered in thick cover early in the
season, as you will acquire by this means a knack of killing
the Birds even when they have passed entirely from your sight
behind the thick foliage. This knack is a very necessary one
in early autumn shooting, before jack frost has sufficiently nip-
ped vegetation with his icy fingers. This kind of shooting
requires considerable practice, a quick eye and a ready hand,
and is the style of shooting that all American Sportsmen have
to acquire; and it is in this peculiarity more particularly that
they excel the great field shots of England. The most of the
shooting in the Atlantic States is done in the wood and thick
cover, through which the Birds at some seasons can scarcely
force their way; and we are not astonished that English Sports-
men speak so disparagingly of its pleasures, as Partridge shoot-
ing with us is quite a different affair from going out after them
in the rich stubbles of their Preserves ; and what is still worse
for them, when they have found our Birds, they discover,
greatly to their mortification, that they can't kill them near as
often as they do their own varieties, without first serving some-
thing of an apprenticeship to the Sport, under the guidance of
some one of their friends more skilled in the crafts of our game.
When shooting in the open stubble-fields, we are enabled to see
the game, and correctly judge of position, distance, bulk, &c.;
but in the woods and coppices of our country we do not actu-
ally see, but learn to guess at all these necessary circumstances;
and that too without the exercise of the mind in the operation,
if such a thing were possible ; as the arm in most instances
seems to obey some sudden and irresistible impulse, without
allowing time for the action of the mind upon the subject, for
in thicket shooting we often kill Birds without ever seeing
them. The difficulty of killing Partridges is not the only thing
that the English Sportsmen have to complain of, as will be seen
62 lewis' AMERICAN SPOETSMAN.
from tlie following extract, taken from the journal of a traveller
who appears to have been both discouraged and disappointed
in his expectations of sporting in America : —
"Hares and Pheasants there are none, and Partrids^es are
scarce ; "Woodcocks and Snipes are uncertain, both as to season
and situation. It is true that great quantities of other Birds
may sometimes be killed — for instance. Wild Ducks and Pi-
geons, which are seen occasionally in flocks of many miles in
extent — but, after all, and much as I have heard of American
shooting, in my opinion it is poor, insipid diversion, compared
with the English, being pursued without any kind of system or
science, and reminding me more of the onsets of our mechanics
and shopmen, let loose at Christmas and on holidays, to range
the fields no matter where, and pounce upon all, no matter
what, than of anything worthy the name of shooting. Let no
English Sportsman think to better himself by emigration in
this respect. I'll answer upon trial for his total disappointment."
In reply to the above, we must say that Mr. Fowler's remarks
are calculated to give his countrymen a very unjust and unfa-
vorable idea of Sporting in the States. He must have been
very unfortunate in the selection of his shooting-grounds when
among us, to be forced to assert that Partridges are scarce
in America, or that Woodcocks and Snipes are uncertain both
as to season and situation ; for all three of these Birds are to
be found in almost every State of the Union in considerable
abundance, at the proper time, as will be found by referring to
our articles on these subjects. It would be folly in us to waste
our time in refuting all that has been said by Englishmen in
reference to our Sporting, and we therefore pass the matter over
without further comment, as we are satisfied that the contents
of this book will tell a different tale from what many of them
have written.
KILLING CLEAN.
Be not satisfied with wounding your game only, but aspire
to become a nice, clean shot, as it Avill save you much trouble
and vexation, and make your Dog show to more advantage.
For instance, if a covey rise, and we wound two Birds and see
SHOOTING ON THE WING. 63
them fluttering on the ground before us, we feel great anxiety
as to their fate ; and, fearing lest they might get off, or secrete
themselves so that the Dogs can't find them, we can with diffi-
culty suppress the strong desire that- naturally rises in our mind
to quit our position, before loading, to secure them ; much less,
then, can we hope to overcome this impulsive inclination on the
part of our Dogs. And the result is that, in spite of repeated
castigations, the excited animals will rush after the fluttering
Birds, and persist in catching them, in opposition to all our
endeavors ; and the consequence is the flushing of one or two
laggers, who often remain behind when the coveys spring, and
both of which might have been bagged if we had had our piece
loaded. Much time is also lost in hunting up v/ounded Birds,
to say nothing of the labor and worriment attending it; for we
know nothing more provoking than to see a Bird fall and flutter
within a few feet of us and not be able to lay our hand upon
it. Every Bird, therefore, should be killed dead at from twen-
ty-five to thirty paces and under, with a good gun and the pro-
per ammunition; we occasionally have knocked Birds down at
much greater distances, even as far as fifty, sixty, and seventy
paces by actual measurement; but we esteem all such lucky
shots as mere accidents.
Not only on the score of vexation and trouble should the
Sportsman strive to become a clean shot, but for humanity's
sake also, as a bungler in this respect will mutilate and abandon
to a lingering death more Birds in the course of a day than he
will actually bag. A Bird with a broken wing or a torn leg
dangling from its body, may live in misery and pain for several
days, skulking about solitary and alone, half starved and parch-
ed with thirst, and ultimately fall a victim to a prowling Serpent,
or be taken off by a Hawk, or some other one of its enemies.
"As glory more than gain allures the brave
To dare the combat loud or louder ware,
So the ambition of the Sportsman lies
More in the certain shot than bleeding prize ;
While Poachers, mindful of the festal hour,
Among the covey random slaughter pour,
And as their number press the crimsoned ground.
Regardless reck not of the secret wound,
6-i
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
"Which borne away, the wretched victims lie,
'Mid silent shades, to languish and to die.
0 let your breasts such selfish views disclaim,
And scorn the triumph of a casual aim ;
Disdain such rapine, of your skill be proud,
The object singling from the scattering crowd."
CHAPTER YI
THE PARTRIDGE. PERDIX VIRGINIANUS.
"How beautiful they look! with outstretched tails.
With hcp-ds immovable and eyes fast fixed,
One foreleg raised and bent, the other firm.
Advancing forward, presses on the ground!"
This beautiful Bird, so well known and eagerly sought after
by all the Sportsmen of our country, is found in considerable
abundance in almost every State of the Union, extending from
the extreme parts of Canada, even to the southernmost banks
of the Eio Grande. YThe inhabitants of the Northern States
call it Quail)(, in the Middle or Southern States it is more
familiarly known as the Partridge, or Virginia Partridge.
The habits and natural history of the American Partridge
having already been so amply descanted upon by many able
Ornithologists who have graced this country by their presence,
5
66 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
and enriched our libraries witli their splendid works, it would
seem superfluous, if not really hopeless, in us to attempt to add
anything further upon a subject thus dwelt upon by others far
more competent to the task. However, as we propose bringing
to the notice of our readers the practical experience of Shooters
in general, in connection with the more scientific observations
and researches of Ornithologists, regarding all those Birds of
our country which properly belong to the Sportsman's cata-
logue, we must be pardoned, ex necessitate rermn^ for going over
much ground already touched upon by other writers, and which
may be learned from any of the excellent works already pub-
lished on this branch of Natural History.
V"The Partridge is nine inches long, and fourteen inches in
extent ; the bill is black ; line over the eye, down the neck, and
whole chin pure white, bounded by a band of black, which de-
scends and spreads broadly over the throat; the eye is dark
hazel ; down neck and upper part of the breast, red brown ;
sides of the neck spotted with white and black, on a reddish-
brown ground ; back scapulars and lesser coverts, red brown
intermixed with ash, and sprinkled with black ; tertials edged
with yellowish-white, beautifully marked with numerous curv-
ing spots or arrowheads of black ; tail, ash sprinkled with red-
dish-brown ; legs, very pale ash."
The above accurate description (as well as the major part of
the other scientific descriptions of Birds in this work), taken
from Wilson, being so perfect in itself, there remains nothing
to add, except that the female Bird is distinguished from the
male by its diminished weight and size, and also by its plumage
being somewhat yellowish-brown about the chin and sides of
the head.
HABITS.
Partridges, in sections of the country where they are much
troubled by Sportsmen, become extremely shy and wild, seldom
venturing far into the open fields, but confine themselves to
the edges of close cover, to which they take at the slightest
alarm, secreting themselves in the thickets, and not unfre-
quently perching upon the branches of the largest forest trees.
THE PARTRIDGE. 67
The act of perching upon trees is not, however, a natural habit
of this Bird, but appears to be solely the result of fright, or,
perhaps, a precaution of safety which circumstances have taught
it to adopt to escape from its pursuers. In hilly and mount-
ainous districts. Partridges are much more apt to fly to the
trees than in other parts ; and, in such a locality, we knew of
a whole covey betaking themselves to a tree and remaining
there, perfectly concealed from view, for some considerable time,
greatly to our mystification, and that of our Dogs also.*
In their natural, undisturbed state. Partridges delight in
the open country, frequenting without fear the stubble fields
appertaining to the well-cultivated farms of our agriculturists,
where they can obtain a plentiful supply of loose grain. The
morning and evening is the time when Partridges feed. When
the weather is favorable, they leave their roost at an early
hour of the day, and, being very industrious feeders, they are
soon able to retire from the open fields to some favorite and
secluded spot, to bask themselves in the mid-day sun, or roll
themselves in the dust to rid their plumage of the vermin
with which all Birds more or less are infested.
Partridges are not strictly migratory Birds, as the greater
portion of them remain distributed throughout the northern
portions of our country during the whole winter, and not
unfrequently suffer immensely from the intense cold and deep
snows; still, at that period of the autumn known as the "run-
ning season," large numbers abandon their former haunts, and,
continuing along the borders of our rivers, take up their abode
for a time in the lowlands, hundreds of miles, perhaps, from
their breeding-places. Of this peculiarity we shall, however,
speak more fully hereafter, under a separate head. In the
northern sections of our country, the ground is frequently
covered for weeks with snow ; and, all access to food being
thus cut ofi", these poor Birds, driven by stern necessity, often
become quite tame, visiting the barnyards, and even mixing
with the poultry, to gain a scanty subsistence, which not un-
frequently preserves them from actual starvation.
* In such situations, it is not unusual to find numbers taking to the trees
■when frequently disturbed.
68 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Besides thus falling victims to the inclemency of the weather,
large numbers are now destroyed, not only by the gun, but by
the aid of traps, nets, and other ingenious contrivances ; and we
have seen, in former times, the Philadelphia markets, and the
villages of the interior, fairly overstocked with live Birds, taken
in various ways by the farmer boys.
When this is the case, it behooves every Sportsman living
in the country, or residing in the city, to purchase all Birds
thus offered for sale, and keep them till the breaking up of
winter, when they may be let loose upon a friend's estate, or
turned out into some neighborhood where he is in the habit of
shooting, and where, from the nature of the country, they will
be apt to remain during the breeding season. By pursuing
this course, the provident Sportsman will be richly repaid for
all his trouble and humanity, at the coming shooting season,
by the number of Birds that will thus be produced in some
favorite shooting locality, as the fecundity of the Partridge is
extraordinary, and the coveys raised from a few couples of old
Birds, in a favorable season, will be sufficient to afford Sport
for several days' moderate Shooting,
PERIOD OF PAIRING.
Partridges commence pairing in the month of March, early
or late, according to the state of the weather ; and, even after
separating for the purposes of procreation, it is not unusual
for them to reassemble into coveys as before, provided the
weather should again become stormy and cold, as is often
the case in our changeable climate. There is no doubt but
there are more male Birds hatched than females, and this
rather singular circumstance gives rise to fierce battles be-
tween the Cock Birds for the possession of the females at the
coupling season; and to such extent are these encounters car-
ried, that they sometimes result in the death of one or both of
the rival combatants. This fact is so well established in the
English variety, that it is no uncommon thing for the owners
of some choice preserves to have the Partridges on their manors
netted, soon after the pairing season, and to destroy the sur-
plus males, or old bachelors, as they are facetiously termed.
THE PARTRIDGE, 69
This precaution prevents those strifes, and at the same time
insures a larger produce of young Birds; for, if the female be
pursued by several Cocks, during the period of incubation, she
has no opportunity to form a nest, but drops her eggs about in
various places, no two, perhaps, together. Partridges generally
complete their nests in five or six weeks after pairing, A small
tuft of grass, sheltered by a bush or a tree, the corner of a
worm fence, or the foot of an old stump, are the spots usually
selected for the building of their nests, which are composed of
leaves, dry grass, and a few feathers plucked from her own
person. The little habitation is rudely, but often ingeniously
constructed ; and, being so well concealed from observation, it
not unfrequently bids defiance to the searching glances of the
most inquisitive eye, as well as affording ample protection on
every side from the inclemency of the weather. The eggs are
white, and average from fifteen to twenty in number, and, in
some rare instances, greatly exceed that quantity. If the Birds
be in their prime, and the season very favorable, it is not im-
probable that the female may deposit twenty-five or even thirty
eggs, but such cases are anomalies; and we should be more
disposed to attribute the unusual increase of eggs to an occa-
sional propensity that some Birds have of laying in each other's
nests, Mr, Daniel, speaking of the amazing fecundity of the
English Partridge, which is closely allied to our species, states
that a nest was discovered with thirty-three eggs in it, another
with twenty-eight, and another with thirty-three. The greatest
number we have ever seen in the nest of the American Bird is
twenty-four; but we have often been tolcl by farm hands that
twenty-five is no unusual number. For the truth of these
vague assertions we cannot, however, vouch. The period of
incubation is about twenty-one days ; some contend for a longer
period; but we believe the former statement the more correct,
although, in proof of the latter assertion, it has been argued
that it requires four weeks to hatch the eggs when placed under
a common Hen, This, however, proves nothing, as the disparity
in the time may be accounted for by the circumstance of the
Partridge setting much closer than the domestic fowl, and, con-
sequently, generating a larger amount, if not a higher degree,
of animal heat.
70 lewis' AMERICAN" SPORTSMAN.
The female Bird during the period of incubation becomes
quite poor, and undergoes the process of a partial moult, which
provides a few downy feathers to assist in keeping the eggs
warm during her absence from the nest in quest of food. The
young Birds are quite strong when they jfirst burst from their
narrow confines; and it is no very uncommon thing for them
to be seen running about with a portion of the shell adhering
to their backs. While the Hen is setting, and even after the
Birds are hatched, her mate may often be seen early in the
mornings, or late in the afternoons, perched on a fence rail or
low limb of a tree, whistling with all diligence for a half hour
at a time, as if to cheer the female in her arduous and solitary
duties. Partridges are strictly monogamous; and it is sup-
posed by some that the Cock assists the lien in covering the
nest ; and we incline to the opinion that these Birds, in com-
mon with many others, do share the cares of hatching the little
brood.
If the weather remains dry and mild after hatching, the
young Birds will be able to fly in the course of three or four
weeks; if, on the other hand, the season should be backward
and inclement, the tender little brood gains strength but slowly,
and great numbers consequently will fall victims to the damp
and cold while being led about in search of food.
LEAVING THE NEST.
As soon as the anxious mother abandons her nest, attended
by her nimble little progeny, she is joined by the cock Par-
tridge, who gives all his attention to the searching for food
and protecting the active little brood from any danger that
may beset them. At the first alarm, the young Birds instinc-
tively skulk in the deep grass and remain perfectly motion-
less, while the old ones resort to every artifice within their
power to ward off the impending danger. It is interesting to
observe the earnest solicitude with which both the parents
watch over their young, and the wonderful instinct they exhibit
in guarding them when surprised by the Huntsman, before they
are sufficiently fledged to fly oft*. The old Birds take to the
wing, and the young ones run with all speed into the nearest
THE PARTRIDGE. 71
thicket, or conceal themselves in the brushwood, or long grass
that abounds at this season on their feeding-grounds. The
Hen, after flying a few hundred yards, alights, and returns by
a circuitous route to the place she just abandoned; and, calling
in subdued tones, she soon collects around her the scattered
progeny, and quickly leads them off from the scene of danger.
The Cock Partridge at the same time is using every effort to
distract the attention of the intruder by flying or rather tum-
bling confusedly before him, running along the ground, hang-
ing his wings, fluttering as if badly wounded and unable to
escape his every grasp. By such like artifices, the male Bird
strives to delude the eager observer, and deceive, perchance,
his no less anxious Dog ; for, leading them both away, step by
step, from the young covey, sufficient time is gained for the
female to perform her important task. When the danger is
passed, the Hen Bird, by her joyful call, directs the mate to her
retreat.
It is not only in devices of this kind that Partridges display
a strong and lively affection for their young, but where there
appears a probability of success, they will not hesitate to attack
any enemy that assails them; and it is no uncommon thing for
the old ones to be seen flying up at Hawks, or other Birds of
prey, screaming and fighting with all vigor to defend their help-
less offspring. Several years ago we witnessed a desperate bat-
tle between a Cock Partridge and a Black Snake, which rather
singular combat would, however, have soon proved fatal to
the former, if we had not so opportunely come to his rescue,
as the Serpent had already caught the exhausted Bird by the
wing, and so deadly was the grasp that he even held on to
his affrighted, but nevertheless courageous victim, after we had
broken his back with a blow from a large stick. On searching
around in the grass, we discovered two very young Partridges,
somewhat mutilated, and nearly dead, both of which no doubt
had been seized by his Snakeship as a dainty meal, which he
was not, however, permitted to enjoy, owing to the bold attack
of the parent Bird.
Such encounters between Birds and Serpents we are con-
vinced are not uncommon, but of daily occurrence, as few of
us at all familiar with country life but have witnessed like inci-
72 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
dents in our rambles over the fields. We also believe that
similar conflicts between the parent Birds and these ruthless
desecrators of their nests have given rise to the popular fallacy
that Snakes possess the power of Charminrj Birds, or, in other
words, transfixing or drawing them within their reach by the
use of certain mesmeric manipulations of their tongue and
eyes. We give no credit whatever to this boasted power of
fascination on the part of Snakes, but regard it as one of those
vulgar errors that spring up in the minds of the ignorant, from
their inability to explain or investigate many of the everyday
phenomena of nature.
DOMESTICATION.
The wild nature of the Partridge renders its domestication
almost impossible, though in some instances, where the eggs
have been placed under the common Hen, they have been
hatched and reared with as much success as if the progeny
were of her own species. The young brood, however, though
perfectly familiar with all the other occupants of the farm-
yard, and apparently reconciled to their unnatural mode of
life, still exhibited the wandering and restless disposition of
their race, and in most instances have flown away to their na-
tive haunts at the pairing season of the following year. The
American Partridge, in common with those of other countries,
cannot bear close confinement; they may appear for a time to
thrive, still, if too much restricted in their movements, inva-
riably die. We unfortunately, during the last winter, lost seve-
ral fine Birds that were presented to us by our friend G. D.
Wetherill, Esq., owing, we suppose, to the smallness of the cage
in which we had temporarily placed them.
TWO BROODS.
It is a common opinion among our Sportsmen that the Par-
tridge produces two broods during each season. Whether this
be true or not, we are not prepared to say positively ; but one
thing is certain, that the Hen is often discovered setting during
THE PARTRIDGE. 73
July, in our Middle States, and Birds too small to be shot are
constantly met with in October and even in November.
This circumstance may nevertheless be accounted for on
other grounds, as it is well known that the female, if disturbed
during the period of incubation, or the eggs be destroyed by
any of her many enemies, will build another nest and com-
mence setting afresh. We do not doubt, however, that, inde-
pendent of these accidents, in a very favorable season the Hen
may be induced occasionally to raise two broods of young, more
particularly in the Southern States ; but we are opposed to
believing the habit a natural instinct of the Bird, and "would
rather attribute these instances to accidents, such as above
enumerated.
The period of warm weather in the middle and northern
States is rather too short to allow Partridges generally to raise
two broods in a season ; and, if they should succeed in hatch-
ing them, the second brood, being small and delicate, and not
sufficiently well grown before the cool weather sets in, are not
able to buffet against the rigors of our boisterous winters, r.nd
consequently soon perish, either from want of food or exposure,
and are the Birds that are first caught in traps and sent U
market.
FULL-GROWN.
The Birds being full-grown towards the close of September,
will be found associated in coveys from ten to twenty-five; and,
in portions of the country where food is plenty, much larger
coveys may be met with, perhaps two or three broods joining
together in perfect harmony. The call of the male Bird during
the season of love, which is thought to resemble the notes pro-
duced by pronouncing the words Ah Bob White in slow and
measured time, is now seldom heard except when the covey is
flushed and separated, and then this plaintive call, in connec-
tion with the usual cry of this species, will be recognized at
occasional intervals, collecting the terrified members of the
family together again. The call of the Partridge is a clear
whistle, composed of three notes ; the first clear, loud, and
sonorous; the second less loud, and the third, though louder
than the second, is not as loud as the first; these call-notes
74 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
are perfectly familiar to every Sportsman, as tliey are often
resorted to, to decoy the poor Birds from their lurking-places.
If the Birds be young, they will soon reassemble or be decoyed
by the imitative whistle of the Sportsman ; if, however, they
be old and cunning, each one will remain perfectly quiet for a
long time, and not venture to call each other till towards the
close of the day, when all danger is removed. A low twittering
sOund is frequently heard issuing from a covey when terrified
and about to spring from before the Dog ; this sound somewhat
resembles the chirping of a brood of young chickens when nest-
ling themselves under their mother's wings towards nightfall.
ROOSTING.
Partridges, when pursued, as before stated, generally take to
the woods and thickets for protection; but instinct and long
habit, on the other hand, have taught them that the open plain
is a more secure place for roosting during the night, and con-
sequently almost invariably choose a little mound of rising
ground in the centre of a cleared or stubble field for this
purpose.
To afford greater security and prevent a surprise, we ima-
gine. Partridges roost in a circle, with their heads all turned
outwards, and their tails joining each other in such a manner
that they present a guard on every side ; and when thus dis-
turbed the whole covey are enabled to fly off in a direct course
without interfering with each other. If undisturbed, they are
apt to resort to the same spot for several successive nights.
We have often observed these Birds arranged in this curious
manner, and, when kept up during winter in cages, will be
found to place themselves in this position every night about
roosting time, or even when huddling together daring the day.
FOOD.
The Partridge is granivorous, and, in the words of the old
poet —
" Soon as the lab'ring horse, with swelling veins,
Hath safely housed the farmer's doubtful gains,
To sweet repast the unwary Partridge flies,
With joy amid the scattered harvest lies ;"
THE PAETRIDGE. 75
thus delighting in the open and cultivated districts, feeding
upon all and every species of grain, and thought to be particu-
larly partial to Buckwheat. Some suppose that Birds shot from
the stubble of this latter grain are superior in flavor to any
others. Mr. Skinner, we find, is of this opinion ; and we are
also disposed to agree with this accomplished Sportsman,
although we must acknowledge that, in making the assertion,
we fear that we may be arrogating to ourselves too great a
nicety in the gastronomic art, as the delicacy of these Birds is
such that it is perhaps impossible to draw so nice a distinction
regarding their flavor, no matter where shot, in the fore part of
the season.
Partridges are very fond of Indian corn, and, in a state of
captivity, we have found them to eat it in preference to all
other kinds of grain save Buckwheat. They are not, however,
as often met with in the cornfields during the shooting season
as they are in the wheat-stubbles ; but this may be attributed,
in a great measure, to the want of sufficient cover in the former,
rather than any greater partiality for the latter. Small insects,
ants, grasshoppers, &c., are eagerly sought after by these Birds,
and in the midst of winter, when the ground is entirely shroud-
ed for many inches in depth with snow. Partridges as well as
Grouse are forced to eat the fruit, leaves, and tender buds of the
mountain laurel (Kalmia Latifolia). This well known evergreen
flourishes in every section of our country, being particularly
abundant on the sides of hills and mountains. There is also
another variety, known as marsh laurel (Kalmia Glauca), that
inhabits the low lands, and possesses nearly the same properties
as the other species. Some animals partake of these evergreens
with impunity, while others are fatally poisoned by the use of
them. The Partridge and Grouse both eat of their foliage and
berries without any ill consequences to themselves ; but their
flesh, it is said, has often been poisoned to such an extent by
long indulgence in this food that death, in some rare instances,
has resulted from persons partaking of them while in this
noxious state.
Doctor Shoemaker published, some time back, an account of
two cases of poisoning, arising from the eating of a Pheasant,
whose craw was stuffed with laurel leaves when shot. The
76 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
most prominent symptoms in these cases were intolerable nau-
sea, partial blindness, severe pain in tbe head, difficult breathing,
feeble pulse, &c, &;c. Great relief was obtained for these unfor-
tunate patients by the free exhibition of mustard and warm
water, in quantities sufficient to provoke vigorous vomiting.
\
OLD AND YOUNG BIRDS.
The bills of young Birds are soft and brown, the legs yel-
lowish or bluish-white ; the old Birds have hard black bills,
and the legs dark and scaly. The young Birds are somewhat
smaller than the old and full-grown ones of the previous season.
In some sections of country. Partridges seem to thrive and grow
much larger than in other parts. Those shot in the neighbor-
hood of the Tapahannock marshes, in the State of Delaware,
are generally very heavy and remarkably fine Birds, \_
Our particular friend, Geo, D, Wetherill, Esq., a zealous and
ardent Sportsman, by the by, informs us that he once shot, in
the neighborhood of Mount Holly, New Jersey, ten brace of
Birds that averaged eight ounces each.
THEIR NUMBERS IN DIFFERENT LOCALITIES.
After a favorable season, Piirtridges are found in abundance
throughout the Southern, Middle, and Western States; and if
the reports of those who have gunned in the West can be relied
on, their numbers in these latter territories must be enormous,
quite beyond an}'- idea we have of them in the Atlantic States.
We have never yet been so unfortunate as to meet with Par-
tridges, on any of our shooting excursions, in such large bodies
as necessarily to destroy, by their superabundance, all zest for
hunting them ; and we are rejoiced that there is only a com-
fortable scarcity in these localities, at all events a scarcity suffi-
cient to make us all work hard and exercise a becoming skill
in both hunting and shooting our game, which excitement, by
the by, constitutes the chief pleasure attending the Sports of
the Dog and Gun.
The mere sallying out in a country overrun Avith Birds, and
sauntering lazily about for a few hours, loading and firing with
THE PARTEIDGE. 77
little or no discrimination or exercise of skill, in hunting up
the game, remind us very strongly of the battues in the over-
stocked manors of the Old World, or perhaps the tameness of
a Pigeon-shooting in our own country.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ENGLISH AND AMERICAN BIRD.
The American Partridge differs from the English variety in
several particulars, although it greatly resembles it in habits
and disposition. It is smaller by one-third than the English,
the plumage is somewhat different, and the call entirely dis-
similar ; its flesh is equally white and delicate with that of the
English Bird.
We received a couple of brace of English Partidges, a few
days since, from a friend in England ; they arrived in good
condition, and we should think were remarkably fine speci-
mens, as they weighed 1 lb. 13 oz. each brace. The wings
struck us as being singularly small and short for the size of
the body. We invited some of our Sporting friends to be par-
ticipators in this rather novel and rare feast ; and we believe
that they were unanimous in pronouncing them not superior,
but rather inferior, to our native Bird in point of delicacy of
flavor ; and furthermore, we all came to the conclusion that we
could knoch them down, right and left, like smoke, if we were
once let loose in the overstocked preserves of "merry old
England."
AMERICAN PARTRIDGE NOT A QUAIL.
It has been stated that the American Partridge is more
closely allied to the European Quail than to the English Par-
tridge; but such is not the fact, as the Partridge of our country
resembles the Quail in no one particular save in the habit of
partial emigration that it exhibits every autumn at the running
season. The meat of the European Quail is dark, and often-
times loaded with fat, while that of the Partridge is tvhite, and
invariably lean. This alone is almost sufficient to establish the
difference between the two Birds. Another circumstance still
more striking in the habits of these two Birds, and better cal-
78 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
culated to prove most conclusively the difference between the
two species, is the well-known fact that our Partridge is mono-
gamous while the Quail is 'polygamous. Although the American
Partridge may be termed a hardy Bird, in some sense of the
word, the Quail is still more so, particularly in its infancy, as it
depends almost entirely on itself for support, even a few days
after being hatched, and if kept among others of its own brood
for a few weeks, it fights most obstinately, the battle most fre-
quently ending in the death of one of the combatants. As early
as four months old, the young Quails are sufficiently strong to
accompany their parents on their distant migratory flights.
Quails seldom form themselves into coveys. The Cock Bird
being polygamous, and at the same time very salacious, con-
fines his attentions to no 'particular raaie^ and consequently
assists but little, if any, either in the construction of the nest
or in the care of the young brood. The Quail is also less pro-
lific than the Partridge. When Quails migrate, they assemble
together in large numbers ; but, as soon as they arrive at their
destination, they separate, each seeking his own food and guard-
ing his own safety; they travel invariably at night. How
widely different is all this from the habits of our Bird ! And
still further dissimilarity, no doubt, might be remarked if the
subject had been properly considered by those more conversant
from actual observation with the point of contention than we
pretend to be.
The Quail may also be termed, in some respects, a Nocturnal
Bird, and in this particular also differs from the Partridge.
The migrations of the Quail, as before stated, are almost en-
tirely performed during the hours of darkness, and, by way of
compensating nature for this loss of repose during the hours
allotted to it, it most generally sleeps in the middle of the day,
which time is always occupied by the Partridge in scratchmg
and pruning his plumage. This being the case, we trust the
American Sportsman hereafter will give our Partridge its pro
per appellation and rank, and no longer confound it with the
Quail, a Bird far inferior to it either in the field or on the table.
Although the ancient Athenians eagerly sought after, and
even reared Quails for the purpose of employing them in com-
bat with each other, they were not esteemed as an article of
THE PARTRIDGE. 79
food, but, on the other hand, were erroneously considered un-
wholesome, from the circumstance of their feeding on Hellebore.
This vulgar notion, like many others of similar import, is of
course now entirely exploded.
RUNNING SEASON.
At the commencement of the autumn, the Partridges of
America abandon the high grounds, and resort, in immense
numbers to the large river-courses, where they remain for a
few weeks, and then travel back to their former haunts. At
this period the Birds are said to be Running or Travelling^ and
will not lie to a Dog, and to pursue them is lost time, as it will
be found utterly impossible to keep up with them, no matter
with what speed you attempt it. In the fall of 1845, we, in
company with a brother Sportsman, encountered an immense
drove of these Running Birds in the neighborhood of Elk River.
When first discovered, they appeared to be holding a conference
as to the proposed route they should take, or perhaps quarrel-
ing with their leaders as to the propriety of proceeding further
on, as they had all come to a stand in a secluded little hollow
on the borders of a pine forest, and all were whistling and twit-
tering as fast and as loud as possible, insomuch that we dis-
tinctly heard the general turmoil at a distance of several
hundred yards, and, upon approaching to ascertain the cause
of this rather unusual noise, the whole company took to their
heels in double quick time, hundreds running up the opposite
bank of the hollow and disappearing in a few moments in the
thick forest of pines and underwood. We followed on after
them for a short time, but neither ourselves nor Dogs were
able to keep up with their retreating ranks. This company of
voyagers, we should think, contained several hundred indi-
viduals, and was the largest party we ever met with. These
migrations of Partridges to the sea-coast and river shores are
performed almost exclusively on foot, as they seldom or never
fly, except perchance to cross a small rivulet which opposes a
barrier to their onward progress. The cause of these migra-
tions is not satisfactorily explained by writers, if, in fact, any
have attempted the solution of this rather mysterious movement
80 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
on the part of these Birds. We do not know what to attribute
it to, and are even at a loss to venture an opinion. If the Birds
did not commence running quite so early in the season, we
might be disposed to believe that a scarcity of food in their
previous haunts impelled them to wander in search of it in
other localities, like others of the feathered race ; but this can
hardly be the motive, as they are found on these excursions so
early as October, when the weather is not often sufficiently
severe to shut up the usual channels of food, but, on the con-
trary, is generally such as is most congenial to the habits of the
Bird.
FLIGHT OF THE PARTRIDGE.
The Partridge, when full grown, is a very vigorous and
powerful Bird, flying with great rapidity, and, like others of
the gallinaceous order, when on the wing, makes a loud whir-
ring noise, which often not a little disconcerts the Tyro, who,
alarmed at the sudden springing of a large covey, knows not
where to turn, or in what direction to point his gun. This
startling, but, to the ear of a Sportsman, agreeable sound,
is produced by the shortness, concavity, and rapid motion of
the wings, as they fly by a succession of quick flaps, and then
sail till nearing the ground, when they break their fall by a few
more flaps. When Partridges rise on wing of their own free
will, the whole covey takes the same course ; when disturbed,
they all seek safety by separating. When compared with the
weight of the body, there are few, if any, game Birds, in any
portion of the globe, that fly with the same rapidity or force, and
consequently require such quick action on the part of the Sports-
man as the Partridge of America. They spring suddenly, and
dart off' with a celerity and regularity of purpose that appears
almost impossible for an}^ Bird to possess, pursuing a rapid and
headlong flight through the mazes of our thickest forests and
impenetrable coverts ; and we hardly suppose that any of our
brother Sportsmen ever saw one of these Birds either entangled
or otherwise impeded in its progress through the rank and
poisonous vines that so often intercept the flight of other less
strong and clear-sighted Birds. The American Bird flies with
THE PARTRIDGE, 81
much more vehemence, and to much greater distances, than the
English variety. It is no uncommon thing for Sportsmen to
see whole coveys, when wild from frequent flushing, take wing
and fly entirely out of sight over the highest of our forest -trees.
The English Bird is stationary, and has neither the inclination
nor strength sufficient for migrating from one portion of the
country to another, hundreds of miles apart. The English Bird
is longer lived than the American. The average duration of
life in the former is said to be seven to ten years; in the latter,
three to five.
CHANGE OF PLUMAGE.
A few Partridges, owing to some inexplicable freak of
nature, change their plumage, to a pure or mottled white.
Many of such singular-looking Birds have been shot in Eng-
land. Mr. Daniel states that there was a covey of seven Par-
tridges netted at South Cave, four of which were of a most
beautiful clear white color, three were pied, and that they were
preserved alive for a long time as great curiosities. We have
heard of several being shot in the State of Delaware, one of
which remarkable Birds is mounted and in the possession of
the Author. It is not purely white, but pied, and difters in
no other respect from the common Partridge. There is also
another handsome specimen in the possession of David Gratz,
Esq., which most of our shooting friends, no doubt, have seen.
There is also a very handsome specimen in the Academy of
Natural Sciences.
There are several specimens of these singular Birds in the
English Museum ; and Buffbn states that ten or twelve Par-
tridges, entirely white, have been seen at once among others of
the usual plumage, and that they had the pupils of the eyes red,
as common to the White Hare, Eat, Ferret, &c.
What this alteration in the plumage of Birds is to be attributed
to we are at a loss to discern, as it has occurred in climates that
could not be suspected of exercising any influence towards this
change. Such anomalies, however, are not so very rare in the
feathered race as we should at first be led to suppose ; for it is
no very uncommon circumstance to hear of Crows, as well as
6
^2 lewis' ameeican sportsman.
Blackbirds, having changed their lustrous jetty plumage for
one of snowy white. We have also seen a White Snipe, and
a Yellow Reed Bird, both of which will be spoken of under
their proper head.
Since the publication of the first edition of our book, we have
received at the hands of our friend, the late Mr, H. H. Stockton,
who, by the by, was a most zealous and experienced Sportsman,
a remarkable, and, no doubt, perfectly unique specimen of the
American Partridge. The plumage of this rara avis in terra, is
totally different from anything that we have yet seen or heard
of. Independent of the color of the plumage, the Bird has
every characteristic of the Perdix Virginianus, and, no doubt,
is a veritable Partridge, without any admixture of foreign blood,
as some of our sporting friends would have us infer. If this Bird
had not been shot in the section of country where it was, and
in company with other ordinary Partridges, we might, perhaps,
very naturally have supposed it to belong to another variety ;
but, all the circumstances taken into consideration, we must re-
gard it only as one of those lusus iiaturoe that we occasionally
meet with throughout every branch of animated creation.
In the specimen before us, the bill is black ; line over the eye
and down the neck jet black, with an occasional grayish- white
spot; whole chin ashy white, mottled with black, extending
slightly over the throat, which is jetty black, interspersed with
a few reddish-brown spots ; upper part of the breast exhibits a
few pure white feathers ; the lower portion dark-cinnamon or
red-brown, fringed with black; sides of the neck reddish-brown;
in fact, the balance of the plumage, save the admixture of black
THE PARTRILiGE. 83
and cineritious tints, may be set down as reddish-brown, or
rather dark-cinnamon color; legs of same hue; the irides hazel.
This very peculiar Bird was killed in Pennsylvania, a short
distance from the city, and, what is somewhat remarkable, there
were others of similar plumage in the covey from which this
one was secured. We went in quest of these Birds with Mr.
Stockton, on a subsequent occasion, but were unsuccessful in
our search.*
THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GAME
BIRDS.
We have already devoted much space, perhaps too much, to
the natural history, habits, and peculiarities of the Partridge,
but, we trust, not without benefit to our readers, as no one can
expect to become an accomplished Sportsman without studying
very closely the individual characteristics of every species of
game that he pursues. For it is by this knowledge, either
gained through great labor in the field, or acquired from the
writings and associations of those who have devoted the leisure
of years to this healthful recreation, that one Shooter is seen
to excel another in the style of hunting and bagging his game.
Many individuals, from a lack of personal observation on
their part, or the want of a suitable preceptor to instruct them
in the field, will continue to hunt a lifetime in an awkward or
hap-hazard way, without ever bringing into requisition any of
those many little manoeuvres and field-stratagems so familiar
to the crafty old Sportsman, and which he oftentimes selfishly
endeavors to conceal from the knowledge of the rising genera-
tion of Shooters, fearing lest his teaching might raise up around
him too many youthful aspirants, ever ready to pluck from his
* This remarkable Bird is, perhaps, more worthy of being represented perched
upon a tree, than the white one referred to by an English author, who states that
one of this character being shot, was sent to a Mr. Pugh, a good Artist, but no
Sportsman, who, to make the delineation, as he thought, the more effective, first
painted a large oak, and then very artistically placed the White Partridge on one
of the branches ; when told that these Birds always sat on the ground, he naively
replied: "That might be; but, it looked so much the more picturesque to have a
landscape in the background, that he would not alter it ; for an extraordinary
Bird ought to have an extraordinary situation — it exalted him above his fellows."
84 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
brow the bard-earned laurels of a long apprenticesbip to tbe
tricks of tbe field. If any of our readers, bowever, sbould only
aspire to tbe office of Pot Hunter^ we would advise bim to put
tbis book aside, as we can assure bim tbat be will not be inter-
ested in many of its details, except, perbaps, tbose portions of
it devoted to tbe Trapping and Netting of game, or tbe different
metbods to be pursued by tbe Sbooter wben anxious, from
some particular circumstance, to make a large count. But,
even tben, a mind sucb as tbis selfislt character possesses is
often too obtuse to understand or practice tbe principles laid
down for tbe guidance of a Gentleman Sportsman.
\ Of all tbe disagreeable characters tbat a well-bred Sportsman
is likely to be thrown in contact with, tbat of a Pot Hunter is
tbe most disgusting, tbe most selfish, the most unmanly, the
most heartless; a being who alone can pride himself in a ruth-
less desire to destroy, and, as it were, to lay waste, all animated
nature, by every and any means within bis grasp, without re-
gard to etiquette, humanity, law, or even the common decen-
cies of life. Sucb are the real feelings of a Pot Hunter^ in the
true sense of tbe word ; and his boasted motto. Fill the bag, and
damn the means, sbould be chalked upon his craven back in
well-defined characters, as a warning to all young Sportsmen
to shun bis company, and detest bis vices. Perhaps our read-
ers may think we have portrayed a being so base, so low, as
seldom or never to be met with, except among those mercenary
scamps who shoot for tbe markets. But rest assured, my gentle
friends, that the picture is not overdrawn, for there are dozens
of just sucb fellows in every shooting community; and, per-
baps, we can even find some such among our own Sporting
acquaintances, who hesitate at nothing to fill their bags, in
season or out of season, and, in reality, practice in secret tbe
open and avowed motto of tbe professed Pot Hunter. "We
have met with sucb characters, and doubt not but our Sporting
friends have done the same, and perbaps been alike distressed
and mortified at their behavior in the field. Wben caught,
however, with such would-be Sportsmeyi, we have but one course
to pursue — resign the field for tbe day, or take our Dogs and
quietly put off' in another direction to pursue our sports soli-
tary and alone.
THE PARTRIDGE. 85
FURTHER HINTS.
"We shall now enter upon some particulars more familiar to
the practical Sportsman, and in which he will take especial in-
terest, and no doubt feel competent to compare our observations
with the results of his own experience, and thus be able to judge
of the truth and importance of our information, not only to him-
self, but to the young Tyro. In compiling this work, it is our
earnest desire to bring the young Sportsman forward so rapidly
in all that relates to the crafts of the field, that, with a little
industry and ordinary attention, he may, in the second season
of his debut^ possess the same skill in hunting and bagging game
as it would have required five or six years of regular appren-
ticeship for him to arrive at.
As before stated. Partridges are formed into coveys, and
sufficiently large to shoot, in the month of October, which is
the time prescribed by legislative enactments for the killing of
this game in several of the States jVKew Jersey, however, hav-
ing in view the preservation of the second brood, we suppose,
prolongs this period to the following month.^ But few Par-
tridges are taken at this early season in traps, owing to the
great abundance of grain, seed, and insects to be found in
the stubble-fields and clover- patches; nevertheless, incalculable
numbers of Punning Birds now fall victims to the nets set by
farmer boys and the negroes of the adjoining States. A gen-
tleman residing on the Chesapeake Bay, a short distance from
Havre-de-Grace, informed us, not long since, that his immediate
neighbor caught in this way, during one season, on his own
estate, no less than nine hundred Partridges, which he kept in
coops, and gave out to his Negroes as ordinary food during the
running season, besides supplying his friends in the city with
considerable numbers. This account may seem incredible to
those not familiar with the fecundity of Partridges, and still
less acquainted with the immense armies of these Birds that
congregate together during their migratory trips, and the regu-
larity and pertinacity with which they pursue their course,
sometimes passing through the heart of villages that obstruct
their way. The estate upon which this large number of Birds
86 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
were captured, is peculiarly well situated for intercepting the
progress of these voyagers, it being a neck of low land, bounded
on one side by the bay, and on the other by a wide stream of
water, thus forming a kind of peninsula, encompassed by high
lands, upon which the Birds congregate for the purposes of in-
cubation, and abandon again for the river-courses early in the
autumn. "We do not doubt that, with properly devised instru-
ments, much larger numbers might have been taken during the
same season at this spot, as the Birds were very abundant in-
deed, and the materials used in their capture were of the simplest
and roughest character, and very little or no attention given
to their skilful adjustment by the parties setting them. We
need not, however, make any further comments as to the pro-
bability of this number being captured in one season, when it
is well known that the Quails of the Old World (not more pro-
lific than the American Partridge) assemble in such innumera-
ble bodies, at the same period of emigration, that one hundred
thousand have been taken in one day, within the space of four
or five miles, along the western coast of the kingdom of Naples.
About the time of their first appearance at Alexandria, after
crossing the Mediterranean, such multitudes are exposed for
sale in the markets, that three or four may be bought for a
medina, a piece of money less than two cents in value. Whe-
ther there be such numbers of Quails in these parts at present,
we are not able to say ; but a few years back such was the
case, and a writer informs us, "That so completely surfeited
with this game have the crews of merchant vessels become,
that they were forced, in some instances, to prefer complaints
against their captains, at the consul's office, for the purpose of
obtaining other kinds of food; or, in other words, for a return
to their salt junk and bean soup."*
The nets commonly used by our country people are very
simple in their construction, often nothing more than an old fish
* Since -writing the above, we find, in the Spirit of the Times, a letter from a
correspondent in Iowa Territory, stating that he netted, in one season, ten thou-
sand Partridges, in the neighborhood of Burlington, a town of that country, the
truth of which we do not for a moment doubt, for it only confirms the reports
that we have before heard of the immense numbers of these birds in those
localities.
THE PARTRIDGE. 87
net rudely fixed up for tbe purpose, and set about in different
parts of the plantation where the Birds are most apt to pass ;
sometimes, a trail of grain leading to it conducts the unsuspect-
ing Birds into captivity before they are aware of their proximity
to danger. Nooses of horsehair are also attached to twigs of
low bushes or frames set up for the purpose, across the path
most likely to be traversed by these armies, and considerable
numbers are taken in this way.
Great numbers of Partridges, as well as Pheasants, more pro-
perly speaking, Ruflfed Grouse, are taken by the aid of horse-
hair nooses, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, more particu-
larly in the district of country adjoining our city ; and it is no
unusual circumstance for Sportsmen to come across long cords
of several feet in length, stretched from stake to stake, on the
borders of some favorite feeding-ground, hung with five, ten,
fifteen, or twenty hair nooses, and even many more, with corn,
wheat, or other grain, strewn about for the purpose of luring
the poor victims into these deceptive and fatal snares. The
Birds are most usually caught around the neck, and thus
strangled to death; but not unfrequently by the wing, and some-
times leg. Our Dogs have often come to a stand upon the poor
victims thus entrapped, and we never scruple to help ourselves
to the spoils on such occasions.
As the winter progresses and food becomes more scarce, the
common figure of 4 trap, constructed of laths, corn-stalks, or
other suitable material, comes into requisition by every idle
farm hand, and lazy negro boy, and thus again large numbers of
these Birds are mercilessly destroyed. It is no uncommon thing
to take covey after covey, in these rude traps, during severe
weather, without allowing one single member of the family
to escape ; as these Birds, more than any others, are disposed to
run in clutches, and are seen constantly crossing and recrossing
each other when feeding, and when alarmed instinctively cluster
together, and follow blindly their leader, no matter what course
he adopts. As we cannot approve of this wholesale slaughter
of game, any more than we can justify the robbing of their nests,
for the purpose of eating their eggs, as is pursued to a con-
siderable extent by the Negroes in the slave-holding States,
and often with the full connivance of their masters, we will not
88 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
dwell longer upon the subject, or be more particular in describ-
ing the method of making or setting these traps, which already
unfortunately is familiar to every one residing in the country.
We sincerely trust that every one perusing these pages will
discountenance, as far as in his power, the barbarous and
inhuman practice of eating the eggs of the Partridge, and pre-
vent the Negroes or others about his farm from desecrating the
nests of these interesting Birds.
DRIVING PARTRIDGES.
Another mode of catching Partridges, not less fatal to their
propagation, if pursued by thoughtless individuals, is much
practised by the residents of Virginia, North Carolina, and
other Southern and Western States, where these birds are very
abundant. It is called Driving, or Netting. This method is so
minutely and correctly described by Audubon, in his valuable
work on Ornithology, that we will quote his own words on the
subject : —
" A number of persons on horseback, provided with a net,
set out in search of Partridges, riding along the fences or
thickets which the Birds are known to frequent. One or two
of the party whistle in imitation of the call-note, and as Par-
tridges are plentiful, the call is soon answered by a covey,
when the Sportsmen immediately proceed to ascertain their
position and number, seldom considering it worth while to set
the net where there are only a few Birds. They approach in a
careless manner, talking and laughing as if merely passing by.
When the Birds are discovered, one of the party gallops in a
circuitous manner, gets in advance of the rest by a hundred
yards or more, according to the situation of the Birds and their
disposition to run, while the rest of the Sportsmen move about
on their horses, talking to each other, but at the same time
watching every motion of the covey. The person in advance
being provided with the net, dismounts and at once falls to
placing it, so that his companions can easily drive the Partridges
into it. No sooner is the machine ready than the net-bearer
remounts and rejoins the party. The Sportsmen now separate
to a short distance, and follow the Partridges, talking and
THE PARTRIDGE. 89
whistling, clapping the hands or knocking the fence rails. The
Birds move with great gentleness, following each other, and are
kept in the right direction by the Sportsmen. The leading
Bird approaches and enters the mouth of the net, the others
follow in succession, when the net-bearer leaps from his horse,
runs up and secures the entrance, and soon dispatches the Birds.
In this manner, fifteen or twenty Partridges are caught at one
driving, and sometimes many hundreds in the course of a day.
Most netters give liberty to one pair out of each covey, that
the breed may be continued. The success of driving depends
much on the state of the weather. Drizzly rain or melting
snow is the best ; for in such weather Partridges, and gallina-
ceous Birds in general, run to a great distance rather than fly ;
whereas, if the weather be dry and clear, they generally take
to the wing the moment they discover an intruder, or squat so
that they cannot be driven without very particular care. . Again
when the coveys are found in the woods, they run ofi'so -jTit'i-iv
and so far that it is difficult for the net-bearer to rlK<^'':T ^lii?
machine in time.
" The net is cylindrical, thirty or forty feet in length by about
two in diameter, excepting at the mouth or entrance, where it
is rather larger, and at the extremity, where it assumes the form
of a bag. It is kept open by means of small wooden hoops, at a
distance of two or three feet from each other. The mouth is
furnished with a semicircular hoop sharpened at both ends,
which are driven into the ground, thus affording an easy en-
trance to the Birds. Two pieces of netting, called wings, of the
same length as the cylindrical one, are placed, one on each side
of the mouth, so as to form an obtuse angle with each other,
and are supported by sticks thrust into the ground, the wings
having the appearance of two low fences leading to a gate. The
whole is made of light and strong materials."
This account coincides exactly with the description given us
of this sport by several gentlemen residing in the South. Care
should be taken, however, to liberate a pair or so of birds from
each covey, so as to insure a continuation of that abundance
which furnishes such a profuse and epicurean delicacy for the
table.
90
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
INTRODUCTION INTO ENGLAND.
Frequent attempts have been made to introduce the Ameri-
can Partridge into England ; but these efforts have, we believe,
generally proved abortive, from the circumstance of our Birds
being so very pugnacious that they destroyed or drove off the
English variety, which is a much larger Bird, and considered
finer eating in that country. Chaque un a son gout.
ACTIONS OF OLD AND YOUNG BIRDS.
There is a great difference between the actions of old Birds
and a covey of young ones. The former are up to all kinds of
tricks, while the latter soon become confused, and unable to
avail themselves of any manoeuvring whatever to save them-
selves from the persecutions of the Dog and Sportsman. The
young Birds, if not made wild by previous hunting, lie well to
the Dogs, and make but short flights, and are consequently soon
come up with again, and, being scattered about in close proxi-
mity, can be picked off one by one, without much trouble to
the shooter. The old Birds, on the other hand, when hunted,
often lie badly, are extremely cautious, and run aw^ay from
before the Dog as soon as they observe his approach; and
when they spring, they take immediately to the thick cripples,
or disappear over the tops of the highest woods. An old Bird,
•when shot, will often carry off several pellets of lead with him,
THE PARTKIDGE. 91
if not struck in some vital part, and even with a broken wing
will frequently escape the pursuit of both Huntsman and Dog.
BEST TO BREAK DOGS ON.
The Partridge, most unquestionably, is the finest Bird we
have to break our Dogs on, and being once broken to this kind
of shooting, thej can soon be taught to seek for any other kind
of game, such as Woodcocks, Snipes, or Grouse. In hunting
these Birds, the Dog learns a degree of boldness, as well as care,
that cannot be acquired on any other kind of game, as none feed
so widely, or leave so long a trail of scent behind them, which
the Dog winds a considerable distance off, and thus learns cau-
tion, ease, and delicacy in approaching his victims, knowing full
well, from sad experience, the chastisement that would follow
any heedlessness or undue precipitation on his part ; but rather
"Against the wind he takes his prudent way,
While the strong gale directs him to the prey ;
Now the warm scent assures the covey near ;
He treads with caution, and he points with fear."
Gay, Rural Sports.
COVEYS THAT WILL NOT LIE.
It is seldom attended with much success to follow after
coveys that will not lie close, but are continually rising, and
flying straight away at the least alarm. Such Birds are sure
to be either a travelling party, or they have already been shot
at a great deal too much to afford any sport. The only likely
way of getting a shot at them would be to circle entirely around
them, and then the chances are much against your being able
to close on them before they again take wing.
RETAINING SCENT.
It has frequently been observed by every Sportsman that
the very best of Dogs, at times, cannot find Partridges, even
when marked down in the most open ground, and are known to
be secreted immediately around the spot where the Dogs are
put to hunt. This fact has been a mystery for years to some
92 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
Sportsmen, and many a valuable Dog has been grossly and
unjustly censured for liis want of nose, in not finding the Birds
under these circumstances. This seeming deficiency, however,
in the olfactory organs of our canine favorite, is now easily
accounted for by the presumed existence of a singular provision
of nature, which endows the American Partridge with the ex-
traordinary faculty of withholding, for a time, the emanation
from its body of that peculiarly strong odor that betrays its
proximity to the Dog. This phenomenon was very particularly
inquired into, some years since, by Dr. Smith, of Baltimore;
and the results of his inquiries were published, at that time, in
the form of a letter to Mr, Skinner, which interesting communi-
cation we take pleasure in bringing again to the notice of
Sportsmen by its insertion in these pages. We are constrained
to do this from the conviction that nothing has been written,
since its publication, that further elucidates this subject; and,
if we were to attempt to give our own views and observations
upon the phenomenon, it could not be done in a more practical
and satisfactory manner than Dr. Smith has accomplished it;
and we therefore give place to its insertion with all pleasure : —
Mr. Editor : A close scrutiny of every subject in natural
history discloses some marvellous power given to inferior crea-
tures for their preservation from the hostility of man, and his
various and numerous agents. It is surprising how many
striking facts are forced upon us for contemplation, before
any doctrine is thoroughly admitted as truth. How long, for
instance, has it been observed, and with regret by Sports-
men, that the best Dogs could not discover certain Birds of
value, such as Partridges, in places where they were seen to
settle themselves; and yet years have rolled away without a
single individual advancing the only rational idea of the proper
cause. The truth never reached them that these persecuted
little creatures had been granted the power of withholding odor
to preserve them from their ruthless destroyers. Noble Dogs
have been censured as wanting or careless, when the often-
repeated fact, in almost every day's hunt, made it manifest that
the fault did not lie with them. Many years ago, I noticed this
THE PARTRIDGE. 93
fact, and, after frequent and earnest observation, I adopted the
conclusion already given.
I will state some of my observations and experiments. Pre-
cise dates are of no consequence, as the facts are general, and
open to the study of all who are interested. It is now twenty
years since I was one day in company with my friend and com-
panion, the late learned Ornithologist, Alexander Wilson, assist-
ing him in his endeavors after the Birds of this country. We
encountered a well-appointed party of gentlemen, who were
shooting Partridges. They had seven Dogs, apparently of the
best quality. They were in a large stubble-field, having small
patches of low bushes and briers in several places. From one
of these was flushed a very large covey of Partridges, which,
after having been rigorously fired upon, settled nearly in the
centre of the field, in a place slightly depressed, where the
stubble was unusually high, with rank clover underneath. The
Sportsmen pursued with due caution, giving the proper instruc-
tions and ample time to the Dogs. Some of the Birds were
put up and killed, but not near as many as had taken refuge
there. After considerable search, the party left the ground.
Why so few of the Birds were roused puzzled me exceedingly,
and I, in common with every one, censured the Dogs. Imme-
diately adjacent to the stubble was a body of open woodland,
in which Mr. Wilson was several hours engaged in his usual
ardent study into the habits and manners of a number of small
birds sporting in it. On our return home, we crossed the stubble
directly past the spot where the Partridges had been hunted by
the Sportsmen. As we approached it, a Bird flew up, and soon
after another, and another, until five went off". I expressed my
surprise to Mr. Wilson, who dismissed the matter by supposing
that the stronger scent from the feet of so many men had trans-
cended that of the Birds, and bewildered the Dogs. Having
been an anxious witness to the whole scene, I was not satisfied
with this explanation, but believed the Dogs to have been in
fault. After the lapse of a few years, I became exceedingly
given to field sports, and was in possession of several fine Dogs.
It often happened that many Dogs could not find Partridges,
even when I had marked them settle and conducted them to it,
especially when the cover was of thick and matted grass. In
94: lewis' ameeican spoetsman.
1821, I obtained a pup of high pedigree, and took the charge
of his education upon myself. No animal of his kind ever
surpassed him, but even with him I was often unable to flush a
scared Partridge. I now first admitted the idea that these Birds
were endued with the occasional power of holding that eflQuvium
which exposed them to their direst enemy. My remarks were
general, but tended to strengthen the opinion I had adopted.
For instance, I excursed very many times with large parties,
where they might be said to be a pack of Dogs from their
numbers, and most of them approved hunters. Often have I
seen, in large clearings, five or six coveys of Partridges flushed,
amounting probably to a hundred Birds, and although scarcely
a brace of them would leave the open grounds, not more than
a fifth part of them could be recovered. The Sportsmen did
not seem to think of their failure, and no one would disparage
the truth of the charming Venuses, Junos, Dianas, and Coras,
so sedulously engaged for his amusement. After such a field,
I have made it a practice to return alone to it after the lapse of
sufficient time, and I always found that the Birds had not left it,
but that, having resumed their natural or usual habits, were
easily flushed. In October, 1824, 1 became assured of the truth
of my doctrine. I was then in company with five gentlemen,
in a fine Partridge country. We had eleven Dogs (setters and
pointers) of approved value. The party concluded to range a
field or two before breakfast ; but I did not go out with them.
I soon heard rapid firing in a new-cleared ground in sight of
the tavern-house. I hurried to join them. There was a small
meadow-land, and a little brook intervening between us. On
the margin of this meadow stood a large pine stump, covered
with running dewberry vines, and surrounded by small oak
shrubs. I was within sixty yards of it, and parallel to it, when
two Partridges came directly towards me, across the meadow.
Having but one barrel charged, I fired upon the nearest Bird
and killed it. The other made a sudden dart from its line, and
took refuge among the shrubs and briers about the stump. I
had my favorite Dog and a very valuable Pointer Bitch with me.
Having recharged, I approached in guard upon the marked
Bird, but the Dogs gave no point. This was the proper time
to test my belief; I therefore called ofi" the Dogs, and waited
THE PARTRIDGE. 95
till I could have every one on the ground brought to the spot.
This was done; but there was no intimation given that there
was a Bird near us. We left the ground without remark or
explanation, and retired to breakfast. In an hour, we took the
field for the day. I requested the gentlemen to indulge me
again by an advance upon the stump, leading the van myself
with the Pointer Bitch. She instantly pointed, and the other
Dogs backed her. The Bird was flushed and shot. I now ex-
plained myself fully, and Mr. Edward Tilghman, well known
to most American Sportsmen, was greatly struck with it. He
expressed great pleasure too at it, as he said it would save
many valuable animals from unmerited censure. He told me,
moreover, that he had more than once noticed the same fact
with Pheasants and Grouse. I think it highly probable that
these Birds are endowed with the same power ; but I have not
had sufficient experience to speak of them with any certainty.
Last week, on one of our steamboats, Colonel S. B. Davis, for-
merly of the United States Army, a great Sportsman in his day,
asked me, without any previous conversation on the subject,
why the best Dogs could not, sometimes, find a single Partridge
in open ground ? The fact was forced upon him, but he had
no thought of the solution here advanced.
Yours, respectfully,
SAMUEL B. SMITH, M. D.
Although this communication occupies some space in our
work, we are satisfied that every one will feel pleased with its
perusal, as it presents a plain unvarnished relation of facts, that
admit of no doubting or misunderstanding. So far as our
experience has enabled us to judge of this matter, we are in-
clined to coincide with Doctor Smith in his original notions
on the subject, and we also might enumerate many instances
of like nature with those advanced by him, and as fully corro-
borative of what he wishes to establish. But having already
devoted much space to the subject, we must pass on to other
less obscure points in the habits of this Bird.
96 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
ENEMIES OF THE PARTRIDGE.
Man is not the only enemy that Partridges have to fear, as
there are several animals, such as the Fox, Eaccoon, Weasel,
Polecat, Serpents, Hawks, Crows, &c., that not only, when
pressed for food in the winter season, destroy the old Birds,
but also devour great quantities of the young, and consume
numberless eggs during the period of incubation.
Among the foes of their own species, there are none more
destructive than the Sparrow, Pigeon, and Goshawk, who follow
after and destroy great numbers of them early in the autumn,
when they are comparatively weak and unwary, and not suffi-
ciently alert to elude their grasp by rapid flight to the thick
coverts. The Pigeon-Hawk, being much larger and stronger
than the former, does not hesitate to dart down, upon a favor-
able occasion, and carry off the oldest and strongest Birds.
Nothing terrifies a covey so much, when feeding in the open
country, as the appearance of this formidable marauder; skim-
ming along the tops of the stubble-fields, so near to the ground
as scarcely to be discovered, he comes stealthily upon his uncon-
scious victims, and fastens his deadly talons in their very vitals,
bearing them off screaming to the nearest tree, to satisfy his
cruel appetite. The covey, startled at his approach, fly in every
direction, secreting themselves in the thickets of brushwood,
deep grass, and almost impenetrable cripples. When Partridges
have been frightened in this way, they take a long time to
collect together again, as they dare not give utterance to a
single note-call^ always dreading the presence of their greedy foe.
We have often came across Birds disturbed by this fearless
freebooter, and found them extremely wild and shy, not per-
mitting a Dog to come within a hundred yards of them. When
the winter is severe in the middle and northern latitudes, these
Hawks, more particularly the Goshawks, a larger species, are
driven to great extremities for food, as the most of the small
Birds, their usual prey, have left for more congenial climes, and
then it is that the formidable Goshawk visits the barn3'-ards in
search of plunder, and does not hesitate to carry off the largest
chickens. It is no uncommon thing for shooters to see this
daring depredator dip down into a covey when within a few
THE PARTRIDGE.
97
yards of his own person. And a gentleman informs me that
he has seen them pick up and carry off Partridges that were
brought to the ground a few moments before by the Gun, and
that, on one occasion, he actually shot one when in the very act
of making off with a Bird which he had seized the moment it
had been knocked down at a long shot.
The Goshawk also destroys immense numbers of Passenger
Pigeons, as well as the different varieties of Ducks, such as
Mallards, Teal, Black Duck, &c. Audubon mentions having
seen this Hawk strike and carry off all these Fowl, and we
imagine that almost every Sportsman must be familiar with their
extreme boldness and daring. After seizing Mallards, they
turn them belly upwards, and eat the flesh off their breasts,
disdaining all other less tender and juicy parts of the body
when food is so plentiful.
The Sparrowhawk is also a most outrageous poacher upon
all kinds of Birds, and, being extremely dainty in his taste and
habits, we doubt not that he also destroys numbers of young
Partridges, if not the old ones. We have over and over again
witnessed him in the act of carrying off smaller birds.
Sportsmen should never fail to kill these birds of prey when
ever he meets with them, as they answer no particular good
purpose, and often materially interfere with his recreations. It
is no uncommon thing for a Hawk, in severe weather, to linger
about the haunts of a covey or two of Birds for several days
together, picking one or two off whenever a favorable oppor-
tunity presents, until the whole covey is ultimately destroyed.
98 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
PREDICTIONS REGARDING GAME.
An observant Sportsman will, or rather should, be able to
predict, with some degree of certainty, the probable abundance
or scarcity of game, according to the mildness or severity of
the previous winter, the dryness or wetness of the spring, and
many other concomitant circumstances that influence the habits
of game Birds in different localities.
HAUNTS OF PARTRIDGES.
If the day be fine and clear, the Birds will be found on the
wing at a very early hour; if, on the other hand, it should be
wet and cold, they seem very loath to leave their roosting-places,
delaying their flights as long as possible, even until the day is
far advanced. And, if rain should set in, they will, most gene-
rally, desert the open fields entirely, and take to the woods and
thickets for protection.
"Or when the country floats with sudden rains,
Or driving mists deface the moistened plains,
In vain his toils the unskilful Fowler tries,
While in thick woods the feeding Partridge lies "
If the weather has been dry and warm for several days pre-
vious to going out, it would be perfect folly to hunt on the
hills where there is a scarcity of water. And, in like manner,
if the season has been wet, it would be equally ridiculous to
wade through the low grounds, as these Birds neither affect
very dry situations or wet localities, but, on the contrary, pre-
fer rich stubble-fields in the immediate vicinity of a clear run-
ning stream, to which they love to resort to quench their thirst
after the morning's feeding, and preen themselves for awhile in
the noonday sun. If the weather be boisterous and windy,
without rain. Partridges may most frequently be found on the
edge of close cover, or on the sides of rising ground, where
they betake themselves for shelter. On such days, they will
lie very badly, and will not suffer the approach of a Dog,
although a quiet old Dog will occasionally get right on top of
a covey, owing to the wind carrying all noise off from the
THE PARTRIDGE, 99
Birds, provided the Dog hunts up wind, as all Dogs should be
taught to do.
If, besides being windy, a drizzling, drenching rain should
set in, we would advise the Sportsman to withdraw at once
from the field, and wait patiently until the elements prove
more propitious; otherwise, he will not only run the risk of a
rheumatism, but also of an ill-humor, while his Dogs will soon
become jaded, and his game-bag continue empty. "It is no
use to kick against the pricks," St. Paul says; neither is it any
use to get out of temper and make fight with the elements, as
rain it will in spite of all our scolding and bad humor; and it
will be much better to hold ourselves perfectly resigned to the
will of the Fates, and endeavor to preserve our minds unruffled
by conning over, to some good and patient listener, the numer-
ous wonderful achievements of our Gun and Dog in former
days. If, however, you are of a taciturn disposition, and take
no delight in these interesting and often romantic recitals,
what shall we advise you to do to pass the time, when, perhaps,
quartered away in some dreary sequestered spot, without the
reach of books, newspapers, or anything else whereby to satisfy
an inquiring and active mind? Ah! we have it, as advised,
we believe, by another. Call for the family Bible; for where
can you find a family, in our favored country, that does not
possess one of these time-worn testimonials of bygone days!
Turn to the register of births, deaths, and marriages, and you
will soon find yourself lost in deciphering the hieroglyphics of
these important family records, and perhaps thus while away
an hour or two in studying some long genealogical table,
gravely proving that the ancient founder of the American
Smith family first landed at Plymouth with the Pilgrims from
the Old World, and afterwards emigrated to these parts, where
he built a log-cabin on the identical spot now covered by the
house you are in, and which still, even to this day, continues
in the possession of the lineal descendants of the said Smith
family. What a discovery! Before fully awakening from
your surprise, the rain, perhaps, will have ceased, the sun
broken forth, and you can again joyfully sally forth to the
fields. If this, perchance, will not engage your attention, draw
a chair up to the hickory fire that blazes and crackles at your
100 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
feet, plant your broad back against the chimney, look sullen,
kick the Dogs, and go to sleep as soon as possible. Or, if it
suits you better, walk up and down the room for an hour at a
time, making the whole house shake and tremble with your
heavy tread, scolding, and staring out of the windows, every
few moments, to see if the lowering clouds are blowing away,
or to halloo after the hostler or farm-hands, whenever you espy
them about the premises, demanding their opinion as to the
state of the weather, which, nine times out of ten, will be very
cheering. Such, for example, as, "Well, I can't say, sair; it
looks pretty black out in this 'ere direction." "Indeed, it's
very hard to tell, sair ; but it sometimes clears up when the
wind shifts around to that 'ere quarter ;" pointing to the west,
and the wind still blowing a perfect gale from the east.
GOOD AVEATHER.
In fair weather. Partridges will be found out in the stubble,
clover, or cornfields, near to a hedge or some other cover.
If a buckwheat patch be in the neighborhood, it of course
must be visited; for, if there be any Birds in those parts,
they will most likely be about this field in preference to
all others. As we have stated before, they are very partial to
this kind of grain. Partridges generally feed until eleven or
twelve o'clock, and are then either quiescent for an hour or
two, or resort to some favorite watering-place, or gravelly
bank, where they scratch and pick themselves while basking
in the sun. We have often found them at this time, on the
sunny side of the trunk of a fallen tree, in a fresh clearing, and
always make it a point to hunt around all such places, more
particularly if a purling stream should be in the vicinity.
HINTS FOR THE SPORTSMAN.
It behooves the Shooter at this hour of the day to desist for
awhile from his labors, and refresh himself as well as his
Dogs with a little quiet, and a small snack of something to
eat and drink. He need not be fearful of wasting time by
this trifling suspension of his sport, as both himself and
THE PARTRIDGE.
101
Dogs will hunt with more vigor and energy after this truce,
and the Birds will have had time to collect together their
scattered forces ready for another onset, provided we should
retrace our steps over the morning's grounds. Fresh Birds
will also have left their watering-places, and be busily occu-
pied in the stubble-fields feeding. A selfish disposition is to
be despised in any one, but when it occupies a large space
in the heart of a sporting character, it is more frequently and
disgustingly displayed than in any other person — at least, such
is our opinion of the matter; and a Shooter who has such a
wild furor for killing Birds that he cannot remain quiet for
half an hour during this period of the day, or sufifer his faith-
ful Dogs to snatch a few moments of respite from their arduous
duties, but, on the contrary, considers such an intermission of
his sport as an actual loss of time, we are forced to class him
with that enviable race of beings known as Pot Hunters, or at
all events but one degree above them, and of course, mean and
narrow-minded in the extreme.
"Some greedy Elves,
Pot Hunters vile ! appear to grieve,
If forced a single Bird to leave.
Such men avoid, and be your pride
"With those that soon are satisfied."
102 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAX.
EARLY DAWN.
Before leaving their roosts in the morning, Partridges appear
to welcome the return of a new day, and to congratulate them-
selves on the general safety of the family circle, by a low,
shrill, twittering noise, somewhat resembling the sounds pro-
duced by young Turkeys, or perhaps more cheerful and har-
monious than that often heard issuing from a covey w^hen in
the act of springing, if disturbed while feeding in an open
field. These mutual greetings at an end, the covey take their
flight to some favorite feeding-ground, most generally the ad-
joining field, or perhaps run off in quest of food immediately
around them; but they are not very apt to roost in the same
field where they habitually feed.
The reason why Partridges seldom or never roost in the same
field where they feed is perhaps owing to a natural instinctive
precaution that they possess — that is, the dread they have of
leaving a trail behind them, by which they could be traced or
scented out by some one of their numerous enemies during the
night, and suddenly pounced upon either by the prowling Fox,
Raccoon, Polecat, or any other nocturnal animals common to the
districts of country that they frequent. To prevent this trail
being left behind them, which would necessarily be the case if
they ran to roost, they very cunningly take a short flight to an
adjoining field, and settle down for the night immediately on
the spot where they alight, thus leaving no trace of their pre-
sence behind them.
SNOW.
If it should snow, the Birds keep close huddled together
under some brushwood, in the deep sedge, or in the corners
of what are called snake or worm fences. They never go
about during a snow-storm, and consequently are often covered
completely up by a deep fall, and find great difficulty in freeing
themselves from their cheerless prison Avhen the tempest has
abated. When the weather threatens to be severe, and the snow
THE PARTRIDGE. 103
very deep, in the interior of the Atlantic States, Partridges be-
take themselves to the neighborhood of the sea-shore, where it
is usually milder, and the snow but seldom lays over a day or
two. There is also generally a great abundance of thick sedge
in such localities, in the depths of which they find shelter and
plenty of food. In the autumn of 1845, we met with great
numbers of Partridges in the sedge on the sea-shore, and wit-
nessed some excellent shooting by a companion, a memorandum
of which we took and published at the time in the Spirit^ and
now avail of this opportunity to transfer it to these pages.
PARTRIDGE SHOOTING IN DELAWARE.
BIRDS.
Friday, Nov. 28 — Fair, but blowing a gale, bagged 42
Saturday, Nov. 29 — Good day, but over the same ground 33
Tuesday, Dec. 2 — Blowing a stiff breeze, and over the
same ground, with little variation 35
Total 110
Or within a fraction of 37 Birds per diem.
Nearly, if not every Bird was shot singly, as we were par-
ticularly unfortunate in shooting into coveys, never having
killed over two at any one time, but most generally we tipped
the first two that rose when flushed.
Since writing the above account for the Spirit^ we have heard
of some shooting that far exceeded this county in the number of
the slain; but I doubt very much whether the shooting in itself
was beaten, for, taking the state of the weather, the quantity of
Birds, and all other attendant circumstances into consideration,
we think there are very few of our crack shots that could have
done as well, and many we are sure would not have accom-
plished as much. The best shooting, however, or rather the
biggest shooting on Partridges that we have yet heard of, is that
of three gentlemen living in the neighborhood of Lynchburg,
Virginia, who bagged over one hundred Partridges each during
one day's shooting. This season of 1851 and 1852, Partridges
have been unusually plenty, more particularly along all the
104 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
large watercourses, owing to several circumstances, all of which
an observant Sportsman will readily understand*
Firstly. The previous winter having been remarkably mild
and open, few or no Birds were destroyed by exposure to cold ;
neither were they driven by the frequent scarcity of food into
the deceptive traps, or still more cruel tunnel-nets.
Secondly. The following spring and summer months were
unusually dry, and especially suited for the purposes of hatch-
ing and rearing the young Brood, that often suffer so lament-
ably from the effects of a long-continued wet spell, as we have
before remarked under a different heading.
Thirdly. The drought having extended through the summer,
and even autumn months, all the smaller streams and inland
watercourses became entirely dry ; and those sections of coun-
try thus failing in water, were abandoned en masse, by all the
Birds ; and this will account for their location among the hills
and stubble-fields, adjacent to the large river-courses. We met
this season with great numbers of Partridges on the large and
beautifully cultivated islands of the Susquehanna, but found it
rather difficult to shoot them, in consequence of the Birds, on
the first alarm, darting along and under the high river banks,
where they conceal themselves so securely that it is quite im-
possible to drive them out. Our friend C. T. Phillips, Esq.,
killed this season sixty-one Birds in one day, which of itself is
sufficient to prove how numerous they must have been. Not
* Game Abundant. — We learn from the Upper Mississippi country, that the
prairies in the vicinity of Keokuk and Rock Island, are teeming with Partridges,
in unheard-of abundance. Large numbers are now brought from those places
to the New Orleans market. A few days since we noticed on board of a steam-
bofit, coops containing one hundred and forty dozen of these Birds. Also the
steamer Saranak, on her last trip down, brought one hundred dozen. A gentle-
man informs us that a party with nets left Keokuk lately, and repaired to the
island below that town. They took four hundred Birds in a single afternoon.
Partridges sell in this market at 75 cents to $1 per dozen. In Keokuk, they can
be had at 40 to 50 cents per dozen.
The St. Louis Evening News also states that large quantities of Grouse, Par-
tridges, Deer, and other game, are daily sent from that place, almost every steamer
carrying out as many as it can accommodate. They are shipped to various points
on the Ohio, and in many instances have been sent as far as Baltimore, Philadel-
phia, and New York. So large has this export been this season, that these arti-
cles are now commanding an unusually high rate at St. Louis.
! '^
(Ttr
l^Cr
THE PARTKIDGE. 105
wishing, however, by this remark to detract in the least from
our friend's skill in shooting— for every one who has been out
with him in the field knows that he is one of the very best
shots that goes forth from our city— but in ordinary seasons it
is not very often that the most industrious and persevering
Sportsman will get sixty-one shots in a day, let alone bag that
many Birds.
One of Mr. Skinner's correspondents, detailing some of the
particulars of a day's shooting, states that his companion fired
forty -three times, killed thirty-eight, and wounded four, only
missing clearly once; and what is most remarkable of all, this
accomplished Sportsman, with a double-barrelled flint Gun,
whirled and fired five times with both barrels, in different direc-
tions, killed nine times, and wounded the tenth. This we con-
sider the best record of shooting that has as yet come to our
knowledge, and we agree with the Chronicler of these worthy
deeds, that it required " a ready hand and a quick eye" to accom-
plish it, when we recollect, as before observed, that the Ame-
rican Partridge, " sans doute^' is the most difficult of all game
Birds to be brought down ; this, too, is the opinion of Frank
Forrester, and all others equally competent to judge.
THE FIELD.
" See how the well-taught Setter leads the way ;
The scent grows warm ; he stops ; he springs the prey ;
The fluttering coveys from the stubble rise,
And on swift wing divide the sounding skies.
The scattering lead pursues the certain sight;
And death, in thunder, overtakes their flight."
It is now quite time that we should proceed to the field, and
which we will endeavor to do with all possible dispatch, accom-
panied by all the Paraphernalia necessary for the legitimate and
Sportsmanlike way of bagging game. Properly equipped, or
rather suitably dressed, as every gentleman should be, under
all circumstances, whether in the ball-room, encompassed on
every side by a gay throng of sparkling eyes, not less fatal in
their glances, oftentimes, than the reeking shot that is sent
whirling from his unerring Gun, or in the wide-extended stub-
ble-field, surrounded by his faithful Setters, stanch Pointers,
106 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
crafty marksman, and jovial companions. The uncleared state
of our country, and a comfortable scarcity of game in the Mid-
dle States, render it necessary to have two Dogs — at all events,
it is much better to have them, and, from our experience, we
are led to recommend one to be a Pointer, and the other a Set-
ter. The weather in the early part of the season is often very
warm and dry ; and the Setter, if overworked, will most assur-
edly give out, if not lavishly supplied with water — which, by
the by, it is often impossible to obtain in some districts of coun-
try—while the Pointer, on the other hand, will suffer very little
or no inconvenience either from the heat or thirst. The Setter,
however, is peculiarly serviceable at this period of the season,
being well protected by his long shaggy hair; he does not for
a moment hesitate to penetrate the closest coverts, to which the
Birds are so apt to take when disturbed. It is quite impossible
for the smooth-haired, wiry Pointer to insinuate himself into
these brakes or fastnesses ; and if, in his eagerness to keep up
with his companion, he is forced into such places, he always
retires from them with his body and tail dreadfully lacerated
by the thorns and briers that now flourish so thick and rank.
Having provided ourselves with Dogs and all necessary am-
munition, we will now imagine that we have arrived, at a late
hour in the afternoon, at the tavern or farm-house from which
we purpose to sally the next morning in pursuit of game. The
first thing to be attended to by every sensible Sportsman is the
welfare of his Dogs, as the most of his enjoyment depends upon
their exertions, and therefore no trouble on his part should be
spared to keep them in proper condition. The Dogs being well
fed and comfortably housed, the Sportsman may then think of
his own comfort. We never trust any one to feed our Dogs,
no matter how fatigued we may be, but make it a positive rule,
from which there is no appeal, to attend to this duty ourselves,
and most generally superintend the cooking of their suppers,
as well as sharing it out to them when done; for where can we
find an ignorant country servant or farm-hand willing to bestow
the necessary attention upon the preparation and serving up of
food for an over-fatigued and perhaps delicate Pointer? Besides
all this, there is another reason equally important, why the
Sportsman should feed his Dogs himself — it attaches the ani-
THE PARTRIDGE. 107
mals to him, and, consequently, makes them the more sub-
servient to his will, and therefore the more anxious to do
that which will merit his caresses and kind treatment. This is
really far more important than many careless owners of Dogs
suppose ; it is a feature in Sporting, however, that should not
be overlooked, and we wish particularly to call the attention of
our friends to its operation. For, after all, the pleasures re-
sulting from the field are almost entirely dependent upon the
good and gentle behavior of our Dogs ; for without their exhila-
rating presence and cheerful assistance, the hunting of most
game would be not only very tame, but very uncertain amuse-
ment.
Having partaken of our supper, smoked our regalia, and
sipped perhaps a glass of warm punch, but only one, and that
very light, we retire to our room at an early hour, unpack our
carpet-bag, and arrange all the shooting apparatus ready for
the morrow's expedition. This being done, we go to bed, sleep
soundly, and get up at the first dawn of day, big with expecta-
tions, and ready for action. Everything being arranged over
night, we find all our shooting accoutrements at our very finger
ends, and consequently, are enabled to dress very leisurely,
without bustle or confusion. Breakfast being dispatched —
which, by the by, should be a very substantial repast — we call
our Dogs around us, give them a light feed without flesh, and
then, with a chosen companion, away to the fields
"Soon as the Eastern skies display
The rosy tints of welcome day."
Do not be in too great a hurry for the first half hour. Go
along leisurely, and give the Dogs an opportunity to empty
themselves, clear their nostrils, and tune their olfactory appa-
ratus to a fine degree of nicety by snufiing the untainted morn-
ing's breeze.
It is always better to engage the services of a person to act
as Marker. He can also carry on his arm a small basket con-
taining extra ammunition, and a few nicely-prepared sandwiches
for luncheon.
108 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
MODE TO HUNT DOGS.
Having already given a very minute and detailed account of
the Partridge, as well as carried the Sportsman into the field,
and conducted him to the spots where he would most likely
find the game, it now remains for us to talk with him upon a
subject of the utmost importance, namely, " the proper manner
to hunt his Dogs."
In the first place, let me warn you against venturing into the
field for a day's hunt with half-broke Dogs, more especially if
in company, as you will only worry yourself and annoy your
friends ; but rather stay at home, or go alone attended by such
torments. If you go in company, you will not be able to teach
them anything, owing to the ill temper either of yourself or
friends ; whereas, on the other hand, if you go alone, you will
soon break them in, after a few disappointments, and perhaps
have a fine day's shooting. An old stanch Pointer is the best
field Mentor for young Dogs, far preferable to a Setter, no
matter how superior he may be, as the Pointer makes a far
more honest and unmistakable stand than the Setter, and at
all times is more certain in his behavior.
Young and heedless Dogs at all times are great pests in the
field, and we are often led to suppose that they ought to be
broken thoroughly before taken out ; at all events, they should
be under perfect control, so far as coming and going, before
we force them into the company of our friends' Dogs to run
and caper over the fields, flushing and tearing after the Birds,
perfectly reckless of the consequences. However, we have not
much fear of a well-bred Dog, while under our tuition, disturb-
ing the sport of our friends while in the field, after we have
once made him understand the gross impropriety of running
after Birds ; for we are satisfied that few or none will ever
repeat the offence a second or third time after he has escaped
from our perhaps cruel hands. If he does, we are willing to
pass him over to the keeping of some one else far more patient
and tender than we pretend to be with an obstinate and reck-
less animal.
Good Dogs should be procured by provident Sportsmen
THE PARTRIDGE. 109
before the shooting season comes around ; they can be had far
cheaper at such times, will become familiar with their new
master, and learn to understand his every look and gesture.
Always purchase young Dogs in preference to old ones, even
if they should not be so well broken. Old Dogs are contrary,
or rather self-willed, and if they have perchance any vices, they
are difficult to be got rid of. Young Dogs are far more pliable,
and if intelligent will soon accommodate themselves to your
peculiar habits and modes of hunting, and, what is very im-
portant, will not require replacing as soon as old Dogs. You
should not expect the Dog to study your character alone, but
recollect that it is equally the duty of the master to strive to
understand the disposition and temper of his slave. If timid
and wanting in confidence, he must be cheered rather than
reproved; if bold and full of action, he must be restrained
within proper bounds; if negligent of commands and regard-
less of instruction, he must be flogged, and that soundly, till
brought to a proper appreciation of your supreme authority.
Some Dogs, as individuals, require far more correction than
others; the lash, consequently, should be employed with a
tempered hand ; no Dog ought to be punished without he is
made perfectly sensible of his misconduct, and, being once fully
apprised of his improprieties, should never, through negligence
or sickly sympathy, be allowed to escape the most condign and
immediate chastisement.
The fear of punishment at the hands of man, has a wonder-
ful influence over the actions of all animals; but over none is
this controlling power more forcibly exercised than in the
canine race. The punishment, to be sure, may oftentimes be
of the lightest character — an angry look, a harsh word, or a
single blow — still, the faithful creature feels it all, and that very
acutely, and by his meek submission expresses repentance, and
by his servile crouching acknowledges the utter helplessness of
his position.
It were quite unnecessary for me to tell the sensible Sports-
man never to kick or strike a Dog with a heavy bludgeon; but
we fear lest there may be some of our readers who have not
properly thought over this matter, as we have occasionally
witnessed scenes in the field that have fairly thrilled us with
110 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
horror. A reckless, headstrong Dog, we grant, is quite enough
to try the temper of the most self-governed man in the world,
but nevertheless should not be quite sufficient to cause him to
kick him in anger or shoot him in desperation and rage ; if we
cannot control our own actions by the aid of education and our
reasoning faculties, how much less ought we to expect a dumb
brute to do it, who has had so much less tutoring and possesses
but a tittle of the intellectual force bestowed on us.
The natural instinct or bent of inclination, we all know, is
very powerfully coercive in its operations over the actions of
the brute creation ; and how difficult then must it ever be for a
high-strung, full-blooded Dog to suppress the spontaneous im-
pulse that urges him to spring upon game when under his very
nose, or race after it when on the wing. The act of pointing
game^ it must be recollected, is not a truly automatic instinct of
the animal, as many suppose, but the beautiful result of disci-
pline and long training in one special branch. The habit, how-
ever, has now become so confirmed through this persevering
education on the part of Sportsmen, that each generation of
Pointers, more particularly those of pure breeds, seem to pos-
sess an involuntary desire to practise those actions that have
been inculcated by the lash in their forefathers.
Many breeds of Pointers have this faculty of standing game
so early and powerfully developed that it is analogous to second
nature; for we often see whole litters of Pups that stop so in-
stinctively at the first scent of game, that they point the moment
they come 'apon Partridges, without the least tutoring, and
without knowing the why or the wherefore.
There may be, however, more instinct in this practice of
pointing than we at first are willing to suppose, as we know
that most predatory animals either lie in wait for prey or creep
crouchingly towards it for the purpose of surprise. In the
Pointer, therefore, the habit may be somewhat instinctive iu
itself; but as now perfected and propagated in the whole breed
is the result, as before stated, of nice education. It is better in
throwing the Dogs off' to give them the wind, which they after-
wards will be very apt to keep, if taught to quarter their ground
properly. Dogs should be spoken to as little as possible in the
field, and as much accomplished by signal as can be ; the eye
THE PARTRIDGE, 111
and the hand should do far more than the voice. If well broke,
they may be allowed to range pretty widely, so that they remain
in sight. Young Dogs must alwaj'-s be within hearing, other-
wise they commit some gross errors without being reprimanded
at the proper moment. When the Dogs come to a stand, ap-
proach as noiselessly as possible, and if the grass be deep, lift
the feet high, and tread as lightly as you are able; and, if the
Birds are wild, and lie badly, incline the body forward, so as
to keep it somewhat out of view. Flush the Bird yourself by
advancing, if necessary, even before the Dogs, as it is bad prac-
tice to encourage the Dogs to do it by hieing them on. Young
Dogs can never stand such training, as they are not able, or at
all events, being so very eager, are not willing to comprehend
the wide difference between flushing the game when their mas-
ter is directly behind them, or doing it for their own particular
gratification when he is entirely out of gunshot. Old Dogs
may be hied on occasionally, when circumstances seem to de-
mand it, but young Dogs never, without we wish to spoil them,
and consequently give ourselves a world of trouble in breaking
them.
When the game is sprung, do not fire at random into the
covey; if you do, you will be sadly disappointed at your want
of success. On the contrary, carefully select one Bird, on
which draw, and then give the other barrel to another, ^rhaps
one of the stragglers last up. Never mind the dead Birds ;
your Dogs ought to be able to find them. Watch the covey, if
you have no Marker, and see exactly where they alight ; and
follow, if practicable, as soon as your Gun is loaded. It is
better not to stir from the spot where you are standing, till
your Gun is charged again, as there may have been one or two
stragglers left behind when the covey flew. Endeavor at all
times to be on the qui vive for such as may be termed chance
shots, which will amount to a great deal in the course of a day's
shooting. Dogs should be made to couch immediately at the
springing of a covey, or taught to come to heel without rating,
and never allowed to seek dead Birds till after the Gun is
charged a second time. A Retriever that rushes out immedi-
ately on the firing of the Gun, in quest of the fallen victim,
oftentimes does an immense deal of harm; he should be tauoht
112 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
to bring the Bird when directed, and not before. It is a very
difficult task to teach any animal, no matter how sagacious he
may be, this nicety in fetching dead game, as his first impulse is
to hreak shot and seize the Bird the very moment it falls to the
ground ; and it is next to an impossibility to restrain a Dog
under such circumstances. In fact, we have never yet met
with a Pointer or Setter that was perfectly broken in this re-
spect ; although we have had two as good Retrievers as ever
went into a field, in the common acceptance of the term, ; still,
they would most generally break shot, to seize the Bird the
moment we fired, and of course flush any Birds that might
remain. At times we were able to restrain them, more espe-
cially when hunting alone ; but when in company with other
Dogs it was entirely out of the question to control them, as go
they would in quest of the Bird in spite of all our efforts to the
contrary. This vice, of course, had a most baneful influence
over all the Dogs in company, as they, naturally desiring to
follow the example of our Retrievers, could with difficulty be
made to doiun charge as they were before tutored, preferring
rather to contest the right to the fallen game with our Dogs.
We have been annoyed in the same way more than once with
Retrievers highly lauded b}^ our friends; and we must confess
that such Dogs, as a general thing, although they save their
owners some little trouble in picking the Birds up, do a great
deal more harm than good ; and upon the whole are very bad
companions for old and steady Dogs, as well as most ruinous
preceptors for young ones. Of course, we would not object to a
perfectly broken Retriever, if such an animal can be found ; but
we doubt very much of ever seeing so much perfection in
either a good Pointer or Setter. The mere act o^ fetching dead
game is one of the simplest feats performed by most of the
members of the canine race, and perhaps one of the most natu-
ral propensities of all Hunting Dogs, and is therefore easily
cultivated in them. But, as before observed, the great stum-
bling-block in the way of obtaining a perfect Retriever is the
almost utter impossibility by any course of discipline, no matter
how severe, no matter how persevering, to make a Dog at all
times restrain the powerful impulse that urges him to rush
THE PARTKIDGE. 113
forth to seize the fallen game, when he has once been taught to
do it.
These remarks of course refer to Pointers and Setters that
are otherwise well broken ; if, however, a Retriever be so very
desirable or necessary, it would be an easy task to break one
of either of these Dogs for this purpose alone, and keeping him
always at one's heels, save when told to go out in quest of the
dead or wounded game, there would of course be but little
trouble in restraining him ; whereas in the other case, the Dogs
are generally considerably in advance of the Shooter, and can-
not therefore be so well controlled or brought to heel before
being ordered to bring the Bird. Any kind of a Dog almost
of the Spaniel or even Terrier breed can be taught this duty,
and no doubt would prove very serviceable in recovering many
Birds in the course of a day's hunt, that would otherwise have
been lost.
There are few Retrievers, even the best of them, but that
will at times mouth or bite their game, and some can never be
taught to handle Birds tenderly. The best plan to make a
young Dog gentle with game, is to practise him on a stuffed
Partridge having wires running through the body, and the
sharp points extending a trifle from beneath the feathers, so
that when he attempts to bite or mouth the Bird, the wires
will prick his jaws pretty severely. This is a most effectual
method, if persevered in for a little while, and will even do
much towards correcting the vice in an old Dog. If this prac-
tice is tried in the stubble-field, it is better that the Bird be
rubbed on the breast or back with a piece of cheese or fresh
meat, so as to give it an odor or artificial scent ; otherwise the
Dog can't find it very easily; or what is still better by far, rub
the stuffed Bird with a genuine Partridge, which will impart to
its feathers a temporary effluvium, that the Dog will at once re-
cognize, and therefore not hesitate to seize for the purpose of
fetching.
A Dog that will industriously and perseveriugly hunt up
wounded or dead Birds when so ordered, we consider abso-
lutely a sine qua. non in shooting. In truth, a Dog that won't
assist his master in this important service, we would almost
consider worthless for Partridge-shooting in some particular
8
114 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
sections of country. Every Dog can be taught tliis duty
without much trouble, although at first it is often necessary to
exercise, with young and high-strung animals, considerable
patience and perseverance, so as to confine their attention to
the particular spot where the game is supposed to have fallen,
thus giving them a fair opportunity of catching the scent
of the Bird if dead, or of getting upon the track of it if only
wounded. When a Dog, more particularly a well-bred Setter,
has once acquired a tact and fondness for this particular duty,
he is most invaluable to the Sportsman, and will save from
prolonged suffering many a poor Bird that would otherwise
linger and die from its fatal wounds. Upon the score, then, of
humanity alone, we should teach our Dogs this important ser-
vice, and never permit them to abandon a disabled Bird till
after the most diligent search. We have already spoken on
this subject under the head of "killing clean," and cannot too
strongly impress these remarks upon the minds of our readers.
The finding of dead game and the following up of wounded
Birds, however, can be taught a Dog without his having the
least idea of fetching or of going in quest of the game till so
ordered ; and, upon the whole, we think answers a far better
purpose than the general run of Dogs tutored to Retrieve.
As for our own part, we never care to have another Retriever
for general sporting, being satisfied to act Dog and fetch our
own game, save in the case of Point or Bar Shooting, when a
good Water-Dog is absolutely indispensable. To be sure, we
may lose an occasional Bird by its falling across a creek or in
some other inaccessible place ; but still, we are fully convinced,
taking all the chances, we shall have done better at the close of
the day without the services of an ordinarily-broken Retriever
than with them. We say ordiymrily broken — by which we mean
about the best of those that we have ever met with in this
countr}'", where gentlemen generally take upon themselves the
task of breaking their own Dogs.
Never lose a Bird, if possible, that you have once marked
down, but hunt the Dogs closely about the spot, kicking the
stubble or brushwood, if there be any ; don't be in too great a
hurry to get over the ground, apd by a little patience, you will
often get many shots that your companion in his anxiety has left
THE PARTRIDGE. 116
behind him. It is bj such manoeuvres that good Sportsmen
always obtain game, no matter how scarce it may be.
It is no uncommon thing, and we doubt not that many of our
readers will have observed the habit that Partridges have of
lying very close till the Sportsman has passed by, and then sud-
denly flirting up, and making off behind him, before he has time
to turn around; therefore, we repeat again, don't be in too much
of a hurry. Kecollect also that the Partridge of America has
been pronounced the most difficult of all Game Birds to find, or
to kill when found, and that frequently they give forth no scent
whatever for several minutes after they alight, and consequently
will defy the cleverest Dogs to point them. Do not, therefore,
be discouraged, either at your want of success in getting Birds
up or your want of skill in bringing them down on all occasions,
but take things coolly, and hunt your dogs patiently, more par-
ticularly when the Birds have flown to close cover.
It is not always prudent to follow Birds immediately into a
thick covert overgrown with rank underbrush, as they will give
forth a better odor in ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes after set-
tling than they would at first. Some Birds, however, run the
very moment they have struck cover, and thus may be lost alto-
gether, as they move along pretty brisk when frightened, and
after a lapse of fifteen minutes may be a mile off from where
they pitched.
Your Dogs will naturally or rather soon learn to hunt along
the sides of the fields adjoining cover, as Partridges do not
affect the middle of the fields except in portions of the country
where they are seldom or never hunted after.
English Dogs, we are satisfied, from personal observation,
in fact, from actual experiment, for we have imported several,
cannot at first find our Partridges with the same facility that
our Dogs do ; and we might go further, and say there never
was an imported Dog over the age of two years that ever ac-
quired the art of finding the American Partridge equal to our
own breed of Pointers and Setters.
We might enlarge considerably on this subject, but we have
already referred our readers to Youatt's work on the Doar,
wherein will be found all that is interesting and useful on this
head.
116 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
MEMORANDA.
1. Partridges are not migratory Birds, althougli great num-
bers show a disposition to shift their quarters at the Eunning
season.
2. The American Partridge is not a Quail, either in habits,
appearance, or the flavor of its flesh.
3. Partridges commence pairing in March; period of incuba-
tion three weeks. The young are capable of locomotion as
soon as freed from the shell, and are able to fly in three or four
weeks.
4. Not susceptible of domestication to any great extent.
5. Partridges are granivorous, and said to be very partial to
buckwheat.
6. It is not uncommon for them to produce two broods in
one season.
7. Young Birds have soft bills, and the legs yellowish or
bluish, and are wanting of the cunning of the old Birds.
8. The English Bird is much larger than the American va-
riety.
9. No use to follow Running Birds, as they will not lie to the
Dogs.
10. Partridges the best game to break Dogs on.
11. Partridges are said to have the power of retaining their
scent.
12. A dry spring will generally produce plenty of Birds the
following autumn.
13. If the weather has been wet and boisterous, look to the
high ground for Birds; if, on the contrary, dry and warm, seek
the low lands.
14. If the morning is fair and clear, the Birds will be on the
move at an early hour; if wet and cold, they are loath to stir.
15. Take the field at as early an hour as possible. Don't be
in too great a hurry to get over the ground ; keep cool, and
take youf»time.
16. Dogs should be taught to hunt up wind and quarter their
ground without being bellowed at.
17. Pointers are better adapted for early shooting than Set-
THE PARTRIDGE,
117
ters; but, when the weather is cool, give us the never-flagging,
never-to-be-stopped Setter.
18, Flush the game yourself — never allow your Dogs to do it.
19, Mark the covey as it goes off. Pay no heed to the dead
Birds; your Dogs ought to find them,
20, When a Bird towers and falls suddenly, he is struck in
the head.
CHAPTER Yll
THE WILD TURKEY. MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO.
"On tlie top
Of yon magnolia, the loud Turkey's voice
Is heralding the dawn : from tree to tree
Extends the M'akeuing watch-note far and wide,
Till the whole woodlands echo with the cry."
* ' DESCRIPTION. ADULT MALE.
Bill shortish, robust, slightly arched, rather obtuse, the base
covered by a bare membrane ; upper mandible with the dorsal
THE WILD TURKEY. 119
outline arched, the sides convex, the edges overlapping, the tip
a little declinate ; under mandible somewhat bulging towards
the tip, the sides convex. Nostrils situated in the basal mem-
brane, oblique, linear, covered by a cartilage.
Head small, flattened above, with a conical pendulous, erec-
tile caruncle on the forehead. Neck slender. Body robust.
Feet l,ongish and strong; tarsus covered anteriorly with numer-
ous transverse scutella, scaly on the sides, sciitellate behind';
toes scutellate above, scabrous, papillar, and flat beneath ; hind
toe elevated, half the length of the lateral toes, which are nearly
equal, and much shorter than the middle toe; claws slighl^y
arched, strong, convex above, obtuse, flat beneath. A conical,
rather obtuse spur on the tarsus, about two-thirds down. Coni-
cal papilla of the forehead rugose, sparsely covered with bristles.
Head bare, and corrugated, the skin irregularly raised, and
covered with a few scattered bristles.
External ear margined with short and slender thin feathers.
Neck also bare, corrugated, beset anteriorly and below with a
series of oblong, irregular, cavernous caruncles, interspersed
with small, bristly feathers.
Plumage in general compact, glossy, with metallic reflection.
Feathers double, as in other gallinaceous Birds, generally ob-
long and truncated. A pendulous tuft of long bristles from the
upper part of the breast. Wings shortish, convex, rounded,
consisting of eighteen broad, rounded feathers, capable of being
erected and expanded in a permanent manner, when the Bird
is excited, and reaching nearly to the ground, -when the Bird
stands erect.
Bill, yellowish-browm. Frontal caruncle blue and red. Ku-
gose and carunculated skin of the head and neck of various
tints of blue and purple, the pendulous anterior caruncles of
the latter, or the ivattles, bright red, changing to blue. Iris
hazel, legs and toes bright purplish-red ; claws brown. Upper
part of the back and wings brownish-yellow, with metallic
lustre, changing to deep purple, the truncated tips of the fea-
thers broadly margined with velvet black. On the middle and
lower back, the black terminal bands of the feathers almost
conceal the bronze color. The large quill coverts are of the
120 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
same color as the back, but more bronzed, witb purple reflec-
tions.
Quills brownisli-black, the primaries banded with grayish-
white, the secondaries with brownish-white, gradually becoming
deeper towards the proximal feathers, which are similar to the
coverts. The lower part of the back and the coverts are deep
chestnut, banded with green and black. The tail feathers are
of the same color, undulatingly barred, and minutely sprinkled
with black, and having a broad, blackish bar towards the tip,
which is pale-brown, and minutely mottled. The under parts
are duller. Breast of the same colors as the back, the terminal
black band not so broad ; sides dark colored ; abdomen and
thighs brownish-gray ; under-tail coverts blackish, glossed with
bronze, and at the tip bright reddish-brown.
Length, 4 feet 1 inch ; extent of wings, 5 feet 8 inches; beak,
1| inches along the ridge, 2 along the gap; tarsus, 7|; middle
toe, 5 ; hind toe, 2 ; pectoral appendage, one foot.
The female is considerably inferior in size, with the luattles
much smaller, the tuft on the breast comparatively small, and
only in old Birds ; the color of the plumage duller, there being
but little of the refulgent hues on the male ; the lower parts
brownish-black. The young, before being fledged, are pale,
brownish-yellow above, pale yellowish-gray beneath, the top of
the head brighter, marked in the middle with a longitudinal
pale brown band ; the back and wings, spotted with brownish-
black, excepting the smaller wing-coverts, which are uniformly
dull brown.
The above will at once be recognized as Audubon's descrip-
tion of this magnificent Bird.
THE NATURAL HISTORY AND LOCALITIES— WHERE FOUND.
The Wild Turkey, the largest of all the Fowls that have been
reclaimed from the primevous forests of this or any other
country, and made subservient to the never-ceasing wants of
selfish man, stands pre-eminent among the Game Birds of
America.
In former times, this noble Bird wandered in undisturbed
peace and quiet, in vast armies, from one end of our remote
THE WILD TUKKEY. 121
country to the other, having little or nothing to dread from the
savage inhabitants of these wild regions, abounding in game,
to them, of a much more attractive as well as useful character-
Then it was, before the pristine forests and luxuriant plains of
this vast Continent had been invaded by the devastating foot
of the white man, that this proud and beautiful Fowl roamed
in joyous security, unmolested, unharmed in its native haunts.
Then it was that the haughty, vainglorious Gobbler, in con-
scious freedom, decked in his gorgeous plumage, with out-
stretched wings, quivering body, and blustering head, pomp-
ously strutted and puffed in mimic grandeur, as it were, to win
the favor of his amorous but still unyielding mates, or meeting
in battle array with sanguinary fury, avenged their jealous
desires. Then it was, hidden away in some choice umbrageous
copse, that the anxious mother, without fear, without restraint,
patiently hatched and reared her tender brood, and brought
them forth with careless solicitude, to feed and wander over the
fruitful plains.
How changed is all this ? scarce a Bird is now to be encoun-
tered on the whole northern and eastern Atlantic board. The
destroying hand of the white man is stretched forth, and his
victims are vainly seeking an asylum far beyond the confines
of the " Father of Waters ;" and the time is fast approaching,
we fear, when we shall hear of the Wild Turkey as one of the
almost extinct species of our land.
Few or none are to be met with, at this present time, north
or east of Pennsylvania, and few, very few, in some of the re-
motest portions of this latter State. Some are found in the
wild and woody regions of Virginia, larger numbers in Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, but only in considerable num-
bers in the unsettled tracts far beyond these localities. During
the last Autumn, while shooting in the interior of Virginia, in
company with our very good friend Andrew Staley, Esq., we
encountered a few of these Birds, but they were in such strag-
gling parties, and so very wild that little or no inducement was
offered to hunt them. We were informed, however, that a Sports-
man in that district, who followed this particular kind of game
with great zeal and ardor, had killed some twenty or more during
the previous season, but even this success, we are well assured,
122 lewis' AMERICAN" SPORTSMAN".
was only accomplished at a great expense of time, patience, and
real labor; of all this, however, we need not speak, as the
Sportsman, no doubt, in his own mind, was richly repaid for all
he endured.
In the wilder portions of Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, and Alabama, they are still to be found in some
abundance, are more scarce in Georgia, Florida, and the Caro-
linas.
We are greatly indebted to our esteemed friend Doctor E.
Percy Sargent, who resides in the neighborhood of Natchez,
and devotes much of his leisure to shooting and the study of
the habits of our Game Birds, for a letter containing much use-
ful as well as practical information regarding the Wild Turkey.
From this article, so kindly furnished us by the Doctor, we shall,
in the course of this compilation, make some considerable
extracts, as well as from Audubon, to whom we owe nearly all
our knowledge of the Bird under consideration ; for we must
frankly confess that our own opportunities of studying them,
in their native haunts, have been very prescribed.
The Doctor informs us that Wild Turkeys are still met
with, in small numbers, in the Cypress Swamps, thick forests,
and wild ridges of the neighborhood away from Natchez. They
are, of course, very wary, cunning, and watchful of the approach
of man, and are only to be killed by those long experienced in
hunting them, and practically familiar with their habits and
secret haunts. Although these Fowl, in the settled districts,
occasionally come out into the open meadows and frequent the
grain-fields, still, they generally secrete themselves in the depths
of the forests, and are seldom to be approached within gunshot,
save when on the roost at early dawn, or when drawn into am-
bush by the deceptive call of the Huntsman.
INCUBATION.
The season devoted by the Wild Turkey to propagation and
incubation, is a very interesting period for the lover of natural
history to study the habits and characteristics of this truly
magnificent Bird.
These promptings of nature to perpetuate her creations, are
THE WILD TURKEY. 123
observed in the Turkey as early as the month of March, and if
the weather be favorable, even as soon as the middle of February.
The first change that takes place in their ordinary habits, that
seems to mark the near approach of this sexual desire, is the
partial separation of the females from the males, accompanied
by the almost incessant gohhling of the latter. The Turkey,
like others of the Gallinaceous order, is very salacious, and does
not, by any means, confine his attentions to one Hen, but often-
times becomes the mate and protector of several, and is ever
ready to give battle at the slightest token of intrusion on the
part of less favored rivals.
These conflicts, too, are often contested in the most desperate
manner, insomuch that death to several of the combatants not
unfrequently results in a general engagement.
Audubon remarks on this head : " I have often been much
diverted, while watching two males in fierce conflict, by seeing
them move alternately backwards and forwards, as either had
obtained a better hold, their wings drooping, their tails partly
raised, their body feathers ruffled, and their heads covered with
blood. If, as they thus struggle, and gasp for breath, one of
them should lose his hold, his chance is over ; for the other, still
holding fast, hits him violently with spurs and wings, and in a
few minutes brings him to the ground. The moment he is
dead, the conqueror treads him under foot, but, what is strange,
not with hatred, but with all the motions which he employs in
caressing the female."
The period of sexual intercourse continues for several weeks,
when the female, towards the middle of April, begins to make
arrangements for placing her eggs in security. She now sees
far less of her mate, being anxiously occupied in securing a
favorable site for the nest, which is formed on the ground in a
very slovenly and artless manner.
A dry situation is always selected for this purpose, most gene-
rally a mere hollow, scooped out in the ground by the side of
an old stump, moss-covered-log, or fallen tree, hidden from
casual view, by the intervention of thick and tangled bushes,
and the approach protected by the rank growth of creeping
vines and matted briers.
They also form their nests occasionally in the small thickets
124 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
or briery patches of the open fields (Doctor Sargent informs us
that such is most generally the case about his neighborhood) as
well as within the edge of the cane-brakes. Audubon states
"that the eggs, which are of a dull cream color, sprinkled with
red dots, sometimes amount to twenty, although the more usual
number is from ten to fifteen."
The Hen is very cautious when approaching her nest, so much
so, that she seldom goes to it more than once by the same route,
and when she leaves it for the purpose of feeding or seeking the
company of her mate, she carefully conceals the eggs from ob-
servation, by covering them over with leaves.
The Turkey-Cock does not assist in the duties of incubation,
but, on the other hand, is ever eager to discover the nest and
destroy the eggs, so that he may insure for himself the further
company of the Hen. This latter circumstance, therefore, is
one of the strongest incentives which urges the anxious mother
to conceal the locality of the nest from her jealous and treacher-
ous mate. Several Hens, we are informed, occasionally deposit
their eggs in the same nest in beautiful harmony, and being
thus intimately associated, pursue their maternal duties in per-
fect congeniality and increased security from the attacks of wild
animals, birds of prey, or lurking serpents. Audubon mentions
having discovered three sitting on forty-two eggs.
When on the nest, the Hen is noiseless as death itself, but
watchful as her keen vision and acute hearing can possibly
make her; and with equal sagacity, though trembling with terror
for the safety of herself and eggs, will permit the unconscious
intruder to pass within a few paces of her, without moving from
her seat.
When the full period of incubation is drawing to a close, the
Hen will not leave the nest under any contingency ; she will
rather sacrifice her own life, than abandon the offspring just
about bursting into existence. Indeed, so resolute is she in her
nearly accomplished purpose that, Audubon states, she will
even allow an inclosure to be built around her, rather than for-
sake them at this critical juncture.
How marvellous ! how powerful ! how impressive the instinct
that thus sways the actions of an otherwise timid, cautious, and
wary Bird, that under ordinary circumstances takes alarm at
THE WILD TURKEY. 125
the slightest token of danger, not only fleeing the presence of
man, but driven into precipitate flight at the very sound of his
voice !
Wet weather and low moist grounds are very detrimental to
the well-being of the young Turkeys; insomuch that an in-
clement spell, about the period of hatching, is very destructive
to the tender brood. The Hen mother at such seasons, doubly
solicitous for the preservation of her sensitive offspring, seeks
the high, dry grounds, and to further ward off the ill effects
resulting from rude exposure to rain, Audubon tells us that
she, with instinctive ingenuit}'-, feeds them upon the buds of the
Spice-wood bush.
The young continue to nestle on the ground for two or three
weeks ; they are then sufficiently strong to take to the low limbs
of trees, where they roost under the wide-extended wings of
their ever-anxious parent. The plumage of the young Bird
grows with considerable vigor, and they increase in size and
strength very rapidly, provided the weather continues propi-
tious.
As early as the month of August, the young Turkeys are
quite able to take care of themselves, as well as fly to the tops
of the highest trees. About this time, our Author, from whom
we have already quoted so liberally, informs us that " the young
Cocks show the tuft on the breast, and begin to gobble and sirut^
while the young Hens pur and leap."
The Wild Turkey, as a general habit, rears but one brood of
a season ; but if she forsakes, or is driven from the nest, or the
eggs destroyed by some one of her numerous enemies, she seeks
her mate and makes preparations for another setting.
During the period immediately succeeding that devoted to
sexual enjoyment, "the males become greatly emaciated, and
cease to gobble^ their breast-sponge becoming flat. They then
separate from the Hens, and one might suppose that they had
entirely deserted their neighbors. At such seasons I have
found them lying by the side of a log, in some retired part of
the dense woods and cane thickets, and often permitting one to
approach within a few feet. They are then unable to fly, but
run swiftly, and to a great distance."
Several weeks elapse before the Gobblers entirely recover
126 lewis' amekican spoktsman.
their condition, when they all reassemble, old and young,
males and females, and move ojEf to some more favored feeding-
ground.
FOOD.
The Wild Turkey is not very particular in the choice of its
food ; but little comes amiss. They partake indiscriminately of
all the forest fruits, such as nuts and berries; also consume con-
siderably of grass, herbs, buds, seeds, &;c., as well as beetles,
grasshoppers, tadpoles, worms, and even lizards. When feed-
ing on the plains, they feast on strawberries, dewberries, black-
berries, and all like productions.
Audubon states that they are particularly partial to the pecan -
nut and winter grape ; they also eat largely of the fruit of the
oak and beech, as well as of all kinds of grain, when to be
obtained without too much exposure.
MIGRATIONS.
The Turkey is principally influenced in its movements after
the breeding season, by the abundance or non-abundance of
food. They often wander in enormous droves, at certain times,
over a wide extent of country in search of mast^ on which they
principally feed during the late autumn and winter months.
When they encounter a river during these perigrinations, they
mount the loftiest trees on the banks, and after a general con-
ference, which sometimes, strange to say, lasts a day or two, the
whole party, at a given signal from the leaders, take flight and
reach the opposite shore without much difficulty.
Should any, however, from want of confidence or strength,
fail in the effort and pitch in the water, they swim with consi-
derable dexterity, and soon gain the land.
THEIR DpMESTICATlON.
The Wild Turkey is a native solely of the New World ; it
is indigenous to the wilds of America, and the origin of the
domestic Fowl so generally distributed over the whole civilized
globe.
THE WILD TURKEY. 127
It is, then, to the forests of our country, that the Old World
is indebted for one of the most common, but at the same time,
one of the most choice of all the barnyard Fowls that have,
by the ingenuity of man, been reclaimed from their native
haunts, to minister to his daily wants.
" In a state of domestication, the Wild Turkey, though kept
separate from tame individuals, lose the brilliancy of their plum-
age in the third generation, becoming plain brown, and having
here and there white feathers intermixed."
Wild Turkeys often, when opportunities offer, associate with
tame ones, and with great advantage to the latter, as it improves
the stock, making them more hardy, and consequently, less
difficult to raise.
It is a subject of somewhat curious interest to examine the
various notions or theories that have been broached by different
writers, by way of explaining, in a satisfactory manner, how this
Fowl, entirely indigenous to the Western Hemisphere, should
have received the appellation of Turkey ; for this name would
very naturally seem to imply that the Bird was a native of the
East, rather than of the New World.
This seeming paradox may, however, be reconciled by a
reference to the history of the period of its introduction into
England. The Turks were then in their zenith of glory, or
rather were in their most lawless state of rapine and plunder ;
insomuch that the whole nation was dreaded as well as despised
throughout all Christendom.
Their ships, almost unmolested, swept the waters of the Medi-
terranean, while their fleet galleys laid waste the sunny shores
of Italia, as well as carried devastation along the coasts of
Hispania and the adjacent countries. As a nation, they were
nothing more than a horde of barbarians, a band of pirates,
leagued together for the purpose of carnage and pillage ; their
very name became a byword to all the more civilized people
of the Old World ; a token of contempt, a symbol of cruelty,
cowardice, and oppression. Such was the period of the advent
of this Fowl in England ; and coming as a stranger from distant
parts, no one knew where, nor did they care, as they were re-
garded as fancy Fowls alone, but most probably through the
medium of some of the British cruisers from the coast of Spain,
128 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
where, no doubt, many of the Birds had already been brought
from the newly-acquired Spanish possessions in the New World,
was dubbed Turkey^ or Turkey- Bird^ in a spirit, perhaps, of irony
or contempt for its irascible and pugnacious disposition, as
evinced in its blustering attitudes, unmeaning struttings, and
senseless gobblings. And this title seemed the still more
appropriate for the pompous stranger, owing to the pectoral
appendage, resembling so much the huge tufts of beard that the
Turks were so remarkable for cultivating.
The singular misnomer of this Fowl seems conclusive evi-
dence that the Bird was not brought to England direct from
America ; and whether there be any truth or not in the above
conjecture, there is certainly much plausibility in the deduction?.
However, let all this be as it may, it is a well-known fact that,
about the period of its introduction into England, during the
reign of that monster Henry VIII., the British merchants carried
on a considerable trafiic throughout the Mediterranean, and even
extended their voyages as far as Smyrna on the one side, and
Constantinople on the other. And it is not improbable that
their vessels, on their return voyages, stopping for trading pur-
poses at the different Spanish ports, may have brought home as
mere fancy Fowls, some of these Birds lately arrived from the
Western World.
And thus alone, from the mere circumstance of arriving in
England through the medium of these same Turkish traders,
ignorant, perhaps, themselves of the true history of the Fowl,
or too careless and indifferent to name it even if they had learned
it was very naturally, by the uninitiated, presumed to have been
brought from the most remote regions that the vessels visited,
which was Constantinople, and consequently received the cog-
nomen of Turkey or Turkey-Bird, without any particular allu-
sion to the peculiar condition of the Turks at this period.
With the exception of the Hen and Goose, the Turkey is by
far the most valuable addition that has been made to our do-
mestic Fowls, and it is somewhat strange that the history of its
transplantation across the waters should have become involved
in so much obscurity, that more than one eminent author has
striven to establish an Asiatic or African origin for it.
But such efforts at imposition could not long stand before the
THE WILD TURKEY.
129
ever ready pen of the close investigating BufFon, who soon, by
a few researches, cleared away the mist by which these specious
writers had enveloped the early history of the Bird, and pro-
claimed it a Fowl indigenous to the wilds of America alone.
Prescott, in his Conquest of Mexico^ makes frequent mention
of the Turkey, not only in its wild state, but as domesticated
among the Aztecs; in fact, they were more common than any
other kind of poultry among this strange people. And as a
proof of this assertion, we need only state that, along with other
items enumerated in a list of yearly expenditures of the Tez-
cucan Monarch, was an almost incredible number of Turkeys,
being no less than eight thousand.
THEIR FLESH.
The flesh of the "Wild Turkey assimilates very closely to that
of the tame Fowl, but is darker, more juicy, and, of course, more
gamey.
TRAPPING TURKEYS^ .
In parts of the country where these Birds are numerous, the
most effectual mode to procure a supply, is to catch them in
traps, or rather pens.
Audubon states that they are constructed thus: " Young trees,
9
130 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
of four or five inches in diameter, are cut down and divided into
pieces of the length of twelve or fourteen feet. Two of these
are laid on the ground, parallel to each other, at a distance of
ten or twelve feet. Two other pieces are laid across the ends
of these, at right angles to them ; and in this manner successive
layers are added, until the fabric is raised to the height of four
feet. It is then covered with similar pieces of wood, placed
three or four inches apart, and loaded with one or two heavy
logs to render the whole firm. This done, a trench, about
eighteen inches in depth and width, is cut under one side of the
cage, into which it opens slantingly and rather abruptly. It is
continued on its outside to some distance, so as gradually to
attain the level of the surrounding ground. Over the part of
this trench within the pen, and close to the wall, some sticks
are placed so as to form a kind of bridge about a foot in breadth.
" The trap being now finished, the owner places a quantity of
Indian Corn in its centre, as well as in the trench, and as he
walks off, drops here and there a few grains in the woods, some-
times to the distance of a mile. This is repeated at every visit
to the trap, after the Turkeys have found it. Sometimes two
trenches are cut, in which case the trenches enter on opposite
sides of the trap, and are both strewn with corn. No sooner
has a Turkey discovered the train of corn, than it communicates
the circumstance to the flock by a cluck, when all of them come
up, and searching for the grains scattered about, at length come
upon the trench, which they follow, squeezing themselves, one
after another, through the passage under the bridge. In this
manner the whole flock sometimes enters, but more commonly,
six or seven only, as they are alarmed by the least noise, even
the cracking of a tree in frosty weather.
" Those within having gorged themselves, raise their heads,
and try to force their way through the top or sides of the pen,
passing and repassing on the bridge, but never, for a moment,
looking down, or attempting to escape through the passage by
which they enter. Thus they remain until the owner of the
trap arriving, closes the trench, and secures his captives.
Doctor Sargent informs us that it is usual, in his part of the
country, to make these pens in the corners of the worm fences."
THE WILD TURKEY. 131
SHOOTING TURKEYS.
Various plaQS are resorted to by Huntsmen to kill Turkeys,
dependent in a great measure upon the particular locality shot
over.
If the country be new and wild, and the Birds abundant, as
well as seldom pursued, much less stratagem is necessary to
approach them, than if the region is thickly settled, and the
Turkeys proportionately scarce and wary from previous hunt-
ing ; for in this case, it requires much labor, skill, and cunning,
to entice them within gun or rifle shot.
A good Turkey-Dog is of great consequence, Audubon re-
marks, in the pursuit of these Birds, as they not only scent the
game from a great distance, but when up with it, perform the
most essential service in running into their midst, and forcing
them to take flight to the trees in the utmost confusion, thus
procuring for the Sportsman the most desirable shots.
If the Turkeys were not thus scattered by the Dog, and made
to take to the trees in disorder and terror, they would all make
off in a body, with such suddenness and precipitancy, that it
would be impossible for the Sportsman to come up with them.
The Wild Turkey runs with amazing celerity, vigor, and
bottom, in so much that they soon outstrip both Dog and Eider;
even when badly winged, it requires a swift Dog to overtake
them.
Turkeys are easily killed if shot in the head or neck ; when
hit only in the body, they most frequently make off and are lost
to the Hunter.
It is a common practice in some localities, to shoot these
Birds on their roost on moonlight nights, when they can be dis-
tinguished quite easily on the trees.
Dr. Sargent states " that Wild Turkeys commence gobbling
a little before the break of day, and continue on their roosts
lentil broad light ; during this interim, the Hunter can cautiously
glide within shooting distance of the tree upon which they are
perched, and, silently and patiently awaiting till the dawn has
broken, secure his game without further trouble. This march
upon our victims, however, must be accomplished in the most
132 lewis' AMERICAN sportsman.
Stealthy manner, otherwise, the wary Gobbler will be alarmed,
and seek safety in the most inglorious flight." If such should be
the case, the Doctor further remarks, that the Sportsman must
now remain perfectly calm and quiet for twenty minutes or so,
and then, perhaps, by a few well-timed yelps^ may be able to
draw the wary, bat still amorous swain within the deadly am-
bush. Another artifice has also been resorted to bv the
Doctor, to secure this wary Bird, by securing a tame Turkey
in a suitable position, with a long cord attached to his leg, by
pulling which, the captive is made to cluck from time to time,
so as to attract the notice cff any wild ones that are known to
be concealed or feeding in the immediate vicinity; for a Gob-
bler, on hearing this call or cry of another, instantly rushes for-
wards to meet him, and is thus easily shot down.
ENEMIES.
The Wild Turkey is pursued, harassed, and preyed upon by
Quadrupeds innumerable, as well as by the larger species of
Birds of Prey. The Wolf, Fox, Lynx, Cougars, Opossums,
and Wild Cats, all prowl about, destroying their nests as well
as tender offspring, or, lying in wait, pounce upon the full-grown
Birds as their lawful prey.
Audubon remarks on this head, " that the Lynx sucks their
eggs, and is extremely expert at seizing both young and old,
which he effects in the following manner : When he has dis-
covered a flock of Turkeys, he follows them at a distance for
some time, until he ascertains the direction in which they are
proceeding. He then makes a rapid circular movement, gets
in advance of the flock, and lays himself down in ambush,
until the Birds come up, when he springs upon one of them by
a single bound, and secures it. While once sitting in the woods,
on the banks of the Wabash, I observed two large Turkey-
Cocks on a log by the river, pluming and picking themselves.
I watched their movements for awhile, when, of a sudden, one
of them flew across the river, while I perceived the other strug-
gling under the grasp of a Lynx."
The larger species of Owls, as well as Hawks, are said to
THE WILD TURKEY.
133
attack and destroy the full-grown Birds as well as those of a
more tender age.
The lurking and noisome Serpent also plunders the nest and
secures the helpless brood when first merged into existence.
'■'•■"...» ii
CHAPTER YIII.
THE EUFFED GROUSE, OR PHEASANT. TETRAO UMBELLUS.
"Two -wliirring Pheasants swept across our path,
And swift as lightning flew the fiery death — "
THEIR LOCALITY.
The Ruffed Grouse is found in almost every section of our
country, from the northernmost latitudes, even as far south as
Georgia. They are at times abundant in the pines of Jersey,
as well as the mountainous ranges of the Mississippi and Co-
lumbia Rivers.
Numbers of Grouse were formerly found in the higher ele-
vations of the barrens of Kentucky and Tennessee ; and some
remain there even at the present time, although far less abund-
ant than they were a few years since. This particular section
of country afforded fine protection and plenty of agreeable food
for these Birds, and the regular temperature of the climate was
at all times such as was most congenial to their habits.
THE PHEASANT. 135
NOMENCLATURE.
The Euffed Grouse derives its name from the peculiar con-
struction of the plumage on the neck — "A large space being
left destitute of feathers, but covered over by an erectile Eufif of
elongated feathers, of which the upper are silky, shining, and
curved forward at the end, which is very broad and rounded."
Like most others of our Game Birds, the Euffed Grouse has
several local appellations ; it is called Partridge in the Eastern
States, Pheasant in the Middle, and Grouse in the Western.
So general is it with us all to call this Bird Pheasant in Penn-
sylvania, and by no other name, that it really would appear
like a piece of pedantry to give it its proper appellation of
Grouse; in fact, most of our Shooters would not recognize the
Bird at all by this name.
DESCRIPTION.
The Pheasant is eighteen inches long, and twenty-three in
extent; bill a horn color; eye reddish-hazel, immediately above
Avhich is a small spot of bare skin of a scarlet color; crested
head, and neck variegated with black, red, brown, white, and
pale-brown; sides of the neck furnished with a tuft of large
black feathers, twenty-nine or thirty in number, which it occa-
sionally raises ; this tuft covers a large space of the neck desti-
tute of feathers ; body above a bright rust color, marked with
oval spots of yellowish-white, and sprinkled with white, spotted
with olive ; the tail is rounding, extends five inches beyond the
tips of the wings, is of a reddish-brown, beautifully marked
with numerous waving transverse hairs of black, is also crossed
by a broad band of black, within half an inch of the tip, which
is bluish-white, thickly sprinkled and specked with black;
body below white, marked with large blotches of pale brown;
the legs are covered half-way to the feet with hairy down, of a
brownish-white color ; legs and feet pale-ash ; toes pectinated
along the sides, the two exterior ones joined at the base as far
as the first joint by a membrane ; vent yellowish rust color.
The plumage of the female is less beautiful, the Eufif smaller
136 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
and more of a brownish color ; the bar of black on the tail is
also of a lighter color, and the plumage generally of a lighter
shade.
Many persons confound the Buffed Grouse with the Prairie
Hen ; but this is quite wrong, as there is a striking difference
between the two Birds, not only in their plumage, but also in
their modes of life. The former variety, it is well known to
every one at all familiar with its habits, delights in the mount-
ainous districts of our country, and is particularly partial to
craggy sides of the hills, and the steep, rocky, and almost
inaccessible banks of rivers or small streams; while, on the
other hand, the Prairie Grouse feeds entirely upon the open
plains and clear countries of the West, and never, except
when disturbed by the Huntsman, forsakes these situations for
the woods.
THEIR GRADUAL DESTRUCTION.
The Euflfed Grouse, as well as the Pinnated, is fast retiring
from before the destructive hand of the whites; for, notwith-
standing the broods of the former are so very prolific, and
their haunts so retired, the demand for them in our cities
increases so fast that every encouragement is offered to the
ruthless hand of the Netter and Trapper, who is ever at work
thinning their numbers, in season or out of season, as may best
suit his convenience or the depraved palates of his guilty cus-
tomers. There are, however, considerable numbers of Grouse
in some portions of New Jersey, and many more in Pennsyl-
vania and New York ; but every season sends forth a myriad
of Gunners to shoot them down, while the deep snows of our
long winters drive them half famished into the fatal traps and
snares that are so thickly scattered over their haunts. We
need hardly speak at this particular time of the unsportsman-
like and barbarous custom of shooting game out of season, or
offer any comment upon the subject, as we have already said
much under another head ; and, we trust, quite enough to in-
duce every sensible man to discountenance such proceedings
as far as in his power, whether he be a Sportsman or not.
THE PHEASANT. 187
For, without some attention is given to this matter by the people
generally, we may soon expect to find our whole Atlantic
board entirely destitute of game of every description.
INCUBATION.
The Pheasant begins pairing in March and April, and the
nest is finished in the course of two or three weeks. The most
solitary situations are selected for incubation, and the nest itself
is formed even more rudely than that of the Partridge, but of
pretty much the same material, and generally at the base of a
small bush, tree, or old stump. The Hen generally drops from
five to twelve eggs, of a dull-yellowish color, without spots, and
nearly the size of those of a Polish Chicken. The nest, not-
withstanding the secrecy of its situation, is often plundered
during the absence of the Hen, by the Crow, Eaven, and other
cruel enemies, that are constantly on the watch to seize upon
such delicacies as it contains. In this case, the Hen is very apt
to court again the society of the Cock Birds, form a new nest,
and go to laying a second time ; which, as in the Partridge, has
given rise to the idea of two broods in a season. The young-
leave the nest almost as soon as hatched, and follow the mother
in quest of food ; if surprised during these perambulations,
they skulk in the grass as young Partridges do, while the Hen
resorts to the same artifices to allure the Sportsman away from
the vicinity of her tender offspring. Wilson mentions that on
one occasion, having accidentally come upon a Hen Pheasant in
company with her brood, she flew up, evidently much alarmed,
and fluttered for a few moments before him, and then darted
down and seized one of the young in her bill and bore it off
to a place of safety, leaving him, of course, greatly surprised
at the extraordinary incident.
The young Birds are sufficiently strong and well grown to
fly a short distance in the course of a very few days. The
Cock Bird does not assist the mother in the care of the brood,
but associate themselves together in small bands till the au-
tumn, or rather the commencement of cold weather, when they
all again mingle indiscriminately together, young and old.
138 lewis' AMERICAN" SPORTSMAN.
DRUMMING.
Early in the spring, the forests resound far and wide, in cer-
tain portions of our country, with the Drumming of the Cock
Pheasant, who adopts this rather singular method of calling
the Hen into his presence; in fact, the making of this pecu-
liar noise is the only sure plan that he has of wooing his
mate from her close retreat during the period of incubation.
This operation is a very singular manoeuvre, and we know not
better how to explain it to our readers than in the words of
Audubon : —
"The male Bird, standing erect on a prostrate decayed trunk,
raises the feathers of its body in the manner of a Turkey-Cock,
draws its head towards its tail, erecting the feathers of the latter
at the same time, and raising its Bufi' around the neck, suffers
its wings to drop, and struts about on the log. A few moments
elapse, when the Bird draws the whole of its feathers close to
its body, and, stretching itself out, beats its sides with its wings
in the manner of the domestic Cock, but more loudly, and with
such rapidity of motion, after a few of the first strokes, as to
cause a tremor in the air not unlike the rumbling of distant
thunder."
This rumbling sound is called the Drumming of the Pheasant,
and in clear weather may be heard a long distance off". The
Cock resorts to the same spot, if undisturbed, during the whole
breeding season, for the purpose of performing these singular
manoeuvres, as may very easily be proved by the large deposit
of excrement and feathers that are always found in places suit-
able for this purpose.
During the pairing season, fierce battles often take place be-
tween the males for the possession of the females. The Cocks
are not confined entirely in their attentions to one mate, but
often have several Hens under their protection.
MIGRATIONS.
Like the Partridge and Wild Turkey, Pheasants are said to
perform partial migrations, from northwest to southeast, at the
THE PHEASANT. 139
approach of winter, but their excursions are neither so general
nor extensive as those of the Partridge. Pheasants fly with great
ease, and do not hesitate to cross the widest rivers that obstruct
their way during the season of migration. Audubon, speaking
of these migrations, remarks "that no one who pays the least
attention to the manners and habits of our Birds can fail to ob-
serve them."
FLIGHT.
This Bird, as most others of the Gallinaceous order, when dis-
turbed, flies with a loud whirring noise, even louder and more
startling than that made by the springing of a large covey of
Partridges. They usually fly away in a direct line, and seldom
or never either cross the Shooter or fly behind him.
When not put to flight from fear or any other exciting cause,
they move off slowly and rather stiffly, flapping their wings for
a few seconds, and then sailing ahead. They seldom go further
than a few hundred yards at a time. Audubon does not think
that any of the Gallinaceous tribe, when moving through the
air, perfectly free from excitement, necessarily makes a whirring
sound ; but, on the contrary, supposes the noise is produced by
the unusual rapidity in the motion of the wings, owing to the
over anxiety of the Bird to escape the suspected danger. He
also states that he has observed Pheasants, as well as Partridges,
rise and fly off of their own free will, without making the least
noise ; but, on the contrary, they got up as lightly and noise
lessly as other Birds.
HABITS.
The Ruffed Grouse, as before stated, is a very solitary Bird ;
they are commonly found in small packs of four to eight, in
sections of the country where they are not too much hunted.
If frequently disturbed, it is rare to find more than a single
pair together. They delight in high elevated districts, and love
to roam about in dense and secluded forests, watered by some
large stream, upon the precipitate banks of which they can
repose in silence, or wander about in search of food. At a very
140 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
early hour in the morning, they usually leave their secluded
haunts, and repair to the roads that traverse the forests, where
they busy themselves in picking up gravel, and scratching for
grain in the droppings of horses. Euffed Grouse are also par-
ticularly partial to most kinds of seeds, berries, and grapes, and
are always in good condition when they can procure a supply
of wild strawberries, dewberries, and whortleberries, and will
not hesitate to roam long distances from their retreats in search
of these delicacies when in season. In the spring, Grouse feed
on the tender buds of various trees, and are perhaps less wild
then than at any other period of the year, but they are generally
very poor and tasteless. In the winter season. Grouse, as well
as Partridges, are driven to great extremes for food, and when
the snow is very deep they depend almost entirely for suste-
nance on the buds and leaves of the mountain laurel (Kalmia
Latifolia), and which food is said to poison their flesh so much
that it is dangerous to partake of them.
We have already spoken of this circumstance when treating
of the Partridge, and avail ourselves of this opportunity to say
that we are very skeptical on this head, and doubt very much
whether a fresh-killed Pheasant could possibly poison any one
partaking of it, no matter how long the Bird had been forced
to feed upon the shrub. We are disposed to attribute these
instances of poisoning referred to by writers to other circum-
stances than the mere feeding on this shrub, and would rather
consider them as the consequence of partaking of these Birds
when half putrid from age, or even when preserved perfectly
sweet for a long while after death, with the craws stuffed full
of this plant, which might possibly render the flesh poisonous
by the absorption or impregnation of its noxious juices. Such,
in fact, is the opinion of most of the Ornithologists who have
given the subject their attention. As for ourself, we would not,
nor never did we hesitate to partake of Pheasants at all season-
able times, and often with a full knowledge of their craws being
stuffed with the leaves of laurel, provided we were satisfied that
the Birds had been lately killed, or that they had been drawn
soon after being shot.
The Pheasant roosts in the trees very similar to Chickens,
THE PHEASANT. 141
but more apart from each other. Thej generally retire to the
thickest portions of the woods to pass the night.
ENEMIES.
The Pheasant as well as the Partridge, has many enemies
independent of man. Polecats, Weasels, Eaccoons, Opossums,
Foxes, Crows, &c., all prey, when an opportunity offers, either
upon the eggs or the young Birds. The Weasel attacks the
old Birds on their roosts, and the Fox does not hesitate to
pounce upon them when feeding. The larger species of Hawks
also destroy them ; and none are more fatal in their attacks
upon all kinds of Birds than the Eed-tailed and Stanley
Hawks.
DELICACY OF THEIR MEAT.
The flesh of the Ruffed Grouse is white, and is considered far
more delicate and juicy than that of the Prairie Hen, which is
dark. We most cheerfully subscribe to this opinion, and doubt
very much whether we have any Game Bird superior to the
Ruffed Grouse in point of excellency of flavor. Some of our
readers, perhaps, will differ from us in this assertion. However,
we assure them that we could make many converts to our
opinion, provided they are willing to make trial of our hints
on cooking them, as detailed under another head. Much
depends upon the science of the cook for the delicacy of all
game ; but in no kind of game is the superiority of cooking
shown more than in the serving up of Pheasants, which may
be rendered as tough and dry as a chip, or as delicate and juicy
as a Reed Bird. It is no unusual thing to receive English game
on this side of the water, during the winter months, in perfect
condition. A few days since we dined* off both English
Pheasants and Grouse, brought out by one of our Steamers ;
both were in excellent order. The meat of the English Phea-
sant is white and the flavor very similar to that of our Bird,
more juicy perhaps, but we could not or would not have per-
♦
* At the kind invitation of our friend, Andrew Staley, Esq.
142 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
ceived perhaps any difference in the flavor, if we had not been
previously informed that they were English Birds — they are
larger than the American species. The Grouse were dark ;
meat, very juicy, gamey, and larger than our Prairie Hen, the
Tetrao Cupido.
MODES OF SHOOTING.
Several plans are resorted to for getting Pheasants to supply
the markets of Philadelphia and New York. Many are caught
in nets and nooses, others in traps, and numbers are shot down
by being decoyed into ambuscades by trails of grain laid on
top of the snow. These Birds are extremely wary, except
when pushed by the cravings of hunger, when they become
more bold and venturesome. In districts where they are hunted
after, it requires great caution and perseverance on the part of
a Shooter to get these Birds. When suddenly come upon,
they will often squat, and lie close till you have passed by,
when they spring up and make off at a tremendous speed.
They generally take to the thickest cripples, or perch them-
selves in the highest forest-trees, so buried in the foliage that it
is impossible to get sight of them, and there remain perfectly
motionless till all danger has passed. Shooting Grouse, where
they are not too scarce, is very lively sport, but is usually
attended with great toil, more especially in the vicinity of long
settled districts, when the sport is generally precarious and
uncertain. If a Grouse is missed after being sprung, it is seldom
that we can get another shot at it, as it is extremely wary, and
will not let the Sportsman again come sufficiently near to insure
its destruction. The young Birds fly very short distances, and
hardly ever higher than the tops of the laurels, where they are
most frequently met with.
When Pheasants are raised on the declivity of a hill, they
dive apparently for its base, but, after flying a short distance,
usually turn off in another direction, and by this trick, as it
may be called, they are very apt to mislead the inexperienced
Shooter.
Audubon denies the commonly received opinion that several
of these Birds can be shot off the same tree without disturbing
THE PHEASANT. 143
the others, provided you commence with the lower ones first,
and proceed regularly up. He states that, after repeated trials,
he never succeeded except in some very few instances, when
there was a heavy fall of snow ; and even then he only obtained
three or four in this way. In the winter season, when the
snow is very deep and soft. Pheasants, when hard hunted, will
occasionally bury themselves in it, or rather dive into it, and
emerge again at a few paces in advance.
During the Drumming season, these wary Birds can be de-
coyed from a considerable distance by imitating this peculiar
noise, which may be done by striking a large inflated bullock's
bladder with a small stick, being cautious to preserve, as far as
possible, the marked time in which the Cock Bird beats. The
Buffed Grouse being naturally so shy and retiring in its habits,
it is not strange that they should not lie well to a Dog ; and
we do not know exactly what directions to give on this point,
as we have never had much experience in this kind of sport,
and very few of our sporting friends are sufSciently aufait in
the matter to give us much useful information. Those worthies
that shoot for the markets generally go after them accompanied
by a small mongrel terrier, or cur, which is taught to range
through the thickets and brushwood that these Birds usually
haunt, and gives voice as freely and as lively as a well-trained
Cocker would do, and, by following after the Bird, designates
its course, or, perhaps, stopping under some tree where the
game has pitched, betrays it to the Shooter. This latter is
called " treeing Pheasants." Many of these apparently worth-
less little curs are very fond of this sport, and, by practice, be-
come wonderfully expert in the business, and will often discover
Pheasants where no other eye could distinguish them. They
are, also, at times, taught to retrieve, and will pursue a wounded
Pheasant with a perseverance and courage that often would put
the owners of the finest Dogs to the blush. A Dog of this kind,
to a Shooter for the markets, is worth his weight in gold, in a
neighborhood where these Birds are plenty; and so one of them
expressed himself to us, when extolling the qualities of his ugly
little brute, a short time since; and well he might brag upon
the merits of his shooting companion, if he could perform one-
half of the deeds attributed to him ; for, in a word, he was a
144 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
capital watch-Dog, a good-natured playfellow for his children,
a superior Pheasant Dog, a courageous ducker, an excellent
piger, unequalled ratter, fair on Snipe, and useful on Partridges,
etc. etc.
If a Setter be used for Pheasant shooting — and he certainly
is far preferable to a Pointer for this sport — he should be old
and steady, and contented with a point at twenty, or even
thirty feet, as it is almost impossible for a Dog to make a
nearer approach, even in the closest cover, as these wild Birds
are constantly on the alert, and will make off at the first inti-
mation of danger, either by taking wing, or running. Early
in the season, however, when Grouse are young, they will lie
much better, and are always in fine condition for the table,
owing to the great abundance of wild fruit that they obtain.
The Cocker, Spaniel, and Springer, as stated in our edition of
Youatt, are, no doubt, the proper Dogs to hunt this game with.
When the presence of Grouse is suspected, great caution and
absolute silence are necessary to approach them, as it is a sin-
gular circumstance, but, nevertheless, a well-established fact,
that Grouse will bear the presence of a Dog, or even the report
of a gun, much better than they will a single sound of the
human voice, a fact which any one can test whenever an oppor-
tunity offers for him to raise them when pointed by his Dog. A
single word spoken will always be sufficient to do it.
SNARES, ETC.
Many Pheasants are snared and entrapped by the same means
resorted to in taking Partridges, and we may safely say that full
one-half of the Birds brought to market are obtained in this
way, and not by the gun. Pheasants, when feeding, resemble
the Woodcock in one particular, and that is, their intolerable
aversion to clamber or fly over any trifling obstruction that
may be placed in their course through their feeding-grounds ;
and this singularity is taken advantage of by the country boys,
who place a barrier across their haunts, a foot or more high,
with small openings at short distances apart, set with horsehair
snoods, as before described, and thus take large numbers in the
course of the season.
THE PHEASANT,
145
A
MEMORANDA.
1. The Rufied Grouse, or, as we have consented to call it, the
Pheasant, is found in all the wild and mountainous districts of
our country, from the most northern latitudes as far south as
Georgia.
2. They are called Partridge in the Eastern, Pheasant in the
Middle, and Grouse in the Southern States. There are no
Pheasants, properly speaking, in America.
3. These Birds commence pairing in March and April. The
nest usually contains from five to twelve eggs.
4. The Cock Pheasant is not faithful to one mate alone;
neither does he assist in incubation, or in the care of the brood.
They associate together in small bands till the young are full
grown, when they all pack indiscriminately together.
5. The Cock Bird attracts the attention of the Hen, and se-
duces her from her nest, by making a peculiar noise, termed
Drumming.
6. At the Drumming season they are very pugnacious, and
frequent battles take place among the males at this time.
7. The prevalent opinion that the flesh of the Pheasant be-
comes poisonous by partaking of the leaves and berries of the
mountain laurel, is all fallacious, and may, without hesitation,
be classed among the list of vulgar errors.
8. Pheasants are partial to wild strawberries, dewberries,
whortleberries, &c., in fact, all kinds of fruit ; their flesh is
white, and far more delicate than that of the Prairie Hen.
10
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CHAPTER IX.
PINNATED GROUSE, OR PRAIRIE HEN. TETRAO CUPIDO.
" Hurrah for the Prairie ! No blight on its breeze,
No mist from the mountains, no shadow from trees."
DESCRIPTION.
This species of Grouse is very different in many respects
from the last-mentioned variety. Its appearance, habits, flesh,
are all quite dissimilar, and we regret never having had very
full opportunities for studying these interesting Birds in their
natural haunts, the rich Prairies of the far West. However, we,
as many others, have this pleasure still in anticipation, and in
the mean time will endeavor to lay before our sporting friends
all the information upon this head that we have culled from
reading and conversing with those who have been in the habit
of hunting these Birds for years past; and trust, at all events,
that we shall succeed in making this chapter as interesting as
some others that we have compiled for the benefit of Sportsmen.
Wilson thus describes this Bird. The Pinnated Grouse is
nineteen inches long, twenty-seven inches in extent, and when
in good order weighs about three pounds and a half; the neck
THE PRAIRIE HEN. 147
is furnished with supplemental wings, each composed of eighteen
feathers, five of which are black, and about three inches long ;
the rest shorter, also black, streaked laterally with brown, and
of unequal lengths ; the head is slightly crested ; over the eye
is an elegant semicircular comb of rich orange, which the Bird
has the power of raising or relaxing ; under the neck wings are
two loose pendulous and wrinkled skins, extending along the
sides of the neck for two-thirds of its length, each of which,
when inflated, resembles in bulk, color, and surface, a middle-
sized orange ; chin cream-colored ; under the eye runs a dark
streak of brown ; whole upper parts mottled transversely with
black, reddish-brown, and white ; tail short, very much rounded,
and of a plain brownish soot color ; throat elegantly mar.ked
with touches of reddish-brown, white, and black ; lower pfeirts
of the breast and belly pale brown, marked transversely with
white ; legs covered to the toes with hairy down of a dirty drab
color; feet dull yellow, toes pectinated ; vent whitish; bill brown-
ish horn color, eye reddish hazel. The female is considerably
less ; of a lighter color, destitute of the neck wings, the naked
yellow skin on the neck, the semicircular comb of yellow over
the eye.
LOCATION.
The Prairie Hen was no doubt formerly widely disseminated
over our whole country, more particularly in those portions
interspersed with dry, open plains, surrounded by thin shrub-
bery or scantily covered with trees. Unlike the Euffed Grouse,
this Bird delights in the clear, open Prairie grounds, and will
desert those districts entirely that, in the lapse of time, become
covered with forests. These Birds are very rare ; in fact, may
almost be considered extinct in the Northern and Middle States.
"Within a few years, they were quite abundant on some portions
of Long Island. They were also to be found in Burlington
County, New Jersey, and in some few other places. There are,
however, still a few to be found on the Jersey Plains, and every
season we hear of some of our sporting acquaintances extermi-
nating a small pack. We know of ten braces being killed this
season (1848), and about the same number last year, by the
same party; and, as usual, in both instances these scarce and
148 lewis' amekican sportsman.
beautiful Birds were butchered long before the time sanctioned
by the strong or rather the weak arm of the law.
Thus it is that the destructive hand of the would-be respect-
able Poacher, as well as the greedy gun of the Pot-hunter,
hastens to seal the fate of the doomed Prairie Hen in these
Eastern regions, and we may predict with great certainty that
ere long not one will be found save upon the rich plains of the
West ; from which, also, in course of time, they will be driven,
and ultimately perish, root and branch, from before the unerring
guns of their ruthless destroyers. We understand that there
are still a few of these Birds to be found in Pennsylvania, we
believe in Northampton County, where the pine forests are thin
and open, and the country about them such as Prairie Hens
delight in. They have always been abundant in the barrens
of Kentucky and Tennessee, as also in the balmy plains and
fertile Prairies of Louisiana, Indiana, and Illinois. So numerous
were they a short time since in the barrens of Kentucky, and
so contemptible were they as Game Birds, that few Huntsmen
would deign to waste powder and shot on them. In fact, they
were held in pretty much the same estimation, or rather abhor-
rence, that the Crows are now in Pennsylvania or other of the
Middle and Southern States, as they perpetrated quite as much
mischief upon the tender buds and fruits of the orchards, as
well as the grain in the fields, and were often so destructive to
the crops that it was absolutely necessary for the farmers to
employ their young negroes to drive them away by shooting
off guns and springing loud rattles all around the plantations
from morning till night. As for eating them, such a thing Avas
hardly dreamed of, the negroes themselves preferring the
coarsest food to this now much-admired Bird; while the young
Sportsman exercised his skill in Rifle-shooting upon them, in
anticipation of more exciting sport among the other prized
denizens of the plain and forest. Prairie Hens have not only
deserted Long Island, Martha's Vineyard, Elizabeth Island, New
Jersey, and their other haunts to the eastward, but they have
also removed even further west than the barrens of Kentucky,
and are no longer to be found abundant save in Illinois, and on
the extensive plains of the Missouri, Arkansas, and Columbia
Rivers.
THE PRAIRIE HEN". 149
PERIOD OF PAIRING.
As soon as tlie winter breaks up, the pairing season com-
mences, generally in March or early in April ; then it is that
one can distinguish the well-known booming sound of the male
Bird, known as the "Tooting" of the Cock. This singular noise
is produced by the inflation and exhalation of the two small
bags which are found on the neck, and appear to be formed by
the expansion of the skin of the gullet, which, when not filled
with air, hangs in loose, pendulous, wrinkled folds.
Audubon remarks: "When the receptacles of air, which, in
form, color, and size, resemble a small orange, are perfectly
inflated, the Bird lowers its head to the ground, opens its bill,
and sends forth, as it were, the air contained in these bladders
in distinctly separated notes, rolling one after another from
loud to low, and producing a sound like that of a large muflSed
drum. This done, the Bird immediately erects itself, refills its
receptacles by inhalation, and again proceeds with its ' Tootingsl "
This " Tooting" can be heard at times as far off as a mile, more
particularly on a clear mild morning. If the air-cells be punc-
tured with a small sharp instrument of any kind, they cannot,
of course, be again inflated, and the " Tootings" consequently are
at an end.
These Birds, like the Euffed Grouse, are extremely pugna-
cious at these times, and, during the early period of incubation,
the males meet at early dawn at particular spots termed ^''scratch-
ing grounds,''^ where they Toot and strut about with extended
wings and wide-spread tails, much in the pompous style of Tur-
key Gobblers; and, after a little while thus spent in expressing
their wrath and defiance, they engage in the most obstinate and
sanguinary conflicts, not inferior to the battles often witnessed
between Game Cocks.
During these encounters, they spring up in the air and strike
their antagonists with the utmost fury, and oftentimes with the
greatest effect ; feathers are freely plucked from each other's
bodies, and their eyes are not unfrequently seriously injured
before one or other of the combatants gives way, and flies to
the woods for shelter. A friend of the author, who is very
150 lewis' AMERICAN" SPORTSMAN.
familiar with the habits of these Birds, informs him that last
spring he witnessed, for over an hour, a series of battles be-
tween a number of these Birds upon a favorite "^ea^, or scratch-
ing ground^'' and declares that, after they had all retired, he might
have picked up a hatful of feathers which they had torn from
one another.
The nest is formed upon the ground, in a very secret spot
upon the open plain, or perhaps at the foot of a small bush. It
is rudely constructed with a few leaves and particles of grass,
and contains from eight to twelve eggs of a brownish dirt color,
and somewhat larger than those of the Tetrao Umbellus. The
Prairie Hen sits eighteen or nineteen days.
The Birds are able to run a very short time after hatching,
and the mother alone attends upon them, supplying them with
food, calling them around her by a cluck, and nestling them
under her wings at nightfall, or when the weather proves un-
favorable, very much in the style of the common Barn Hen.
"When the young leave the nest the Hen separates from her
mate. The Pinnated Grouse is not so retiring and secluded in
its disposition as the other variety, and is not very difficult to
domesticate even when taken wild, as it soon becomes tame and
accustomed to the presence of man.
Audubon cut the tips of the wings of sixty of these Birds
towards the close of the summer, and turned them out into an
inclosure, where they remained quite contented the whole winter
through, and soon became sufficiently gentle to feed from the
hands of his wife. They appeared quite unmindful of their
former state of freedom, and conducted themselves very simi-
larly to the tame fowls, with which they often mingled on the
most friendly footing. In the spring, they " Tooted" and strutted
about in the most pompous style imaginable, even as much so
as if they were still in their native haunts, and even coupled
and hatched many broods. Their pugnacious tempers would
not permit them to quail even before the threatening presence
of the largest Turkey Cock, and they would not unfrequently
take a round or two with the dung-hills of the poultry yard.
The Pinnated Grouse, as the other variety, hatch but one brood
each season, except when disturbed, as they are frequently, by
the crows, hawks, polecats, raccoons, and other animals. When
THE PKAIRIE HEN. 151
wandering about witli their young, if interrupted, they resort
to the same artifices as the Partridge to protect their young
Their food consists of seeds of the sumach, grapes, grain, wild
strawberries, cranberries, partridge berries, whortleberries
blackberries, and young buds. They also partake of worms
grasshoppers, flies, and insects generally. In the winter season
they eat acorns, the tender buds of the pine, clover leaves, and
when convenient to their haunts, will frequent buckwheat and
other stubbles.
They are said to remain stationary during the whole year
round, and show no disposition to- migrate or travel as the
Euffed Grouse or Partridge. They affect the driest situations,
and avoid as far as possible marshy or wet places, and partake
very sparingly of water ; in fact, depend entirely for a supply of
this fluid from the morning dew, which they collect from oft'
the leaves of plants. So dry are the situations that these Birds
generally affect, that it is absolutely necessary to carry water
along for the Dogs, otherwise they will soon be entirely over-
come by thirst.
FLIGHT.
If surprised, the Pinnated Grouse rise with a moderate whir-
ring sound ; but, if they discover the Sportsman at a distance,
they run off with the utmost speed, then squat and remain per-
fectly silent till passed by or put up by the Dog. Their flight
is strong, regular, and tolerable, swift, and at times, according
to Audubon, protracted to several miles without intermission.
They fly less rapidly than the Euffed Grouse, and often repeat
two or three duckings when about to spring or when on the
wing ; they also frequently take to the branches of the highest
forest-trees, and if then shot, they fall and turn round and round
with great violence, not unlike a common Chicken, till dead.
If wounded only, they run with great swiftness, and hide them-
selves in some secluded spot, where they remain motionless.
152 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
FEEDING AND ROOSTING.
Prairie Hens resort to their feeding-ground at a very early
hour of the day, and retire towards noon to preen and dust
themselves in the ploughed fields or along the roads, and do
not come out again till late in the afternoon.
They do not, as a general thing, roost on trees, but, like the
Partridge, they select a little eminence of ground in the open
field, and squat about within a few feet of each other ; at all
events, such is their habit during a greater portion of the year.
When the several broods have united and formed 7;acZ;s, they
are said to resort to the trees and fences to roost, which habit
they continue till the following season of pairing.
TIME FOR SHOOTING.
The Pot Hunter, or those who shoot for the markets, hunt
these Birds long before the broods are well grown, the real
Sportsman, however, does not think of going after them before
the middle of August, when the young Birds are so well grown
that it is even difficult to tell them from the old ones, save by
their bills and feet.
The various broods remain separate and distinct till the lat-
ter part of September, or early in October, when they unite
together forming packs, in many instances containing several
hundred.
As observed, under the following heading, Prairie Hens are
not much esteemed during the winter months, and consequently
are not generally sought after by the Epicurean Sportsmen,
who deem it but just and right that all our game should be
killed alone at those periods when it is in its best condition.
THEIR FLESH.
The comparative merits of the meat of these two varieties of
Grouse, are often a subject of discussion among Sportsmen and
Epicures, whose opinions are often entirely at variance. "We
know very well that the tastes of people are much influenced
THE PRAIRIE HEN. 153
by circumstances, and we are all apt to relish that most which
it is most difficult to obtain ; and the residents of those parts
where Prairie Hens are abundant as a matter of course gene-
rally prefer the white and delicate meat of the Eufifed Grouse,
while those that live in the Atlantic States, and seldom or never
see a Prairie Hen, greatly prefer the dark meat of the latter
Bird, as it is to them a greater novelty and luxury than the
other. They are considered a great delicacy at the East, and,
when exposed for sale, command extravagant prices, seldom
less than five dollars a brace, although we have purchased su-
perior ones in the Philadelphia markets for two dollars, and
even less.* We do not think them equal by any means, in
point of flavor, to the Kuffed Grouse. We should remember,
iiowever, that the flesh of the Grouse is far more tender and
juicy during the months of August and September than at any
other subsequent period.
At this time it is also light-colored, whereas in the winter
season it becomes very dark, and is esteemed but little by those
accustomed to hunt these Birds.
OTHER VARIETIES.
There are other varieties of Grouse, found within the limits
of the United States, two of which we will merely mention.
They are occasionally met with in the wilds of Maine and Mas-
sachusetts, but are more common in Canada. Their haunts are
very secluded, and they seldom encounter the form of a human
being, and consequently are not much alarmed at his presence;
their flesh is dark, and resembles that of the Prairie Hen —
Tetrao Saliceti, Willow Grouse; and Tetrao Canadensis, the
Spotted, or Canada Grouse.
* The price of these Birds, since the opening of the various direct avenues
to the West, is very much reduced noiv, and will continue so till the Eastern de-
mand causes them to be exterminated at all accessible points.
154
LEWIS AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
MEMORANDA.
1. The Prairie lien is now almost exclusively confined to the
open champaign countries of the West.
2. Their habits and modes of life are very different from
those of the Ruffed Grouse ; the one seeking the seclusion of
the deepest forests, while the other delights only in the open
plains.
3. The time of pairing, period of incubation, number of
young, and habits of male birds, all much the same as the
Euffed Grouse.
4. The Cock Birds at the pairing season are heard " Tooting"
instead of " Drumming ;" they are very pugnacious, and fight
with great spirit among themselves during the period of court-
ship.
5. Unlike the Ruffed Grouse, the Pinnated are easily domes-
ticated, and will pair and hatch in captivity ; they exhibit no
disposition to migrate, as the other variety does.
6. Their meat is dark, and inferior to that of the Ruffed
Grouse
.<,
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CHAPTEK X.
THE WOODCOCK. SCOLOPAX MINOR.
" Hie in ! At that glad word away they dart,
And winding various ways, with careful speed,
Explore the cover. Hark ! that quest proclaims
The Woodcock's haunt."
THE CLAIMS OF THE WOODCOCK.
There is no Bird in the catalogue of the American Sports-
man that surpasses the Woodcock, whether we consider the
beauty of its plumage, its general contour, the richness anr"
delicacy of its meat, or the pleasure derived from shooting ii
Sportsmen eagerly pursue this interesting and noble Bird iu
every quarter where he makes his appearance, and experienc
more gratification in the display of a couple of Woodcocks
than they would in the triumphant exhibition of double or
treble the same number of Partridges, or any others of the
feathered tribe. There really seems to be something peculiarly
attractive to the true Sportsman in the very appearance of this
Bird ; for, how often do we observe him examine with delight
156 lewis' ameeican spoetsman.
the long and slender bill, variegated plumage, tapering legs,
and large, mellow black eyes of each innocent victim, before
consigning him to the game-bag, and even exhibit more than
ordinary care in smoothing down and arranging his ruffled and
bloody feathers.
"We, with the rest of Shooters, both American and English,
are quite an admirer of this Bird, and derive more satisfaction
from killing a few couples of them than we do in the slaughter
of a multitude of Rails, or a fair proportion of Partridges. Why
we have this feeling we will not pretend to explain ; but we
know that we have it, and have noticed it in others ; and have
more than once watched, with some degree of astonishment,
the eagerness with which most of our friends seek to bring
down a solitary AYoodcock that perchance is seen to flutter
across their path when in pursuit of other game, and, if suc-
cessful, they always evince more self-satisfaction than if they
had bagged two or three brace of Partridges. In England,
where these Birds are much less plentiful than they are with
us, " Cock Shooting'^ is highly prized, and, in fact, is considered
by many as the ^'■Fox Hunting''' of shooting; while all lovers of
the Dog and Gun regard a good day's Woodcock shooting as
the very ne plus ultra of sport; and Watts, in his versification
of field sports, thus cautions the anxious Shooter when in quest
of this game : —
" Have patience ; recollect my words:
A couple of these precious Birds
Yield more delight to Sportsmen true
Than any other game can do."
These doggerel lines, though they do not in themselves make
any great pretensions to the chaste harmony of poesy, are still
sufiiciently expressive to show the estimation of this Bird in
the eyes of the English gentry.
THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE WOODCOCK.
The nomenclature of the Woodcock, like that of most other
of our Game Birds, is somewhat confused, being known in va-
rious sections of our country under the different appellations of
Mud Snipe, Blind Snipe, Big-headed Snipe, Marsh Plover, and
THE WOODCOCK. 157
Woodhens. The latter title, however, is not often applied to
this Bird, except by the over-fastidious and scrupulously chaste
huckster women of our market-houses.
DESCRIPTION.
"The male Woodcock is ten inches and a half long, and six-
teen in extent; bill brownish flesh color, black towards the tip;
the upper mandible ending in a slight knob which projects one-
tenth of an inch beyond the lower, two inches and a half long,
and grooved ; forehead, line over the eye, and whole lower
parts reddish tawny; sides of the neck inclining to ash ; from
the fore part of the eye backwards, black, crossed by three
narrow bands of brownish white; back and scapulars deep
black, each feather tipped or marbled with light brown and
light ferruginous, with numerous fine zigzag lines of black
crossing the lighter parts; quills plain dusky brown; tail black,
each feather marked along the outer edges, drab color above,
and silvery white below; lining of the wing bright rust; legs
and feet a pale-reddish color; eye very full and black, seated
high and very far back in the head; weight, five ounces and a
half, sometimes six.
" The female is twelve inches long, and eighteen in extent,
weighs eight ounces, and differs also in having the bill very
nearly three inches in length ; the black on the back is not
quite so intense, and the sides under the wings are slightly
barred with dusky,"
COMPARED WITH THE ENGLISH VARIETY.
This Bird, is considerably smaller than the foreign variety,
in fact, weighs fully one-third less, seldom exceeding six or nine
ounces ; while the ordinary weight of the English Cock is never
less than twelve or fourteen ounces, and two are mentioned by
writers as having been killed weighing sixteen and seventeen
ounces respectively. We have never yet met with an American
Bird heavier than nine and a half ounces save in one instance,
although we have been induced to test the weight of many
Birds of our own shooting, as well as those exposed in the
158 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
markets, that seemed to us remarkably fine specimens, and
perhaps above the usual standard in point of size, but have
generally been disappointed in the results ; for they have seldom
reached eight ounces. A seven-ounce Bird makes a fine show,
and must be full grown, and in good condition, to weigh that
much. We shot a very fine Cock this season that weighed over
ten ounces, and it now adorns our cabinet.*
The plumage of these two varieties is also considerably
different, and the flesh of the American Bird is pronounced
superior in richness and juiciness to the English.
ONE SPECIES ONLY.
Many of our Sporting friends believe that there are two
species of Woodcocks, indigenous to America, a large and a
small variety. This, however, is not the case, but an error, and
a very natural one, arising from the great disparity in the re-
spective sizes of the male and female Bird. The latter, strange
to say, is much the largest, and not unfrequently weighs two,
three, and even four ounces more than the male Bird.
HABITS OF WOODCOCKS.
The habits of Woodcocks are very interesting, and in some
measure mysterious. They are a migratory Bird, and extend
their journeyings as far north as the Canadas, and as far south
as Florida.
They breed and rear their young throughout the Middle and
Northern States, and at the approach of winter move off to the
far South, in quest of the rich and loamy soil of those tempe-
rate climes. Notwithstanding the greater mass of these Birds
migrate south, there is but little doubt that numbers of them
remain in Pennsylvania, Jersey, and Delaware, during the
whole winter through, as it is no unusual circumstance to shoot
* Our friend, G. D. Wetherill, Esq., informed us, a few days since, that a gen-
tleman sent him, a year or two ago, a Woodcock that weiglied fourteen ounces,
which was shot in New Jersey, and it was his intention to have had it stuffed,
but, owing to the negligence of the party who brought the Bird, it was too far
gone before he received it.
• THE WOODCOCK. 159
an occasional Cock at all periods of the cold weather in these
States, Early in the spring, Woodcocks abandon their winter
quarters in the South, and betake themselves to the Northern
States for the purpose of incubation ; some few, however, it is
not unlikely, remain in the higher elevations and marshy soli-
tudes of the South the whole summer through, and there
accomplish those promptings of nature that impel so many
of their brethren to seek the cool alder swamps of the far
North.
FORMATION OF THE HEAD.
The formation of the head is somewhat remarkable, and is a
striking peculiarity of the Woodcock. It is large and trian-
gular. Its large prominent black eyes, set far back in the
temples, a considerable distance from the bill, give it rather a
strange but bold and expressive appearance ; and there are few
pictures more pleasing to the eye of a Sportsman than the sight
of a startled Woodcock, just on the point of springing, or rather
when in the attitude of fear, arising from the stealthy approach
of the Shooter. Notwithstanding Woodcocks possess such
beautiful large eyes, their vision in full day is very incomplete ;
in fact, they are incapable of supporting a glaring light, and
consequently see much better in the twilight than at any other
time.*
Woodcocks are essentially night Birds, and remain concealed
during a greater portion of the day, in secluded thickets, or hid
away in the rank tussocks of the marshes, and only feed freely
in the open grounds at early dawn, or towards sunset. This
will be seen more particularly when we come to speak of the
habits of these Birds along the ridges of the Southern rivers.
When favored by moonlight, Woodcocks wander about in
search of food during the whole night, and at such times, like
* Our friend, M. T. W. Chandler, Esq., informs us that he knew of two in-
stances in which Woodcocks flew in bright day against a brick dwelling, and were*
killed.
These two facts are of themselves sufficient to prove the imperfect vision of
this Bird in the daytime, or they certainly would not have made such a mistake
in their course.
160 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
Kails, become very fat. AVe do not pretend to assert that
Woodcocks feed only during the hours of twilight or moon-
light, but that, from the peculiar position and construction of
their eyes, they are far better calculated to move about at these
times than any other.
The darker and more dense the covert, the better is it suited
for the haunt of Woodcocks, as their eyes, being so very large,
and set so far back in the head, they are enabled to collect
every faint ray of light that penetrates through the thickest
and most entangled foliage, and in such places they may be
seen running about and feeding during the bright sunshine.
There is no Bird of which country people are more ignorant
than the Woodcock, as they are seldom seen by any except
those who go in quest of them in their wet and often dreary
haunts ; and the confiding and inquisitive Sportsman will often
be led astray if he listens to the silly reports of our agricultu-
rists respecting them, and perhaps find himself on the track of
a company of Sand-pipers, Woodpeckers, or other less dainty
and interesting Birds.
FOOD.
This timid and unsocial occupant of our woody delves and
rank marshes does not, as is erroneously supposed by many,
live by means of suction, but their food is composed of worms
and several species of larvae, which they find concealed under
the leaves and turf of the thickets, as well as in the open bogs.
Some Sportsmen assert that when Cocks are feeding, they strike
their long bills into the soil, and then raising their bodies high
on their feet, they open their wings and flutter round and round
until they have sunk their bill sufficiently far into the ground
to reach their prey. We do not know positively whether
Cocks perform these rather singular gyrations, or, more artisti-
cally speaking, " pirouettes," but must confess that we are rather
dubious on the subject, as, with our liberal opportunities of
observing the habits of Game Birds, we have never yet been
able to discover a Woodcock thus employed, although on one
occasion in particular we watched a couple feeding for more
than an hour, and only noticed them dexterously turn over the
THE WOODCOCK. 161
withered leaves, and every now and then probe, with the greatest
fticility, the rich loamy soil with their long slender bills. We
are inclined to believe that this report of the feeding of the
Woodcock is more the result of imagination than of actual
observation, like many other vulgar errors respecting natural
histor3^ If, hov.'ever, there be any truth whatever in it, we might
possibly credit that this Bird may be forced to resort to some
such process as the above, to enable it to bury its slender bill
deep into the earth in some particular spots where the soil is
extremely dry ; but, unfortunately for the support even of this
hypothesis. Woodcocks are never found in such places, and even
if they were, they could not hope to extract from such a soil
their usual food, no matter how deep they might bore. We
would, however, prefer abandoning entirely this fanciful idea,
and should not, perhaps, have given it as much attention as we
already have, had we not found the subject referred to by a
very respectable writer of our country, who seems, from his
remarks, to give some credence to the report.*
The American Cock, without doubt, feeds in the same way
as the European variety, and which is minutely described by a
close observer, who had a fair opportunity of studying the
habits of these interesting Birds, in the Aviary of St. Ilde-
phonso, in Spain.
" There was," says Mr. Bowles, " a fountain perpetually flow-
ing to keep the ground moist, and trees planted for the same
purpose; fresh sod was brought, the richest in worms that
could be found. In vain did the worms seek concealment
when the Woodcock was hungry ; it discovered them by the
smell, stuck its bill into the ground, but never higher than the
nostrils, drew them out singly, and raising its bill into the air,
it extended upon it the entire length of the worm, and in this
way swallowed it smoothly, without any action of the jaws.
The whole operation was performed in an instant, and the
motion of the Woodcock was so equal and imperceptible that it
seemed doing nothing — it never missed its aim; for this reason,
and because it never plunged its bill beyond the orifice of the
* We refer to the remarks of J. S. Skinner, Esq., on this lieaJ.
11
162 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
nostrils, I concluded that smell was what directed it in search
of food."
AVith the foregoing quotation we will dismiss the subject,
trusting that some of our friends may yet enlighten us if they
should ever catch a AYoodcock engaged in these evolutions.
THE BILL.
The bill of the AVoodcock is well supplied with nerves, and
is so extremely sensitive to the touch, that few worms can hope
to escape its searching explorations, if within two or three
inches of the surface of the soft earth into which they delight
so much to bore. AVoodcocks are very greedy, or rather we
should say voracious Birds, and are both vexatious and difficult
to keep in a state of captivity, owing to the trouble consequent
upon obtaining a sufficiency of their usual food for them. An
English writer observes of this Bird : " A AVoodcock in our
menagerie very soon discovered, and drew forth, every worm
in the ground, which was dug up to enable him to bore ; and
worms put into a large garden-pot, covered with earth five or
six inches deep, are always cleared by the next morning, with-
out one being left. The enormous quantity of worms that these
Birds eat is scarcely credible ; indeed, it would be the constant
labor of one person to procure such food for two or three
AVoodcocks. The difficulty of procuring a sufficiency of such
precarious aliment, determined us to try if bread and milk
would not be a good substitute, and we found that by putting
clean washed worms into the mess, the Bird soon acquired a
taste for this new food, and will now eat a basin of bread and
milk in twenty-four hours, besides the worms it can procure."
AVe quote these remarks in support of our assertion as to
the voracity of these Birds, and also for the information of any
one who may have a fancy to keep one of them, either as a pet,
or for the more laudable purpose of observing its habits. This
singular voracity on the part of AVoodcocks is no doubt one of
the principal causes of the unsocial and solitary lives that the
whole species seem to prefer," as no one spot, however rich in
worms or larvae, is capable of producing sufficient food for any
length of time for more than one of these greedy cormorants.
THE WOODCOCK. , 163
INCUBATION.
Woodcocks begin laying in April, sometimes much earlier;
the nest is formed in a very artless manner, generally composed,
of a few dried leaves or small portions of grass, and situated at
the foot of an old stump or tussock, within a copse or thick
wood. It usually contains three, four, or five brown-spotted
eggs, over an inch long. The period of incubation is about the
same time with the Partridge — three weeks ; and the young
leave the nest a short time after escaping from the shell, but
are not by any means as expert at running as young Partridges,
it being no uncommon circumstance to catch young Cocks, but
very difficult, on the other hand, to make captive a young Par-
tridge, even when only a day or two old.
At this season of the year the male Bird is said to perform,
at times, more particulaidy about early dawn, some very singular
manoeuvres ; rising by a kind of spiral course to a considerable
height in the air, uttering a sudden or sharp "quack," till, having
gained his utmost elevation, he hovers round in a wide irregular
manner, making 'a sort of murmuring sound, and then descends
with rapidity as he arose. This movement, accompanied by
the short discordant note or " quack," is the call of the male to
his favorite female.
We must not forget to mention one other peculiarity of these
Birds, and that is the somewhat extraordinary habit they have
of carrying their young on their back from place to place. We
have never been so fortunate as to see a Woodcock adopt this
novel mode of conveyance of their young, and must confess
that we are rather skeptical on the subject, although we have
heard it from others who have witnessed it — at least, they told
as so, and of course we could not doubt their word, though we
might have thought of the "traveller's privilege." Notwith-
standing the improbability of the whole affair, it is well sup-
ported by the assertions- of Viellot, in his GaJerie des Oiseavx,
for he states that such is the fact, and moreover that he has seen
them do it plusieurs fois.
Many persons believe that Woodcocks raise two broods each
season ; whether or not this is the case in the Northern States,
164 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
it is difficult to say ; we do not doubt, liowever, that such is
often the fact, when circumstances exist similar to those that
drive the Partridge to a second incubation. " Frank Forester"
expresses himself quite positively on this point, and we know
no one in whose opinions upon such matters we ought to place
so much confidence, as this accomplished Sportsman certainly
has had ample opportunities, as well as inclination, to ascertain
such interesting facts. He says : " The ordinary number at a
hatching is four Birds, and if the first brood gets off early, the
parents immediately proceed to a second incubation, the male
Bird in this case taking care of the first brood until the second
gets off, when all associate together until the moulting season,
when all ties are dissolved, and they know thenceforth neither
kindred nor kindness." If the season is very forward and mild,
"Woodcocks' nests may be found even as early as March, or
perhaps the latter part of February.
TIME FOR SHOOTING COCKS.
If the weather continues favorable during the breeding
season, many young Birds are large enough, throughout the
Middle States, to shoot in July, but many more half-grown
ones will be found.
If we could hope to exert any influence over the shooting
propensities of the sporting community, we would advise them
to abstain from hunting these Birds till late in September, or
rather October, when their age and increased size render them
not only a savory dish for the table, but the rapidity of their flight
insures them some chance of escape from before the unerring
gun. No Sportsman can take any particular credit to himself
for the wholesale slaughter of young Cocks during the mouth
of July, as at this time many of their victims can scarcely fly
over a few yards, and might as well be knocked down with a
long pole as fired at with a gun. However, both custom and
the laws have sanctione(S the barbarous habit of shooting these
Birds at a much earlier period than October; in fact, have
given license for their destruction when only half fledged, and
when, perhaps, the old Birds are still engaged in the hatching
or rearing of a second brood. By the passage of these inju-
THE WOODCOCK. 165
diclous enactments, our State Legislators actually adopt and
encourage a certain plan to render this species of game, as well
as other kinds, nearly extinct throughout our country, in the
course of some few years. All we might venture to say upon
this subject would avail but little, without the cheerful assist-
ance of more wise legislation. AYe therefore pass it by with
these few observations to all intelligent and liberal Sportsmen,
trusting that no gentleman who follows the sports of the field
as a manly and noble pastime will henceforth be so recreant to
the cause of humanity, and so blind to the high duties of the
craft, as to be seen with a gun in his hand, at all events, in the
month of June, in quest of the feeble young Cocks.
At this early period, no one will deny but "Woodcocks are
under the parental care, and most generally are too weak to
raise their tender limbs above the tops of the lowest thickets,
and not unfrequently even drop dead from mere fright on the
discharge of the fowling-piece.
Such conduct on the part of Sportsmen that ought to know
better is shameful and disgraceful in the extreme; and we can-
not understand what pleasure they can derive from shooting
these miserable little Birds one moment before the time set
apart for their destruction, as they are too small and insipid for
the table, even in July, and they certainly can't take any pride
in doing that which they are forced to do by stealth, as they
must do, provided they go after them in the latter part of June,
as is too often the case. Every day, nay, every hour of exist-
ence, is of the utmost importance to Woodcocks at this period
of the year ; the destruction of one old one may involve the
loss of a whole brood of young ones, which, if a few days
older, would have been able to take care of themselves. We
know of several Sportsmen in our city who are in the habit of
slipping off a few days before the close of June, to have, as
they term it, ^'- the first crack at the Cocks,''^ and we hope that their
eyes may meet with these remarks, and that they may relish
them in the right spirit and mend their ways accordingly.
The law does not sanction the shooting of these Birds, in our
Northern States, before the fourth of July, and it would have
been far better if the framers of those legal enactments had pro-
longed the term of prohibition through the months of July and
166 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
August. Some Sportsmen, in justification of their wanton
amusement, will tell us, no doubt, that Cocks are a migratory
and uncertain Bird, and, if we do not kill them in the summer,
we may not have the opportunity of doing it in the autumn, as
they will abandon their old feeding-grounds for the far South,
or other spots equally remote. This is not the case; for Wood-
cocks, as before mentioned, remain with us till the cold weather
sets in, and, if they were not slaughtered in such immense num-
bers during June and July, we should have an abundance of
them in the months of September and October. But the fact
is, they are nearly all killed during these months, and those few
that are left unharmed have become so wild and cunning that
they are difficult to be got at. We all know that it is no very
unusual thing for even a tolerable shot only to bag fifteen or
twenty couples of young Cocks in the course of one day's
shooting ; and well they may do it, and make a brag of it
besides, when they go after Birds that may be shot on their
nests, or when being led about by their anxious parents in
quest of food.
The Game Laws of most of our States are a ^''mere bagatelle,''^
that no one regards ; or, in other words, they are all a dead
letter, as there are no appointed agents intrusted with the care
of them, and there are few if any persons willing to take upon
themselves the trouble and responsibility of enforcing them, or
calling those wilful offenders to account for their many misdeeds.
Hundreds of transgressors consequently escape year after year,
unwhipped of justice, until at last they lose sight of the law, if
there be any, entirely, and stalk boldly over the country, de-
stroying game in season and out of season, just when it suits
their fancy or inclination. AA^hy do the inhabitants of New
Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and other States, allow those
reckless Shooters, just let loose from the purlieus of our cities,
to overrun their grounds and kill Woodcocks two or three weeks
before the time allowed even by law? Is there no one among
the respectable and worthy agriculturists of those States, pos-
sessing sufficient energy or moral courage to make a few exam-
ples of these lawless fellows, who sally forth to destroy these
noble Birds for mere wanton amusement, as the most of them
THE WOODCOCK. 167
are unsuitable for eating, or any other good purpose, at this
early season ?
Legislation sanctions the "slaughter of Cocks" at a sufficiently
early day, gracious knows, and every Shooter should discoun-
tenance, both by precept and example, the barbarous habit of
going after them one hour before the appointed time, as every
moment of existence, both to the old and young Bird, is of
immediate consequence. Many old Birds are yet sitting on
their nests, while hundreds of young ones are running about too
feeble to take care of themselves, and consequently soon perish
if deprived of the protection of their parents. Some of our
farmers are fond of shooting, and really enjoy the sports of the
field in a fair and legitimate way, and we are astonished that
these do not interest themselves so far in this matter as to have
the prohibitory time for Cock-shooting extended beyond July,
as under the present regulations they can never hope to enjoy
this sport, as they are always too much occupied during this
month in housing their crops, to think of devoting any portion
of their time to Cocking, and the Birds are pretty much all
killed before their leisure hours come round.
We do not wish to stir up any unfriendly strife between the
farmers and citizens — there is already too much jealousy exist-
ing on kindred subjects between them ; but at the same time
"we do not hesitate to declare that we have no objections to see
the former assert their just rights, and maintain them in all
matters of this kind, provided they are influenced by a proper
spirit. There are, however, many headstrong and selfish farm-
ers in our rural districts, who put us very much in mind of the
far-famed fable of the Dog, the Ox, and the Manger, as they
neither have a desire or fancy to kill the game themselves, nor
"would they permit any one else to do it. No one, we conceive,
has a better title to game generally than the farmer, as it is on
his ground that the Birds are bred and reared, and it is from
the rich gleanings of his stubble-fields that they thrive and
grow fat.
We would, therefore, respectfully urge the farmer Sportsman
to have this enactment regarding Cock-shooting changed ; for,
as it now reads, it is formed only for the benefit of the city
168 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Shooters. And when changed, we would also impress upon
him the necessity of seeing it duly enforced.
THE INGENUITY TO CONCEAL HER YOUNG.
The Hen "Woodcock, like the Partridge, exhibits great inge-
nuity in her efforts to conceal her young, and to draw ofi* the
Sportsman or his Dog from the spot occupied by her nest, or
perhaps little brood. She flutters along the ground dragging
her body heavily after her, as if wounded and incapable of flight,
until the Dog is nearly on her, when she makes off again to a
short distance, and repeats the same manoeuvres over as before.
When she has succeeded in enticing her pursuers a considerable
distance from the starting-point, she suddenly takes wing, greatly
to the surprise of all, and flies off in beautiful style, and in a
very short time returns by a circuitous route to the spot where
she abandoned her offspring.
WHERE TO FIND COCKS.
"Startled by the report, a Woodcock springs
From the low marsh, flitting with nimble wings ;
In vain he flies ; he feels the fatal lead,
Curves flapping down, and falls with pinions spread."
These Birds, as before observed, delight in a wet loamy soil,
and are seldom or never found in the upland districts, but most
frequently locate themselves along the marshy willow and alder
borders and extensive flats of our rivers. They also secrete
THE WOODCOCK. 169
themselves in the dense thickets of underbrush along the mar-
gins of smaller streams, or hide themselves in the rank grass
and luxuriant fern of our wet meadow lands. In fact, where-
ever there is good boring-ground, and a certain degree of se-
clusion, there will be found Woodcocks in the month of July,
many or few, according to the nature of the ground, and the
favorable or unfavorable state of the breeding season.
When there has been a succession of dry weather, it is quite
useless to examine light and open coverts, or sparse woods, in
quest of Cocks, as at such times they will be found either on
the open wet bottoms, if such spots can then be come across,
or more likely in the deep, impermeable thickets and entangled
brakes, where the ground seldom or never entirely loses its
moisture. On the other hand, when the weather has been ex-
tremely wet for some days, Woodcocks will betake themselves
to the hillsides or elevated grounds, as they are not by any
means partial to too much water, although a certain degree of
moisture is absolutely necessary for their very existence. When
the weather begins to get cool, they may also be found in the
open woody glens or clearings, enjoying, as it were, the mild
warmth of the autumn's sun, as the feeble rays from time to
time pierce the sparse foliage of the overhanging trees, or ac-
tively engaged boring in the mossy banks of the warm rills,
which so often spring up from such sheltered situations. In
sections of the country where these Birds resort, we can scarcely
visit a spot of this kind early in October, without finding a
couple or so of Cocks, provided the ground is not too often
overrun with Shooters.*
* Our friend, Mr. T. W. Chandler, Esq., mentioned to us a few days since, in
course of conversation, that he had noticed that Cocks are seldom or never found
in the swamps of an iron district. He also stated that he considered their ab-
sence from such places owing to the general acidity of the soil, which always,
in these iron regions, contains a large proportion of oxygen ; a fact, by the by,
well known to all intelligent farmers, who always spread quantities of lime on
such places to sweeten the soil, as they say, and make it in a condition to pro-
duce. We know, from our own observation, that but few or no worms can be
found in these sour marshes, and the vegetable products themselves are coarse
and ill-favored.
Mr. Chandler also states that Cocks are rare in the coal regions, owing, no
doubt, to the noxious gases that oftentimes are generated in such soils.
170 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Still later in the season they may be met with in the more
deep and sheltered wood swamps, where the insects, larv«, and
earth-worms, protected, in a measure, from the biting frosts of
the more exposed situations, are enabled to remain near the
surface during the severest weather ; here it is that the Sports-
man will discover the perforations or borings of this lonely
Bird.
The warm and almost impenetrable Cedar Swamps are also
favorite resorts for such Woodcocks as remain in the North
during the cold weather, as the springs in such situations sel-
dom freeze, and there is always to be found a scanty supply of
suitable food even in the depths of winter. These Birds, how-
ever, like the Snipe, are very uncertain in their movements,
being governed a good deal by the state of the weather, and
other similar causes.
Woodcocks are very abundant in Jersey and Delaware, par-
ticularly after a dry spell of weather, as they congregate there
from the interior of the country, and spread themselves over
the wide extent of meadow lands and marshy cripples so con-
genial to their habits, and which are so general in the lower
portions of these States. Cock-shooting in these districts is
equally, if not more laborious, than Snipe-shooting, more par-
ticularly if pursued, as is, we may say, universally the custom,
during the oppressively hot weather of July and August. In
wandering over these extensive marshes, or, as they are vul-
garly called, mashes, it is necessary for the Sportsman to exer-
cise considerable dexterity, in stepping from tussock to tussock ;
otherwise he will often be doomed to a sudden plunge into the
filthy oozes that surround him on every side. The excessive
heat of the weather is another strong objection to the shooting
of Woodcocks in the month of July, as the heat is often so
oppressive that the Birds will spoil in the course of a few hours
after being shot, and, in some instances, even before leaving the
field for the day. As for hoping to keep the Birds over a day
or two, to carry home, such a thing is quite impossible, and
the Sportsman, consequently, is forced to throw them away
sometimes, when only a day old, if he cannot procure ice to
pack them in, which article, by the by, is not always to be had
in the country.
THE WOODCOCK. 171
We have noticed with feelings of sorrow, a very prevalent
but at the same time very unfortunate ambition on the part of
many of our Sporting friends to boast of quantity rather than
quality of game killed.
This brao-o-art feeling should be at all times discouraged and
reprobated among gentlemen, as quantity is not by any means
a safe test for a superior shot, neither is it the just criterion of
an accomplished Sportsman. But, on the other hand, quantity
not unfrequently goes to prove that he who claims this 'distinc-
tion has been more eager, more greedy, more selfish than his
companion, and perhaps less courteous and gentlemanly in the
field than he should have been. This foolish ambition as re-
gards quantity is often displayed in its most disgusting form, in
the wanton and reckless destruction of young Woodcocks,
which as before observed are shot by hundreds when too feeble
to save themselves by flight, when too young to afford suitable
food for the table, and under circumstances, oftentimes, when
these desolators of our fields and forests know full well that
they can make no use of them. How mortifying, how de-
grading in the eyes of humanity, that such a cruel, reckless, and
thoughtless propensity for the taking of life should exist in our
very midst, should be encouraged by the example of some of
those with whom we daily associate, and be discovered lurking in
the breasts of those whom, in the ordinary intercourse with the
world, we would fain pronounce amiable, humane, and con-
siderate. We agree with Mr. Skinner, when he remarks that
" a great fault in Sportsmen, is the ambition of killing for quan-
tity, which occasions them to protract their hunt until many of
the Birds are spoiled by the heat and delay. The Sportsman
should have a spice of chivalry in his composition ; he should
not be merely a wanton and reckless destroyer. He should
always spare the hovering Bird, and confine his efforts to others,
to the number he can carry in order to his home, for his friends
or himself. I have known this pernicious system of shooting
for quantity pursued on the Grouse, and, to gratify the false
pride of killing more than aay other party, the time protracted
until all the Birds killed on the first day were spoiled and had
to be thrown away. You should raise your voice against this
growing and vicious ambition, and establish it as a rule among
172 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Sportsmen, that credit sliould be given only for such game as
each returned with in good order.
" Our Indians look upon this habit of the whites with the ut-
most horror. He kills and wastes, say they, without object ;
and riots over life as if it were a thing of no value. The game
vanishes from his desolating path, and the ground is covered by
his destroying hand, with that which he does not mean to use.
The bounteous gifts of the Great Spirit are the mere objects of
his wanton destruction. We should redeem ourselves from this
just reproach, and infuse some prudential consideration and
moral feeling in our hours of Sport."*
No one, we think, can expect to derive much real pleasure
or benefit from the exposure consequent upon a Cock-shooting
expedition, exposed as they are, for hours together, not only to
the burning rays of a July sun, but also to the deleterious in-
halation of the poisonous gases that are always engendered in
these miasmatic situations during the summer months. These
two circumstances alone, independent of any other reasons,
ought to be sufficient to prevent any sensible Sportsman from
entering into this amusement at this season of the year. How-
ever, the temptation to go after Woodcock at this time, we must
* We are glad to observe that the supervisors of our Public Squares are dis-
posed to encourage the presence of Squirrels and Birds within these inclosures,
by affording them the necessary protection from the many thoughtless and incon-
siderate youth who frequent these places of resort. They have also very latterly
permitted the introduction of some beautiful Peacocks, that seem already con-
tented and quite at home in their new quarters.
The habitual presence of the numberless Birds that now build their nests, rear
their young, and enliven our Parks with their melodious strains; the presence of
the ever welcome, lively, and frolicksome Squirrels that will soon abound in these
safe retreats; the presence of the elegant, graceful, and gorgeous Peacock, as lie
struts majestically about over the greensward, will have perhaps a far more ex-
tended, a far more beneficial influence over the community than the City Fathers
at tirst supposed or intended.
May we not confidentially hope that their presence in these places will en-
gender in the bosoms of our youth a better appreciation and a more becoming
respect for these lowly, but still very interesting objects of Creation; will foster
and cultivate the kindlier feelings of the heart; will give rise to, and encourage a
love for the beautiful and a taste for the study of Natural History, and perhaps
do more than any other plan could towards crushing, as it were, in the very
germ, that disposition to kill and destroy, unfortunately so characteristic of
American youth.
THE WOODCOCK. 173
acknowledge, is often \ery strong, and we are not surprised
that but few can resist it, particularly when the law encourages
it, and almost every one hears their sporting friends boasting
around them of their great success and wonderful deeds the
day previous.
DISAPPEARANCE OF WOODCOCKS.
During the period of moulting, the latter part of August and
the month of September, Woodcocks disappear, or are said to
disappear, for a short time, from their usual haunts, and retire,
either far North, entirely out of the reach of our Sportsmen,
or they congregate, as has been asserted by many, on the wild
and rugged hills of the mountain ranges, and there live a life
of deep seclusion and indolence during this annual sickness.
We have heard and even read much upon this disputed point,
as to the whereabouts of these Birds at this time, and have come
to the conclusion that they do not all follow the same biddings
of nature, but that some remain closely concealed in their old
grounds ; others, perhaps, go far North, and many betake them-
selves to the high grounds of the interior. By the expression
of this opinion we are sure not to go far astray from the truth,
and at the same time we do not compromise ourselves, or offend
the peculiar doctrines of any Sportsman upon this subject, as
we freely confess our belief in nearly all the theories yet ad
vanced.
In the getting up of this work for the benefit of Sportsmen, we
wish them all to look upon us more in the light of a compiler
than of an author, as our great aim has been to collect from all
and every source the greatest amount of information to elucidate
174 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
our subject, not relying solely upon our own experience and
observation, but culling a little here and there from every one
that chance or design threw in our way.
It is not an unusual circumstance to find Cocks in the wet
and rich cornfields during the moulting season, and thus fre-
quently escape the notice of Sportsmen, who, by the by, gener-
ally have a repugnance to hunt in these places, not only on
account of the disagreeable walking, but because it is no easy
matter to shoot Birds when the corn is standing two or three
feet higher than one's head, for the moment the Bird is up he
is out of sight. We would, however, advise all inquiring
Shooters to hunt out every moist cornfield that comes in their
way at this season, and they will soon be satisfied of the truth
of our assertion. In saying this, however, we do not wish to
be understood as aidino: and abetting; the huntino- of Cocks at
this time, for we heartily disapprove of it, even more than we
do the shooting of them in July, as they are now in a measure
diseased, and not at all suitable for the table ; but we advise
the exploration of the cornfields by the inquiring Sportsman
or Naturalist, for the confirmation of our statement regarding
the habits of these Birds.
However, when we take into .consideration the immense
slaughter of Cocks during the month of July, it is not very
hard to account for their scarcity during the following month,
even if it were not the season of moulting; and we see no
reason why we should be racking our brains to account for
their disappearance.
FLIGHT OF WOODCOCKS.
The flight of young Cocks is slow and regular, and seldom
protracted in a cripple to a greater distance than fifty yards,
merely skimming over the tops of the reeds or bushes, and
dropping suddenly and heavily on the ground, with a kind of
impetus that sends them running forward several 3^ards.
In July, young Cocks are very tender, and easily killed, one
or two small pellets being quite sufficient to bring them down.
Later in the season, having gained strength and muscle, Cocks
fly with much more vigor ; they may then be seen darting off
THE WOODCOCK. 175
with a shrill piping note, in sharp and rapid zigzags, even over
the tops of the highest trees, and it requires the steady liand
and piercing eye of the long-practised Shooter to stop them in
their headlong career.
When found on the open grounds and meadows, it is easy
enough to shoot Woodcocks, but it is quite another afiair in
the high woods and thickets, as they rise, not unfrequently, in
an ahnost spiral, perpendicular direction, twisting and turning
with such rapidity that they gain the tops of the trees and- dart
oflfj before they can be fully covered even with the sharpest eye
and readiest hand.
FIRE-HUNTING OF COCKS.
There is a mode of taking AVoodcocks in Louisiana, which is
practised perhaps in no other section of the country; it is termed
"Fire-hunting," and was no doubt introduced bv the French
population of those parts. A full description of this sport, from
the graphic pen of T. B. Thorpe, Esq., will be found in Porter's
republication of " Hawker." Fire-hunting is almost entirely
confined to a narrow strip of country running from the mouth
of the Mississippi up the river about three hundred miles,
AVoodcocks resort in great numbers to the interminable swamps
of this region, and, according to Thorpe, even remain in these
solitudes during the spring and summer months, to breed and
rear their young. It is perfectly useless fcjr the Sportsman to
attempt the pursuit of Cocks in these fastnesses, overrun as
they are with deep and matted grass, high cane, and rank vines.
Although manv Cocks remain in these marshes durinor the
warm weather, still, the greater number of them go off to the
North for the purpose of incubation, and at the approach of
winter, return with increased forces to pass the cold months in
these secure and favored spots. It is then that the "Fire-hunt-
ing" takes place, and continues during the months of December,
January, and February. Though the marshes at this time are
crowded with these quiet and secluded Birds, it is almost im-
possible for the Shooter to get a sight of one of them ; and
this fact, together with their immense numbers, is perhaps a
palliation for the unsportsman-like practice of "Fire-hunting."
176 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
The sport is carried on in this wise — the Shooter, armed with -a
double-barrelled gun, and decked with a broad-brimmed palmetto
hat, sallies forth on a foggy night to the " ridge," where the
Cocks are now feeding in wonderful numbers. His companion
on these expeditions is generally a stout-built Negro, bearing
before him a species of old-fashioned warming-pan, in which is
deposited a goodly supply of pine-knots. Having arrived on
the ground, the Cocks are soon heard whizzing about on every
side ; the pine-knots are quickly kindled into a flame, and car-
ried over the head of the Negro. The Shooter keeps as much
as possible in the shade, with his broad-brimmed palmetto pro-
tecting his eyes from the glare, and follows close after the torch-
bearer, who walks slowly ahead. The Cocks are soon seen set-
ting about on the ground, staring wildly around in mute as-
tonishment, not knowing what to do, and are easil}'' knocked
over with a slight pop of the gun, or more scientifically brought
to the ground as they go booming off to the marshes.
The lurid glare of the torch only extends to a distance of
twenty yards or so around the Negro; the Sportsman must,
therefore, be on the qui vive to knock the Birds over as soon as
they rise, otherwise they will immediately be shrouded in the
impenetrable darkness of night.
These excursions are carried on with great spirit, sometimes
continue the whole night through, and the slaughter of Cocks
is often very great; with an experienced " Fire-hunter" it is no
unusual occurrence to bag in this way fifty couple before morn-
ing. This plan of taking Woodcocks is very similar to that
pursued ages ago by the Fowlers of England, and is termed
" Bird-hattingy Instead of the gun, they made use of nets to
throw over the Birds, and bludgeons to knock them down when-
ever a favorable opportunity presented itself. It was also deemed
\ery necessary in these " Binl-hatlings'^ for the torchbearer to
ring a loud bell without intermission, as its sound at the dead
hour of the night was thought to bewilder or stupefy the Birds to
such an extent that tliey became transfixed to the ground, and
therefore offered an easy mark for the Fowler to throw the net
over them. If the ringing of the bell was for a moment dis-
continued, the Birds were xory apt to arouse themselves from
THE WOODCOCK. 177
their lethargy and fly off', and consequently frustrate the fowler's
designs.
NETS AND SNARES.
Formerly, when Cocks were much more plentiful in England
than they are at present, multitudes were taken in glade and
spring nets, which were hung in the moist places where their
"marking and meutings were observable." These Birds are
very loath, while feeding, to pass over any obstruction that may
lie in their way, but would rather pursue a confined and tortu-
ous path than turn from their course for the purpose of scramb-
ling over the slightest barrier that may obstruct their progress.
This peculiarity of Woodcocks has been taken advantage of
by the Fowlers and Poachers of England, who are said to place
their nets between the tufts of heath, with avenues of small stones
formed on each side, leading up to them, and by this contrivance
are successful in taking great numbers. They are also captured
by these gentry by means of horsehair nooses, set about in their
feeding-grounds, similar to those referred to when speaking of
the Partridge.
Woodcocks are quite abundant in Ireland, and numbers of
the English Nobles resort there annually to shoot them. It is
usual to hunt them in this country with the assistance of men
and boys, termed "springers/' who penetrate into the thickets
and woody glens, hallooing and beating the bushes on every
side, so as to flush the astonished Cocks from their close retreats.
The Sportsmen, while this is going on, move about in the clear-
ings, and watch every opportunity to knock the poor Birds over
as they endeavor to escape from one cover to another.
This method of killing Cocks no doubt is quite exciting, but
cannot compare with the regular way of hunting them with
Dogs, and would not be resorted to by English Sportsmen ex-
cept ex necessitate rei.
DOGS FOR COCK-SHOOTING.
Cocks lie well to Dogs, and, if their habits of life did not
force them to select such inaccessible places to feed, they would
12
178 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
afiford as much sport as Partridges. If Cocks were left nodis-
turbed during the summer months, and not hunted till October,
we should have plenty of them at this agreeable season, and
certainly in much better condition. The English derive much
more pleasure from Cock-shooting than we do in this country,
as the whole charm of this pastime is destroyed with us by
the barbarous custom of shooting the old ones in the months
of June and July, when sitting on their nests, and frightening
the young ones to death by the roar of guns, placed in the
hands of every awkward booby that can raise sufficient means
to purchase a few pounds of shot.
Cock-shooting in England, some of our readers will be sur-
prised to learn, is most generally pursued with the aid of Cocker
Spaniels. We are content to hunt them with our Setters and
Pointers, many of which are celebrated for their skill and
prowess in finding this game. It is particularly necessary that
Dogs used for Cock-shooting should be very stanch, and not
over eager, otherwise they will soon be lost to view in the
coverts and brakes that these Birds most generally affect, and'
flush Bird after Bird without ever being seen or corrected for it.
As for attempting to shoot Woodcocks to half-broke Spaniels,
we should consider such an undertaking too laborious and tor-
menting to venture upon, although, with good Cockers, we can
easily imagine that the sport must be much more spirited and
enlivening than when pursued with Setters and Pointers.
Cockers, from their size, are much better adapted by nature to
the pursuit of this game than either the Setter or the Pointer,
which latter cannot insinuate themselves into the recesses of
our briery coverts, no matter how well disposed for the sport
they may be, but are forced to back out of such impassable
places, where the courageous little Cocker would glide through
without suffering the least inconvenience from the thorns and
briers.
It is not unusual, in England, to attach small plaintive bells
to the collars of Dogs hunting Woodcocks, so that their exact
position may be known. This practice is a very good one, and,
when the covert is very thick, will save the Sportsman much
hallooing and whistling. When used for Pointers and Setters,
the silence of the bell will announce the point of the Dog. The
THE WOODCOCK. 179
tinkling of the bells, if light and melodious, will not disturb
the Birds, but rather enliven the gloom and dulness of the
woody glens, and add new spirit and life to the sport.
The bells should be of different tones, so as to distinguish the
Dogs from each other. We are satisfied that the use of bells
could be made very advantageous in Partridge-shooting, in some
sections of our country, more particularly early in the season,
when the coverts are so very thick. We would recommend to
those having a fancy to try them, to put a small ring to the
Dog's collar, to Avhich they might attach the bell by means of
a spring-hook, similar to those now so generally used for fast-
ening the guard-chain to the vest button-hole. Arranged in
this way, the bell can be removed or put on at a moment's
notice, according to circumstances.
We are certainly an admirer of the little Cocker Spaniel, and
would advise those gentlemen who pursue shooting, more par-
ticularly those who reside in the country, as a pastime, and not
for the mere wanton gratification of bagging large quantities
of game, to try their hands with these active little creatures, as
we are sure they will be delighted with their boisterous and
exciting style of hunting, giving subdued tongue when on the
scent of game, and then bursting forth with joyous acclamations
when the Bird is flushed and on the wing.*
If the reader should ever be so fortunate as to possess a
Cocker Spaniel, to whom he can in good faith address the fol-
lowing four lines of an epitaph, he may consider himself thrice
fortunate indeed: —
"Alike the Woodcock's dreary haunt,
Tho' keen to find amidst tlie shade,
Ne'er did thy tongue redoubled chaunt.
But mark quick echo'd through the glade."
V,
MEMORANDA.
The male Bird is much smaller than the female ; the former
usually weighs from five to six ounces, the latter from six to
eight.
* For the tuition and management of Spaniels, see our edition of Youuti on
the Dog.
180 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
2. The American Woodcock is much smaller than the
English.
3. There is but one variety of Woodcock in America.
4. Woodcocks are migratory, and extend their wanderings
from the Canadas even as far south as Florida.
5. Their food consists of worms and larvae, and they are all
voracious feeders.
6. Woodcocks breed in the North, and commence laying, if
the weather is favorable, even as early as February. The
period of incubation is about three weeks.
7. A¥oodcocks rnoult in August and September, and at this
time they lie very close.
8. Woodcocks affect moist places, and are seldom met with
in other situations.
X
.J^&':', $
d^ "^5«a@**i^"'
CHAPTER XI.
WILSON'S, OR ENGLISH SNIPE. SCOLOPAX WILSON II-
GALLINAGO.
" To-day we spring the Snipe,
And with an eye as keen as does the Bird
Himself, by hunger's strongest law compelFd,
Explore each shelter'd drain, or hollow ditch."
-SCOLOPAX
THEIR DISTRIBUTION OVER THE WORLD.
There is no Game Bird so widely distributed over the whole
world as the species now under consideration. They are found
in all countries, from the extreme points of Siberia even to
the uttermost limits of the South. The West India Islands,
as well as Ceylon and Japan, are annually visited by this little
Fowl, while the rice plantations of the Carolinas and the fertile
meadows of Egypt alike swarm with their multitudes. So
numerous are these Birds in the rich country of the Pharaohs,
that it is no unusual thing, after the harvest of rice, to sit
quietly in one place and shoot a large basketful of them in the
course of a few hours. Snipes are equally esteemed in all parts
of the world where they are known, and the richness and delicacy
182 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
of their flesh may be considered as second alone to that of the
Woodcock; we need not add, therefore, that hunting them is a
favorite pastime with the American Sportsman.
VARIETIES.
There are several game varieties of Snipe known in the Old
World, and all equally sought after by Sportsmen ; there are
also many species in our own country, but only one that attracts
much attention from our Shooters, In Russia, there is a large
Snipe that occasionally wanders as far as England, and is known
there, we believe, as the Horseman's Snipe, from its superior
size and fine appearance. This Bird affords much Sport to the
Russian Noblesse, as well as a savory dish for their tables. The
double, or solitary Snipe, Scolopax Major, although quite rare
in England, is very common in Sweden ; it is nearl}'- twice as
large as the common Snipe, and offers attractive amusement to
the inhabitants of that country, who pursue field sports with
as great zest as the Sportsmen of our own country. The
Scolopax Gallinago, or English Snipe of America, is closely
allied to the common Snipe of the Old World — it resembles it
in plumage, size, and habits ; a little difference, perhaps, may
be conceded to the latter variety in point of w^eight. The
observant Wilson, in his usual style of close investigation, dis-
covered a very marked distinction between the English and
American Bird, and in consideration of this discovery, Tem-
minck and other European naturalists have veryjustly dedicated
the American Snipe to this distinguished Ornithologist, by
bestowing upon it the title of Scolopax Wilsonii, or Wilson's
Snipe, a compliment not less deserved than generously awarded.
Wilson states that the American Snipe has the same soaring,
irregular flight in the air, during gloomy weather, as the Snipe
of Europe ; the same bleating note and occasional rapid descent ;
springs from the marshes with the like feeble " squeak," and in
every respect resembles the common Snipe of Britain, except
in being about one inch less, and in having sixteen feathers in
the tail instead of fourteen. Audubon, however, informs us
that the notes of the two varieties are quite dissimilar, in fact,
as different from each other as those of the American Crow and
Wilson's snipe. 183
the Carrion Crow of Europe, and expresses some surprise tliat
Wilson should not have mentioned this difference.
Frank Forrester, on the other hand, observes that the cry of
the two varieties is "perfectly identical^ and in this statement, he
further remarks that he is corroborated by the judgment of
several English Sportsmen, with whom he has frequently shot.
This Snipe is known in Britain as the Common Snipe, Suite,
or Heather-bleater, and with us is called English Snipe, or
Wilson's Snipe. In Louisiana, the Creoles term it cache-cache,
the derivation of which, we imagine, arose from the well-known
retired or lurking habits of the Bird.
" The Snipe is eleven inches long, seventeen inches in extent;
the bill over two inches and a half long, fluted lengthwise ;
brown color ; black towards the tip, crown black, divided by
an irregular line of pale brown ; another broader one of the
same tint passes over each eye; from the bill to the eye there
is a narrow dusky line ; neck and upper part of the breast pale
brown, variegated with touches of white and dusky; chin pale;
back and scapulars deep velvety black, the latter elegantly
marbled with waving lines of ferruginous, and broadly edged,
exteriorly, with white ; wings plain dusky, all the feathers, as
well as those of the coverts, tipped with white ; shoulder of the
wing deep dusky brown, exterior quill edged with white; tail
coverts long, reaching within three-quarters of an inch of the
tip, and of a pale rust-color, spotted with black ; tail rounded,
deep black, ending in a bar of bright ferruginous, crossed with
a narrow waving line of black, and tipped with whitish ; belly
pure white ; sides barred with dusky ; legs and feet a very pale,
ashy green; sometimes the whole thighs and sides of the vent
are barred with dusky and white. The female differs in being
more obscure in her colors ; the white on the back being less
pure, and the black not so deep."
THEIR LOCATION AND FOOD.
The Snipes of America spend the winter in the Southern
States, resorting to the rice fields of the Carolinas, where they
often congregate in immense numbers, and are said to be quite
tame compared with what they are when they stop with us at
184 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the North on their way to more elevated districts, for the pur-
poses of breeding. Audubon states that in the South he has
seen them in fifties and hundreds in small fields of a few acres
in extent. They are also numerous in the wet swamps of Florida
during the winter season, but move off at the first approach of
spring, tarrying on their way to the North, for a few days, in
the various sections of country that they pass through. They
arrive in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, in the month
of March, according to the state of the weather, but are not often
abundant till the following month of April.
Like most other migratory Birds, they are quite poor when
they first arrive among us, but soon become extremely fat from
feasting upon the profusion of animal as well as vegetable food
that they find scattered over the extensive marshes of those
States. Their nourishment consists principally of worms and
larvae, which, like the Woodcock, they extract from the rich
loamy soil by boring into it with their long and slender bills.
It was formerly very generally believed by Sportsmen and
others, who pretended to a knowledge of such matters, that
Snipes, as well as Woodcocks, supported themselves by suction.
This, of course, is as erroneous in the one case as in the other.
These Birds also partake of the tender roots of aquatic plants,
and in captivity will feed greedily upon corn meal and worms,
and after a few trials will also learn to relish bread and milk.
In the spring season, the Snipe performs some very singular
manoeuvres, not very unlike those that are noticed in the
Woodcock, during the period of incubation. If the Sportsman
should, at early dawn, or even at mid-day, visit the low meadows
frequented by these Birds, he will probably see one or both of
a pair mounting high in the air in a spiral manner, beating their
wings or sailing around in rapid circles, until they have gained
a hundred yards or more in height; then clasping each other,
they whirl around, flapping their wings with great velocity, and
then dropping in mid-air, give utterance at the same time to a
low twittering, or rather rolling sound, supposed to be pro-
duced by the action of the wings upon the air in their rapid
descent. We have seen them perform this manoeuvre more
than once, but at no other period of the year than the spring.
Towards the close of April, if the weather continues warm,
Wilson's SNIPE. 185'
Snipes desert the oozy marshes of Delaware and New Jersey,
and commence moving further North, where they spread them-
selves throughout the interior of the upland countries for the
purpose of breeding and rearing their young. They are most
generally mated when they take leave of these parts. Like
other migratory Birds, a few of them, owing to one peculiar
circumstance or another, remain with us in the low marshy
fallows during the whole summer, and even hatch and rear
their young broods. It is no very uncommon circumstance for
our Shooters to kill an occasional young Snipe as well as old
ones, when in pursuit of Cocks in the months of July and
August.
In the month of May, 1846, while wandering in company
with Mr. E. Lewis, over his extensive estate in Maryland, we
sprang a Wilson's Snipe from the midst of an oat-field, and
being surprised as well as attracted by its singular manoeuvres,
we made search for its nest, which we soon found, with four
esfcrs in it. The situation selected for incubation could not
DO
have been better chosen in any portion of country, as it was on
a rising piece of ground, with a Southern exposure, and pro-
tected in the rear by a large wood, and at the foot of this high
ground was a considerable extent of low marsh meadow,
watered by a never-failing stream, along the borders of which
the anxious parents at any time could obtain a bountiful sup-
ply of food.
PERIOD OF INCUBATION.
In the State of Maine, and other portions of the country far
North, Snipes are very numerous during the summer months.
They are also abundant in the Canadas and Nova Scotia, but
are not known in Newfoundland or Labrador. In these
northern latitudes. Snipes inhabit the marshy portions of the
hilly districts as the spots most secure and favorable for incu-
bation. The nest is constructed in a most simple manner — in
fact, nothing more than a hollow made in the moss or grass,
lined, perhaps, with a few feathers. The brood generally con-
sists of four, and, like the young of the A¥oodcock, are capable
of motion as soon as sprung from the eggs. At this tender
186 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
age, owing to the softness and delicacy of tbeir bills, the young
Snipes are unable to probe the slimy bogs for worms, and there-
fore are forced to content themselves with collecting the larvae,
small insects, and snails that are found on the surface, or hid
away in the grass or moss. At the expiration, however, of a
few weeks, they are sufficiently strong, and their bills quite
hard enough, to penetrate into the moist grounds in search of
more savory food.
RETURN TO THE SOUTH. ■
Snipes commence returning to the South in the month of
September, accompanied by their young, and of course stop for
a while in all their old haunts along the route. They remain
during several wrecks in New Jersey and Delaware, and get
very fat while feeding on the marshes. Although they most
frequently appear very suddenly, and in large numbers, in cer-
tain localities, they are not gregarious, but perform their migra-
tions singly, or in very small Wisps, seldom exceeding four or
five.
The flight of the Snipe, even when going to a considerable
distance, is very irregular and devious; they must, however,
fly with rapidity, as they spread themselves over so wide an
extent of country in so short a space of time.
Snipes are, without doubt, very fickle and uncertain in their
movements, resorting in great abundance to certain spots on
one day, and entirely abandoning them on the following, with-
out any apparent cause, save perhaps a trifling change in the
wind or weather, seeming to possess a restless spirit, which
forces them to seek on one day the high and open grounds, and
on the next the low and sheltered marshes. The presence of a
slight and almost imperceptible frost, or the springing up of
a Northeasterly wind during the night time, influences the
wanderings of these Birds at early dawn, and their sudden ap-
pearance or absence from certain localities is often a source of
astonishment to the Sportsman, who, luxuriating on his downy
couch, dreams of the morrow's sport, little heeding the insidious
change in the elements that drives the sensitive Snipe from the
Wilson's snipe. 187
favored feeding-grounds of the previous day, and tlius frustrates
all his bright anticipations.
The Snipe family in general has very justly been pronounced
the most meteorological of all Birds, for their appreciation of
atmospheric changes are certainly very remarkable, and far
beyond that of any of the feathered tribe. Their sensations of
cold or moisture must be exquisitely nice, far beyond anything
that we can form an idea of, as their sudden shifting from place
to place is governed we presume, in many instances, by the
varieties in temperature which are scarcely perceptible to the
Sportsman. For we cannot attribute these sudden wanderings
from place to place to any other cause than those changes in
the atmosphere, without we believe that they are solely the
result of a capricious disposition, that oftentimes induces them
to abandon the very best of feeding-grounds to go in quest of
like spots, and this to us appears a very unnatural as well as
untenable supposition.
Snipe, like Woodcocks, are most voracious feeders, and re-
quire an immensity of food, and consequently are obliged to
shift their ground much more frequently than many other kinds
of Birds. This circumstance alone is quite sufficient in most
cases not absolutely dependent upon the weather to account for
their erratic propensities. When feeding in situations where
there is a plentiful supply of food, it is often a most difficult
task even for the most zealous Sportsman to drive them off,
and we have more than once been quite surprised at their ap-
parent tameness, as indicated by their short flights after repeated
harassing over some one of these favored feeding-grounds.^
In all their wanderings. Snipe are seldom or never found in
the woods, but delight in the low, wet meadow-lands, or along
the margins of the secluded streams which are so numerous
throughout our country; they may occasionally be found in
the cornfields, more particularly if the weather is rainy, as
well as in the thin woods, and even briery thickets, but they
do not affect these situations except under peculiar conditions
of the atmosphere.
188 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
DIFFICULT TO BE SHOT,
The flight of the Snipe, together with its shyness during its
sojourn at the North, and the disagreeable nature of the ground
that it alone frequents, renders it the most difficult, as well as
fatiguing and vexatious, of Birds to hunt. When sprung, they
take wing very suddenly, and fly off in rapid zigzag lines for
a few paces, in such a confused, irregular, and tortuous course
that it is almost impossible even for a snap shot, during this
time, to cover the bird for an instant while performing these
elliptical gyrations.
Snipe-shooting, not only in England, but also in our own
country, may very justly be pronounced the " Crux Jaculato-
rum" of Sportsmen, as there is no game that requires more
skill and judgment in shooting, or demands a greater share of
labor and perseverance to follow. A sporting writer — no great
admirer of this sport, however, we imagine — remarks that
"Snipe-shooting is a sport the best calculated (Grousing ex-
cepted) to try the keenness of the Sportsman, to ascertain his
bottom, and if he can stand labor, water, mire, swamps, and
bogs. He should be possessed of a strong constitution, not
liable to catch cold, and have all the fortitude, as well as exer-
tion, of a water-spaniel ; he should be habitually inured to wet,
dirt, and difficulties, and not be deterred by cold or severe
weather."
This statement, although a little overdrawn, is not far wide
of the real truth, as every Snipe-shooter knows full well ; and
when entering on the sport, each one should be willing to re-
peat within himself audax omnia perpeii. Notwithstanding the
numerous ills attendant on this sport, it has many ardent ad-
mirers, who, in spite of wind and weather, cold and rain, mud
and mire, are, at each succeeding spring and autumn, found
ready at their posts, all eagerness to commence the fray ; and,
at the close of every season, each one has a long list of adven-
tures to relate, not perhaps —
" Of moving accidents by flood and field,
Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach ;"
Wilson's snipe. 189
but of many mishaps and hardships encountered during the
campaign on the filthy marshes, the most of which, though
grievous at the time, in reality added zest to the sport, and will
ever remain imbedded on the memory of the true Sportsman
as playful souvenirs by which to recall the scenes of much past
enjoyment.
DIFFERENT PLANS FOR SHOOTING SNIPES.
" Next for the Snipe you must prepare —
He darts like lightning through the air,
With devious wing — a moment wait,
You'll see the rover travel straight."
There are many ways in vogue for overcoming the exag-
gerated difficulties attending the shooting of Snipes; in fact,
every Sportsman has some particular rule of his own to guide
him, and recommends it in the strongest terms to every tyro
panting to reach that desirable goal, " a good snipe shot."
However, laying all means and modes aside, every one is well
satisfied if he reaches home at the close of a long day's tramp
with a few couple of these wary Birds. When, however,
Snipes are very abundant on our marshes, and the weather
favorable for shooting, it is no unusual thing for an experienced
shot to retire from the field with fifteen or even twenty couples
of them.
All the various systems for shooting Snipes may be reduced
to the two following plans : " snap shooting" and " deliberate
shooting," both diametrically opposed to each other in practice
and theory, but the same in their results, as either will be found
to answer equally well in the present case. The snap shot
kills the Bird as soon as sprung, and before he enters upon the
zigzag course ; the deliberate shot poises his weapon, and coolly
waits till these singular gyrations are at an end, and then pulls
the trigger upon his victim with a certainty of bringing him to
the ground. The irregular flight of the Snipe is discontinued,
if the Bird be allowed to pursue its course for a short distance,
and its motion becomes uniform and steady, long before it is
out of reach of the gun, as it is very easily killed, requiring but
a shot or two to bring it down.
190 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
The following anecdote, just met with in the columns of the
racy Spirit, is not bad, and we think the plan adopted by
our sporting friend a good one— perhaps, worthy of attention : —
" It is known to all Snipe-shooters, that when the Bird rises
he makes a kind of screaming noise, something resembling the
sound of the word escape. A noted shot of our acquaintance
invariably exclaims, before pulling the trigger, 'I'll be d — d if
you do !' giving as a reason that it affords him time to take his
aim coolly and collectedly. The plan appears to succeed with
him, for a Snipe rarely escapes from his merciless barrel."
The singular twisting flight of the Snipe, when suddenly come
upon, is not altogether natural to the Bird, but is rather the
result of circumstances, and has very justly been attributed to
fright and the great anxiety of the Bird to escape ; and perhaps
their indistinct vision in the glare of the day also renders their
course, as it were, undetermined and uncertain.
" Whene'er you beat for Snipes, implore
Old ^^olus o'er marsh and moor
Boldly to breathe, yet always mind
You turn your back upon the wind."
Snipes almost invariably fly against the wind ; it will, there-
fore, be important for the Shooter to have the wind at his back ;
for by this arrangement the Bird presents a much better mark
when coming towards him, and he is also in the proper position
to take advantage of all the cross shots. These Birds lie better
in windy weather than any other time ; but are more difficult
to shoot, perhaps, when on the wing, as they fly much further
and swifter than if the day be warm and mild, when their flight
is short and easy.
This latter assertion seems rather strange, too — that they
should fly " further and swifter on a windy day than on a mild
one" — for, considering that they always proceed directly against
the wind, it would be very natural for us to infer that, in con-
sequence of this singular habit, their flight ought to be propor-
tionably shorter, slower, and more labored, owing to the power-
ful resistance offered by a stiff breeze; but such, however, is not
the case, as every Snipe- shooter knows.
If, however. Snipes have been much hunted after, and are
Wilson's snipe. 191
wild, tliey make long flights even in the calmest and clearest
weather; and are, as said before, very difficult to be got at, in
consequence of this very " calm and clearness of the atmosphere,"
as they possess very acute organs of hearing, and take wing at
the slightest noise, which is "wafted gently o'er the moor" from
all quarters, and from very long distances; and when one rises,
if in Wisps of two, three, or more, the alarm most usually be-
comes general, and the example is followed by all the others in
quick succession.
Notwithstanding these Birds are, perhaps, more difficult to
be killed on a windy day than a mild one, there are but few
Snipe-shooters that would not prefer a moderately windy day
to a calm one, as the points in favor of the former certainly
overbalance all that can be said of the latter position, and that
very considerably. In this opinion, we presume that we are
sustained by nearly all our sporting friends ■ however, there are
some of our acquaintances, one at least, and what is more sur-
prising, a very acute observer, too, about all things in general,
and more particularly about everything appertaining to the
sports of the field, who will at times contend for the opposite,
and strive most pertinaciously to support his erroneous opinion,
in spite of all the powerful arguments brought to bear against
it, by men not his inferiors in any point of view as Sportsmen.
The only argument worth alluding to — and which, in fact, is
not an argument, but merely a position or assertion that these
advocates of calm weather adduce in support of their opinion —
is the fact "of the Shooter so frequently overwalking the Birds
on a windy day, and finding them get up far behind him after
he has passed over the places where he expected to find them."
This circumstance, however, is not owing to the state of the
atmosphere, but rather in consequence of his own ignorance
and bad management in not quartering the ground properly,
which is of the utmost consequence in Snipe-shooting, when
pursued without the assistance of a Dog. When we say that
the Sportsman must hunt down wind, we do not mean that he
should walk directly with the wind in his back, but rather that
he should proceed in an oblique course, so as to quarter the
ground in such a manner as to travel within hearing distance
of every Bird that might be feeding around. By following
192 lewis' AMERICAN- SPORTSMAN.
tliis plan, the Birds rise on a windy day within ten, fifteen, or
twenty feet, as the case may be, circle about for an instant, and
then make invariably towards you or by you, and thus present
the very best shot that could be desired.
When raining, Snipes are very uneasy, wild, and difficult of
approach.
Snipes always lie better in the autumn than they do in the
spring, as they are far more restless, and even shy, at this season
than they are when they return from the North, accompanied
by the young Birds, as they necessarily are far less cautious and
timid than the old ones, and require more quiet to recruit them-
selves after long flights.
DOGS FOR SNIPE-SHOOTING.
There are few Dogs, that we have ever had the good fortune
to meet with, that can be employed with much success in Snipe-
shooting; and, when the Birds are abundant, most of our
Shooters prefer going to the field alone. However, when there
is sufficient cover on the marshes, and the Dog is accustomed to
his game. Snipes will frequently lie well, and suffer a cunning
animal to approach within a few feet of them.
The Dog, however, must be very careful, and not too fast,
otherwise he will overrun his game, and do much more harm
than good. The English, or rather Wilson's Snipe, as every
one should call it, gives forth a strong game effluvium, and it is
no uncommon circumstance for a careful Dog to draw upon one
at a distance of twenty, thirty, or even sixty feet. When the
Birds are very numerous and somewhat confined, owing to the
locality and small extent of their feeding-grounds, we would
advise a persevering Shooter to leave his four-footed companion
at home, provided he is willing to travel backward and forward
over the cover and get all the Birds up himself, for by so doing
he will have a fairer chance to bag them than if he had the best
Dog in the world ; such, at all events, has been our experience.
A Snipe Dog should be stanch, and had better be too old
than too young, as hunting young Dogs on these Birds is very
likely to prove injurious to them, having a tendency to make
them slow, and perhaps lazy, as they find the Birds so easy.
Wilson's snipe. 193
and the points succeed each other so fast, that they are unwil-
ling thereafter to put themselves to any great deal of trouble
to find other game, which will generally prove much more diffi-
cult to be got at. If you must, however, take a canine friend
along with you — and there are, we know, some Shooters who
cannot stir on an occasion of any kind without two or more of
these favorites — please recollect that one, at all events, is quite
sufficient. We have seldom found Dogs of much account in
Snipe-shooting — perhaps because we never had a particularly
good one for this sport — except a first-chop Retriever; and he
can make himself very useful, provided he be intelligent and
well broke to cross the ditches and bring his Bird without
coaxing or scolding.
As Snipes invariably fly against the wind, it is a good plan
to go around the Dog when on a point, and, by thus facing him,
we may get a much better shot when the Bird rises. It is
hardly necessary for us to add you should look out for your
Dog, otherwise you may shoot him; however, such accidents
have occurred, and may happen again.
To prove more forcibly this assertion in reference to the
danger to be apprehended from shooting our Dogs in the field,
it may not be amiss to mention that we have just this moment
received the sad intelligence of the accidental death of a favorite
Pointer Dog we presented as a mark of regard to a sporting
friend, whom we know to be scrupulously particular in the
handling of his gun, but nevertheless not too particular in this
one instance to bring upon himself the reproach of having, I
m.ay say, carelessly taken the life of a good and faithful animal.
In his letter to us, commenting upon the melancholy affair, this
gentleman very feelingly remarks: "Birds were very plenty,
but after the sad accident, I felt no disposition to shoot, and
consequently killed but two, missed one, and retired quite dis-
pirited from the field, as well as mortified and distressed at this
my first and only mishap with a gun."
If, therefore, this old and very particular Sportsman could
accidentally shoot this Dog^ — for it was an accident, and, we may
say, without any intention of being censorious, a careless acci-
dent ; at all events an accident that should not have occurred —
how much more does it behoove all young Sportsmen to look
13
194 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
to their Dogs when in the field, and never endanger their lives
by any species of negligence whatever ; in fact, never hold their
weapons so that they can come in range with them.
ADVANTAGES OF SNIPE-SHOOTING, "DULCIUS EX ASPERIS."
Notwithstanding the mud and mire, trouble and vexation, we
consider Snipe-shooting a most pleasant diversion, more par-
ticularly on account of the great number of shots to be had in
the course of a day, as well as their rapid succession, and we
are acquainted with no kind of sport that so soon improves an
indifferent shot as this does. So much quickness, and at the
same time so much judgment, are so absolutely necessary to hit
upon the exact moment for drawing upon the trigger, that the
Tyro, with a little practice, will soon have complete _control over
all his movements; and it is also necessary for him to be ever
on the quivive^ as nearly every Bird that springs presents a dif-
ferent shot.
WHITE SNIPE.
Mr. Copple, an old Shooter, showed us, a few days since, a
very beautiful specimen of a pied, or White Snipe, that he shot
the day previous in New Jersey. This is the first and only
specimen we have heard of; it has been stuffed, and we believe
is now in the possession of Mr. Stirley.
MEMORANDA.
1. Snipes are widely distributed over the world, and are
equally esteemed in all parts for their game qualities.
2. To Wilson belongs the honor of describing a marked dis-
tinction between the American and English variety.
3. The Snipe is a migratory Bird, breeding in the elevated
districts of our Northern States, as well as Canada.
4. They arrive in Pennsylvania Sbout the middle of March,
and soon become fat.
5. Their food consists of worms, insects, larvae, and the tender
roots of aquatic plants.
WILSON'S SNIPE.
195
6. Snipes move further North towards the close of April.
7. The young brood generally consists of four.
8. Snipes are very fickle, shy, and uncertain in their move-
ments.
9. Snipes almost invariably fly against the wind ; therefore
hunt them with the wind on your back.
10. Old and slow Dogs are most suitable for this sport when
the Birds are pleyitij ; when scarce, a fast but cautious, as well as
experienced, Dog is most serviceable. Young and heedless
animals are far better at home under either contingency.
11. A " crack Snipe-shot" is good on all other kinds of Game
Birds.
12. Snipes fly in "Wisps," and not in flocks ; therefore say a
"Wisp of Snipes," and not a flock.
A
jf(^^\^y|^^nf^i,.;
CHAPTEE XII.
REED BIRD; OR RICE BUNTING. EMBERIZA ORYZIVORA.
THEIR HISTORY AND NOMENCLATURE.
This delicate little Bird is well known throughout the whole
extent of our country, and is also a winter visitant to the West
India Islands. In no quarter of its rambles, however, is its
coming hailed with more delight than in the neighborhood of
Philadelphia, In the Eastern and Northern States it is called
Bobolink, from the peculiar note which it almost incessantly
emits, whether it be flying, or perched upon the tops of the
bending reeds. In Pennsylvania, they are known only as Eeed
Birds ; in Carolina, they are styled Kice Buntings ; and in Loui-
siana, Meadow Birds.
" The Kice Bunting is seven inches and a half long, and
eleven and a half in extent. His spring dress is as follows :
upper part of the head, wings, tail, and sides of the neck, and
whole lower parts, black ; the feathers frequently skirted with
brownish-yellow, as he passes into the colors of the female ;
back of the head a cream color; back black, seamed with
\
\
THE REED BIRD. 197
brownish-yellow ; scapulars pure white ; rump and tail coverts
the same ; lower parts of the back bluish-white ; tail formed
like those of the Woodpecker genus, and often used in the
same manner, being thrown in to support it while ascending
the stalks of the reed ; this habit of throwing in the tail it
retains even in the cage; legs a brownish flesh color; eye hazel.
In the month of June, this plumage gradually changes to a
brownish-yellow ; bill reddish color ; legs and eyes as in the
male. The young Birds retain the dress of the female until
the early part of the succeeding spring ; the plumage of the
female undergoes no material change of color."
THEIR MIGRATIONS.
The Eeed Bird breeds and spends the larger portion of the
summer months in the Northern States, extending its peregri-
nations in this direction as far as Lake Ontario, and the River
St. Lawrence ; their nests are built upon the ground, usually in
a field of grass, wheat, or barley, and contain from four to six
eggs, of a bluish-white color, irregularly spotted. They raise
but one brood in a season, and as soon as the young are able
to leave the nests, they associate with other broods, and in a
short time thus form large families, which are seen making
their way over the country from all quarters, towards the banks
of the streams and large rivers, where they feed upon the reeds,
or plunder the grain-fields of our farmers. Although so very
small and insignificant in appearance, they often do serious
injury to the crops, more particularly to the oat-fields of New
England, which they visit in countless multitudes. Towards
the middle of August, forsaking their feeding-grounds in the
North, the familiar "clink" of the Reedy is heard on every side
in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, and may be distinctly
recognized on a still evening, as they pass in multitudes over
the city. During the first few days of their appearance in these
parts, they seem to confine themselves to the cornfields and
upland meadows, waiting as it were the further ripening of the
reeds ; after this, they descend to the banks of the Delaware
and Schuylkill, which are now overrun with the rank growth of
the wild oats, Zazania Aquatica, which produces a small seed in
198 lewis' AMERICAlSr SPORTSMAN.
great profusion. Feasting luxuriantly for several days on this
nutritious food, they soon become extremely fat, in fact, nothing
more than compact balls of delicious meat, each one a dainty
morsel for the eager palates of our epicurean citizens.*
SHOOTING THEM.
The war of the musketry is now heard incessantly from
bright morning till dark night, all along the banks of our
rivers, and the markets are soon overstocked with the innocent
victims of many a rusty old barrel, that is only brought into
requisition once a year, in Eeed Bii'd season. If the weather
should be very warm, as it most frequently is at this time of
the year, the Birds spoil very soon after being killed, and con-
sequently remain but a short time in the hands of the hucksters
and game dealers, who are very glad to dispose of them from
twelve to twenty-five cents per dozen, according to the returns
of the previous days' shooting, which, of course, depends in a
great measure upon the wind and weather.
Reed Birds are shot on the meadows below our city, or in the
reeds from a boat ; great numbers are often brought down at a
single shot, as they generally congregate in enormous flocks to-
wards sunset ; it is no uncommon thing to kill four or five
dozen from the well-directed fire of a double-barrelled gun. It
would appear incredible to state all the numbers that have been
reported as killed at one discharge of an old musket, or other
heavy gun ; we will, therefore, confine ourselves to one single
instance, in which thirteen dozen were picked up, the result of
a raking fire poured into a flock from an old fowling-piece that
" scattered most confoundedly." This is not by any means the
largest number we have heard of being bagged at one coiip de
fusil; but the account is well authenticated, and within bounds
of credence, and we give it our readers as such, for we have no
reason to doubt the veracity of the party who told us.
* Sept. 28, 1849, one dozen Reed Birds in fine condition, without feathers,
weighed two pounds two and a half ounces.
THE REED BIRD. 199
NETTING REED BIRDS.
During the last year or two, a Frencli gentleman of our city
has been amusing himself in netting these Birds upon the mea-
dows, and has been quite successful in the sport, catching
immense numbers, oftentimes several hundreds at a single draw
of the net. The process of taking Eeed Birds in this way is
very simple, but, as we are opposed to all kinds of poaching and
unsportsman-like modes of taking any kind of winged game, we
will not dwell longer on the subject.
COMPARED WITH THE ORTOLAN OF EUROPE.
The flavor of the Eeed Bird is extremely juicy and rich, and
assimilates as near as possible to that of the Ortolan of Europe,
which interesting fact we very unwittingly tested at a celebrated
co/e, in company with some others of our green countrymen,
who were in Paris at the same time ; and greatly to our sur-
prise as well as indignation, were forced to pay for the infor-
mation at the rate of a dollar per head, for these delicate little
morceaux. At this rather recherche but expensive feast — for
we devoured the poor Ortolans in nearly the same numbers as
we were wont to do the Eeed Birds at the height of the season
in our own city — we think that the flavor of the French Bird
was indelibly stamped upon our palate, in about perhaps the
same ratio as the impression made at the time upon our
purse, which, en passant, was not very light, we can assure the
reader, as we were all Philadelphians, and consequently death
on Eeed Birds, and, m course, Ortolans also. As far as we
can recollect the particulars of this dejeuner a la fourchette — ■
which, by the by, afforded us all much merriment for a long
time afterwards — the company, pretty generally, when partak-
ing of the feast, in the goodness of their hearts, or rather in the
joy of their stomachs, were quite loud in their praises of the far-
famed Ortolan, and all pronounced its flavor much superior to
that of the poor unpretending Eeedy of America. But before
leaving the cafe, we must acknowledge there were some long
faces and short purses in the " crowd," that seemed disposed to
200 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
disparage the well-merited compliments that were so lavishly
bestowed upon the French Bird ; and several were even so
ungrateful, after stowing away a whole brood of them in their
stomachs, as to draw invidious comparisons between the two
rivals for gustatory favor. After mature reflection, however,
the whole party, one and all, declared in favor of the Eeed Bird
of America, at twenty sous the dozen, over the French Bird at
one dollar a piece.
PROGRESS SOUTH.
As soon as the frost makes its appearance in Pennsylvania,
the Eeed Birds as well as Eails take their departure for the
South, and it is seldom that we find either of them with us
longer than October. After they leave our rivers, they con-
tinue their course South, visiting the rice-fields of the Carolina?
and Georgia, and often commit great havoc in those regions.
Although thousands upon thousands of these Birds have been
destroyed in their route from the North, still, thousands upon
thousands of them yet exist, and every gun is again brought
into requisition in their new quarters, to thin down their inex-
haustible numbers ; but all to no purpose, as they still continue
their flight in immense bodies, as the winter advances, and ulti-
mately arrive at the termination of their long voyage in the
West India Islands. In Jamaica, they are called Butter Birds ;
and there, as in all other parts where they make their appear-
ance, they are highly esteemed for the delicacy and richness of
their flavor.
CURIOUS FACTS.
•Audubon states that when these Birds migrate South in the
autumn, their flight is diurnal, but when returning in the spring,
they travel mostly at night. Such, however, has not been the
result of our observations, as we have noticed the flight of Eeed
Birds many, many times during the autumn, in the still hours
of the night ; and in the spring, we have also seen them travel-
ling during the day.
Another interesting particular respecting the Eeed Bird is
THE REED BIRD. 201
tlie singular change that takes place in the plumage of the male,
which begins to change in June, and by the close of the follow-
ing month has approached so nearly to that of the female that
it is very difficult to distinguish one from the other. This cir-
cumstance, in connection with the fact that the plumage of all
the young Birds also resembles that of the females, has given
rise to the vulgar notion that the male Birds never return from
the North, but what becomes of them every one of course is
unable to conjecture.
AS A CAGE BIRD.
The plumage of the Reed Bird is variegated and pretty, and
he makes a very contented and happy captive for the Bird
Fancier ; soon forgetting his former life of freedom, he resigns
himself to his lot, and sings merrily and cheerfully for several
months in the year. His notes are agreeable, and capable of
much improvement by associating him with the Canary Bird,
with which we have been told he will pair. The truth of this
we cannot vouch for, however.
CHANGE OF PLUMAGE,
We were shown, a few days since, a Reed Bird, the plumage
of which was a perfect Canary color ; and if we had not recog-
nized the Bird from its general outline, we should have pro-
nounced it an overgroivn Canary^ so complete was the change
that had taken place in its appearance.
202
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
MEMORANDA.
1. Reed Birds are well known throughout the whole extent
of our country ; they breed in the North, pass the summer in
the Middle States, the autumn in the South, and the winter in
the West Indies.
2. In the North, they are called Bobolinks; in Pennsylvania
and Delaware, Reed Birds; in the South, Rice Buntings, or Mea-
dow Birds; in Jamaica, Butter Birds.
3. They build their nests on the ground, and raise but one
brood in a season, consisting of four to six young.
4. The flavor of the Reed Bird is quite equal to that of the
far-famed Ortolan of Europe.
5. The plumage of the males during the summer resembles
that of the females so closely that it is difficult to tell them
apart; the young Bird at this season also resembles the female
in its plumage.
i'lilim
CHAPTER XIII.
THE RAIL, OR SORA. RALLUS CAROLINUS.
DESCRIPTION AND NOMENCLATURE.
This somewhat mysterious Bird^ so well known throughout
certain portions of our country, under the appellation of Rail,
Sora, or Coot, resembles very closely both the Water Crake, or
Spotted Rail, and the Land Rail, or Corn Crake of England, not
only in its habits, but also in its general appearance. There
are few, if any, species of Birds in our country that offer more
tempting amusement to the young Sportsman, or a more agree-
able delicacy for the table, than the timid little Fowl that now
engages our attention. We will detain the reader for a few
moments while we transfer to our pages an abridged ornitholo-
gical description of this shy Bird, and will then pass on to a
consideration of some of its habits, more particularly those
within the range of our sporting friends, many of which instinc-
tive peculiarities have very justly been termed by casual ob-
servers mysterious ; all of which mysteries, however, we hope
to make perfectly plain to every one before the close of this
204 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
article. " The Eail is nine inches long, and fourteen in extent ;
bill yellow, blackish towards the point ; stripe down the throat
black ; sides of the crown, neck, and upper parts generally olive-
brown; streaked with black on a brown-olive ground, and edged
with white; wing plain olive-brown; tertials streaked with black
and long lines of white ; tail pointed ; dusky olive-brown catered
with black ; lower part of the breast marked with semicircular
lines of white on a light-ash ground ; belly white ; vent brownish-
buff; legs, feet, and naked part of the thighs yellowish-green ;
eyes reddish-hazel. The female Bird has little or no black on
the head, the throat is white, and the plumage generally is lighter
color, and more inclined to olive than in the male."
HISTORY.
The first thing to be noticed regarding this Bird are the cir-
cumstances which render the term "mysterious" particularly
applicable to the species. The regular migrations of the
feathered tribes are well known to Naturalists, and the favored
time and peculiar conditions under which these voyages from
distant parts are consummated by Game Birds have been ob-
served by most Sportsmen ; but in the case of the Sora, every
one is more or less at a loss, both as to their coming and depart-
ure from among us. Whence they come or whither they go,
both Naturalist and Sportsman are equally at fault, as each is
unwilling to grant that a Bird whose flight is apparently so
sluggish and feeble, scarcely rising above the tops of the reeds,
should be capable of a long-continued flight, or sufficiently strong
to encounter the fatigues of a journey from the far North, like
other migratory Birds. Nevertheless, it is an evident fact that
Rails must come from a distance;, and when they depart from
our rivers, they must also travel to still more remote parts ; if
perchance they do not (as has been sagely surmised by some
enthusiastic inquirers after truth) bury themselves in the mud
of our river banks, or become changed into frogs. But who
was ever so fortunate as to dig up a petrified Rail, or come
across an unfinished metamorphosis of this description ? Wil-
son, however, informs us that this latter theory, as ridiculous as
it may seem, had its originator and firm supporter, who boldly
THE RAIL. 205
asserted that the transmigration of the Sora into the Frog was
the true secret of the sudden disappearance of this Bird ; and,
moreover, that he^ the originator of the strange notion, had in
his possession for several days an animal of an extraordinary
kind, neither a Rail nor a Frog, in fact, something between the
two ; but unfortunately for the progress of science, not being
accustomed to the captivity and over kindness that was lavished
upon it by its lucky possessor, the animal died before the change
was complete, and this remarkable lusus naturse was thus lost to
the investigations of the curious in such matters.
What rendered this singular hypothesis more striking, and
confirmed the originator in his preconceived notions, was the
circumstance of the Frogs generally ceasing to croak about the
time of the coming of the Rails in our rivers. This opinion,
however, has gained but little ground, as few persons are to be
found so credulous as to place any faith in a notion so extremely
absurd. There are several species of Rails known in England.
They arrive there in the spring in the same mysterious manner
that they do with us in the summer, and depart at the first
approach of frost for more southern climes, in a like unceremo-
nious style, seldom or never being seen on their passage either
to or from the countries where at certain seasons they abound.
So very shy is this Bird, that, although almost every meadow
and clover field in England resounds during the spring with
the eternal crek crek of the Land Rail, very few are shot, and the
Bird itself is scarcely known to the country people, notwith-
standing they constantly hear its well-known <^ek crek^ when-
ever they go into the fields. For such is the secret, skulking,
and solitary habits of this little Bird, that they very seldom
take wing, not even when hotly pressed by a Dog; and all our
Sportsmen know how difiicult it is to spring this Bird with us,
even with the assistance of a boat and a long pole to beat the
reeds with.
Notwithstanding the different notions respecting the move-
ments of our Soras, it is certain that these Birds, like many
other species, perform regular migrations from North to South,
and return in the same way, during the following spring ; and
it is also probable that their flights take place in the night, owing
to their instinctive desire to court concealment. Wilson tells
206 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
US that it was formerly no very unusual thing to find young
Eails on the meadows of the Delaware and Schuylkill. Mr.
Bartram, a gentleman well acquainted with this Bird, states that
he has often seen and caught young Eails on his own meadows
in the month of June ; that he has also seen their nests, usually
in a tussock of grass, containing four or five spotted, dirty^
whitish-colored eggs, and that the young ran as soon as they
escaped from the shell, being quite black, and glided about
through the grass like mice, and during this particular period
they resembled the " Corn Crake of England." This circum-
stance alone proves that the origin of Soras is not involved in
so much obscurity as many persons are anxious to make it ap-
pear, and satisfies us that these Birds follow the general laws
of nature during the migratory season ; and that some few of
them, like other Birds of similar habits, remain with us in these
latitudes during the summer, for the purposes of breeding.
Although our Sportsmen are unwilling to acknowledge the
power of Soras to fly any considerable distance, we have several
instances on record that go to show that this Bird is capable of
great endurance, and of very extended flight, and that in com-
mon with other Birds it is possessed of foresight and strength
sufficient to enable it to go in quest of distant climes, congenial
to its feelings and modes of life. Mr. Skipwith, our consul
several years since in Europe, when returning home, off the Capes
of Chesapeak, caught several Eails, that alighted on the ship,
and being well acquainted with the Bird, declares that they
were the same as those usually killed on the James Eiver; and
Wilson has also been assured by many gentlemen and captains
that they have often met with these Birds between the mainland
and the islands.* These facts certainly are sufficient to convince
us that Eails are capable of very long flights, and would also
lead us to believe that many of them even pass their winters in
as remote districts as the- West India Islands.
* May 10, 1851. We were invited by our friend George H. Bryan, Esq., to
go on board of the packet-sliip Michael Angelo, just arrived from Liverpool, to
see a Rail, caught at sea some days previous. The captain assures us that the
nearest land at the time the Rail was captured, was Cape Sable, distant about
300 miles.
THE EAIL. 207
SINGULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RAIL.
The mysterious coming and going of the Sora is not the only-
singular characteristic attributed to the species, as it has been
surmised years ago, by a gentleman of respectability and worth
of this city, that Rails are subject to bursts of vehement passion,
occasioning fits, analogous to epilepsy, and relates several in-
stances in which this singular effect was produced. We never
witnessed anything of this kind, but some of our sporting
friends may have done so in their shooting excursions, and we
should be glad to hear from them on the subject {see "Wilson).
It has also been observed by " Brewer," that the various species of
Rails possessed a certain power of Ventriloquism, which is more
particularly developed in the Corn Crake of England; and that
when crying, they often remain stationary, and throw their
voices in opposite directions, at one time as if within a few
yards of the spot where the observer is standing, and in a
second or two appearing in an entirely different position.
We should, perhaps, never have noticed this remarkable fact
in the Rail species, if our attention had not been called to it by
the observations of " Brewer." We are induced to place much
confidence in his views upon this subject, from our intimate
knowledge with the habits of the Rails of our own country,
which we believe also to be somewhat possessed of this singular
power, and the mere mention of it in this article may possibly
throw some additional light on the subject. It is not at all im-
possible that nature may have bestowed this power upon these
Birds for some good purpose, as well as upon other animals.
Captain Lyon, in speaking of the Arctic Fox, states that "it is
a singular fact that their bark is so modulated as to give an
idea that the animal is at a distance, although, at the very
moment, he lies at your feet;" and he supposes that these Foxes
are gifted with this species of Ventriloquism in order to deceive
their prey as to the distance they are from them.
208 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
THEIR FOOD, &c.
The Soras, like the Eice Buntings, are excessively fond of
the seeds of the Zizania Aquattca, or wild reed, that grows in
such luxurious profusion along the muddy shores of many of
our rivers, and will be found secreted in the midst of these
flourishing plants as soon as they have acquired their full growth.
The Zizania Aqvatica grows to a great height, and spreads over
immense tracts of tidewater shores ; extending for miles along
the rivers, and oftentimes rising to a height of ten or twelve
feet, and the stems so strong and elosely interwoven Avith each
other, that they defy every effort to propel a boat through them.
The seeds of this plant begin to ripen, in the Eastern and Middle
States, early in August, and the Rails soon find their way to the
dift'erent rivers whose shores produce it in any considerable
abundance. When they first arrive, they are poor and un-
palatable, but soon gain flesh, and become extremely fat and
delicious to the taste; in truth, we are very partial to this Bird,
and, when in good condition, prefer it to most other kinds of
game ; at all events, we can eat more Rails, and partake of them
more constantly without feeling tired of them, than any other
Game Bird. They are particularly tender, rich, juicy, and deli-
cate, and do not cloy the stomach by quantity or satiate the
appetite by daily indulgence. At this season, the reeds along the
Delaware and Schuylkill swarm with these timid little Birds, that
pursue their solitary ways in silence and dread, seldom giving
utterance to a single note, if undisturbed. Should a stone,
however, be thrown into the reeds, a sharp and rapid creh, crek,
creh will be heard resounding in every quarter; but still, not a
Rail is to be seen, although hundreds are gliding about through
the reeds in every direction, within a few feet of where we are
standing. If we should be so fortunate as to spy one skulking
in the dense field of reeds before us, he will most probably be
seen jutting up his tail and running with astonishing speed
between the stalks of those plants, more like a Water-Rat than
a feathered denizen of the air. The flight of this Bird being so
regular and feeble, it presents an easy mark to the young
Sportsman, and perhaps is the best Game Bird that we have on
THE RAIL. 209
wliicli to commence the art of shooting flying, althougli it will
require some considerable experience to make the Tyro pro-
ficient in the science of balancing his body in the boat while it
is being pushed through the reeds.
The Sora seldom flies more than fifty or a hundred yards at
a time, and often not so far. The}'" merely rise with extended
legs, and flutter, as it were, lazily over the tops of the reeds,
and then drop down again. We have, however, seen them,
when hard pressed by numerous Shooters, direct their course
across the Delaware, and seemed to gain strength and energy as
they pursued their venturesome way.
When wounded, Rails exhibit considerable cunning, and fre-
quently display great ingenuity in their efforts to escape. They
swim with ease, and dive very expertly, occasionally remaining
under water for some moments, clinging to the reeds with their
feet ; and w^e have often observed them secreted and perfectly
motionless under the sides of the boat, or floating under the
broken reeds with the point of their bill protruding above the
surface of the water, to enable them to breathe, in which po-
sition they will continue until an opportunity offers for escaping
from their pursuer.
In the month of July, the Soras are found further North, and
we hear of them being shot upon the marshy shallows in the
neighborhood of Detroit, where another species of reed, to which
they are also partial, is seen to grow; and no doubt there are
many places along our Northern frontier that are visited by
these Birds, in their annual migrations. Rails are very sensi-
tive to cold, and seldom remain with us longer than the month
of October ; and it is quite useless to go in quest of them after
a smart frost or two, even if it should occur quite early in the
season, as they will generally be found to have abandoned their
haunts as suddenly as they came to them. The season of 1846
was a remarkably favorable one for the stay of the Soras in our
rivers, and we understand that until November 25th of that year
they lingered in considerable numbers among the reeds, luxuri-
ating upon their tender seeds, and awaiting the first cold spell
to speed them on their tedious journey to the South.
14
210 lewis' AMERICAN SPOETSMAN".
SHOOTING RAILS.
The sport attending the destruction of Rails is exciting and
exhilarating in the extreme, but perhaps more fatiguing and
less beneficial to health than any other kind of shooting ; it is
carried on in this wise : —
Being furnished with a small, flat-bottomed canoe, and a
good broad-shouldered boatman yclept " pusher," from the
peculiar duty that he performs in propelling the batteau through
the reeds, by means of a long pole, the Sportsman stations
himself on the Rail ground, and anxiously awaits the coming
of the tide. The water having risen to a sufficient height to
allow the passage of the boat through or over the reeds, the
Shooter places himself in the bow of the little craft, surrounded
by all the necessary paraphernalia for loading with expedition
and safety, and, being ever on the qui vive, knocks the poor
Birds down right and left as they rise a few yards before the
boat, as it gently glides among the reeds.
It is better to take along two double-barrelled guns, for when
the Birds get up lively, it will be necessary to load and fire so
constantly that the gun will soon become too hot to handle or
load without danger, and the chambers and barrels will get so
clogged with powder, and leaded with shot, that it will be almost
impossible to load with the necessary expedition. It will also
be proper to provide yourself with a good stout ramrod, which
can be handled with facility, and thrown down any place in the
boat without fear of being broken. To prevent accidents, and
insure rapidity in loading — upon which latter circumstance the
grand result of the day's sport almost entirely depends, even
with a moderately good shot — it is absolutely necessary to be
provided with shot cartridges, which, together with the caps
and powder may be placed in a handy box, and set on the bow
of the boat directly in front of us. The kind of box we gene-
rally make use of is made of tin, about twelve inches in length,
six in width, and five in depth ; it is divided into two equal
compartments — one for powder, and the other for shot or car-
tridges ; and the latter apartment has a small shelf or division
at one end of it, sufficiently large to hold a quantity of caps,
THE RAIL. 211
or cut wads. If cartridges are used, there will be no occasion
for wads ; and as we employ them altogether when shooting
Eails, we have no division in our box for holding wads. The
box should be made of good stout tin, and well soldered together,
with a cover or lid sufficiently large to close up either apart-
ment, and so made that when thrown from the powder it will
fall over and cover up the shot or cartridges, and when the
shot is exposed to view, the powder will necessarily be covered
up, and thus prevent accidents, and the provoking consequences
arising from the small seeds, stems, and dirt falling into the
powder, when the boat is being propelled through the high
reeds. It is better not to have a handle to the box, as it would
necessarily have to be square, and over six inches high from
the top of the box, so as to allow the lid to pass under it ; and
being made in this way, would have a clumsy appearance, and
be of no particular benefit, but rather interfere with the motion
of the hands when loading with rapidity. If the box is filled
with the necessary ammunition before leaving the house, it may
be very conveniently carried to the boat by tying it up in a
stout handkerchief. But we prefer taking all our accoutrements
to the boat in a small basket, and then transferring them to the
box, before leaving the shore. The basket also answers a very
good purpose for carrying the Birds in from the boat on our
return, as they dry much better, and the plumage looks far
more nice than when dangling to a long string, upon which
they become soiled and ruffled, by dragging on the ground, or
pitching about in the boat. However, if a stationary handle
is convenient on some accounts, and inconvenient on others, it
is easy enough to have a shifting one put on, that may be taken
off at pleasure — but we prefer the old cotton handkerchief or
basket to the contrary, and so does a valued friend of ours, a
veteran Sportsman, from whom we took the idea.
Thus equipped, and provided with a good portion of ice to
allay the parching thirst that generally attends this sport during
the hot days of summer, the Shooter takes his position in the
bow of the boat, with gun in hand, left leg forward, and his
body firmly balanced. Being rightly placed, the Sportsman
now trusts himself to the skill and management of the " pusher"
212 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
to carry him througli the reeds, wherever the Rails are most
likely to be feeding.
Great dexterity and muscular power are required in a Pusher;
for without the former the Shooter may be splashed from head
to foot, and perhaps rudely knocked overboard, by the awk-
ward handling of the heavy pole, by which the boat is made
to shoot through the reeds; and without the latter requisite, the
skiff, instead of proceeding in a regular, steady course, will
start and quiver with an uneasy motion, that renders the footing
so unstable, that he may be thrown down, perhaps overboard —
at all events, be often prevented from shooting when a Eail
presents itself.
Another important requisite in a "pusher" is, that he be a
good " marker,^ otherwise one-third of all the Birds shot will
be lost, as the eternal sameness of the green reeds precludes
the possibility of an inexperienced hand finding them, when,
as is often the case, there are four or five rails down at one
time. Who among our Philadelphia Shooters has not heard
of Old Pike, Fowler, and Bill Rump, of Rail-shooting notoriety,
all of whom have served an honorable apprenticeship to the
arduous task of " pushing," and are not yet to be beat in these
parts ? How eagerly are these three veteran " pushers" sought
after, and how frequently, almost universally, do their boats
bring in the largest number of Birds, without regard to the
skill of the Sportsman himself; as an indiflerent shot, with
these men, will have double the number of shots that a better
marksman with another " pusher" will get on the same tide,
and consequently may miss a third of his Birds, and still be
even with the party. The first time we went out Rail-shooting,
we employed "Bill Rump," and to our great satisfaction and
surprise, on counting our Birds, found that w^e had beaten
several old veterans at the sport, although — we are loath to
confess it — w^e missed enough of fair shots to quite discourage,
if not, at times, to totally disgust our zealous " pusher."
However, speaking of " beating others at this kind of sport,"
reminds us of the great opportunities that those who participate
in this amusement have of chiselling each other regarding the
number of Rails actually killed on one tide. To show the
fallacy of betting on the results of such shooting, without the
9
THE EAIL. 213
parties are mucli closer watclied than they usually are at the
present time, we will merely state that there are some indi-
viduals, " begging their pardons," nothing remarkable for their
shooting qualities, who never can be beat, or never will be beat
upon a trial-match at Eail-shooting, no matter how great the
number their antagonist kills. For the simple reason that they
are leagued in with their friends and "pushers" to provide them
with the Birds when in the reeds concealed from observation,
even if the stern or bow of the boat is not stuffed full before
leaving the landing ; or perchance he may find a dozen or two
staked out in the reeds, which will so considerably augment
his numbers, that no shot, no matter how good, can easily over-
count him.
We know that such tricks have been practised upon our
friends, " and we consider it our duty to expose them, and thus
put the green ones" on their guard, or, at least, on an equal
footing with these wonderful "Rail-shooters," who every season
perform such miracles, and make loud boasts of their slaughter
and carnage.
As the boat passes through the reeds, the Rails usually rise
singly a few feet in advance of the bow, and, flying slowly in a
direct line, present a fair mark for the Sportsman. It is seldom
that more than one Bird is killed at a time, although two are
occasionally brought down with one barrel, when they spring
fast, and cross each other in their flight.
It is the duty of the " pusher" to mark the Birds that are
killed, as also to notice where those that escape drop down ;
and when a Rail springs on either side of the boat, he should
call out " mark !" so that the Shooter may be on the alert to
bang away in every direction. The higher the tide, the better
the sport ; as the boat will glide more freely over the reeds, and
the Birds, having less shelter, are obliged to spring more fre-
quently when come upon. The reeds around the boat should
be constantly beat with the pole, as Rails are often concealed
within a few feet of our track, and will not stir without being
driven to " wing" by this method.
The tides are regulated very much by the wind ; and the
Moon, also, has no small influence in the production of high
tides, commonly called " spring tides," which may occur both
214 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
at the full and change, as at both these periods she acts in con-
junction with the Sun on the earth.
For Eail-shooting in the Delaware or Schuylkill, and, in fact,
in all the tributaries of the former, a Southerly or Southeasterly
wind will produce the best tides, but we have seen good tides
when the wind was from quite a contrary direction, and no
doubt every Kail-shooter has occasionally been deceived in his
calculations on this head. We have known excellent tides
in our river when the wind was blowing fresh from the North-
east.
It is a common observation that Soras are fatter during the
increase and full of the Moon than at any other time, which
has been accounted for by the fact that the Bird is at this time
able to feed both by day and night ; and, moreover, the high
tides that prevail frequently at this period enable the Rails to
get at the seeds better, and a much greater deposit of them is
also left on the mud at low water, by the breaking down and
shaking of the reeds during the ebb and flowing of the water.
If the day be somewhat obscured, it will answer the purpose of
the Sportsman much better than a clear sky, as the reflection
of the sun from the water upon one's face, in connection with
the beaming hot rays upon one's head, for several hours toge-
ther, is not the most pleasant position by any means that a
Shooter can place himself in.
The sport continues without intermission till the receding
tide warns the "pusher" that all his efforts will soon prove un-
availing to propel the boat through the thick reeds that encom-
pass him on every side.
It is useless to attempt to give any instructions as to shoot-
ing these Birds, as we are convinced that any one who keeps
his eyes open, and points the gun towards the Eail, will be sure
to kill them, as they seldom or never deviate from a direct
course, but pursue a bee line for a few yards, and then pop
down again. The only thing necessary to make an expert Rail-
shooter is a little quickness in handling the gun, as the Bird
must be covered as soon as on the wing, otherwise he flutters
for a moment or so, and then drops in the reeds; and, as before
remarked, when down after being flushed, he lies very close,
and is difl&cult to be got up again.
THE RAIL,
215
NUMBERS KILLED.
The number of Eails often killed on a single tide by one
Sliooter is almost incredible, wlien we take into consideration
the circumstance that the Birds are all shot singly, and if we
had not most authentic information regarding these statements,
we should hesitate to publish them ; but having obtained the
memoranda for 1846 from a reliable source, we cannot for a
moment doubt its correctness, and our own observations lead
us to believe that the accounts are not at all exaggerated. The
great abundance and luxurious profusion of the reeds along the
shores of the Delaware below Philadelphia, and the extensive
mud flats that are covered for miles with these plants, make
our river the favorite resort of Eails, as well as Reed Birds,
and the multitude that are slaughtered each season are beyond
computation. The following extract is taken from the paper
furnished us, and carefully compiled by Major Price, of the
National Hotel, Chester, and we select from it the best shooting
of the season of 1846 : —
Sept. 3, J. Irwin killed .
4, J. M. Eyre
4, B. B. Pearson .
4, T. Thurlow
4, E. Wells ,
5, Matzinger ,
5, J. M. Odenheimer
5, B. Ford ,
5, Wells
5, A. Worrall
5, E. Wells ,
6, E. E. Eyre
6, S. Smith
7, J. R. Eyre
7, C. Price ,
7, Bringhust ,
7, H. Taylor ,
7, H, Edwards
82 Rails
122
u
101
u
83
u
136
a
95
u
128
11
87
u
154
u
136
li
114
it
108
u
93
((
101
li
82
a
91
u
96
a
108
«
216
LEWIS AMEKICAN SPORTSMAN.
Sept. 7,
" 8,
8,
8,
8,
8,
9,
9,
9,
9,
" 10,
" 10,
" 10,
" 10,
" 11,
" 11,
Oct. 4,
J. M. Eyre killed
Matzinger .
E. E. Eyre
Brown
C. Price
J. K. Bonsai
J. Newbold
J. M. Odenlieimer
W. Bead .
G. Epley .
J. Newbold
J. Bonsai .
S. Smith
E. Eyre .
E. Eyre .
H. Edwards
S. Smith
90 Bails.
122
94
97
91
107
81
132
107
85
83
141
103
115
101
107
104
But the greatest exploit of all is yet to be chronicled. On
the 8th of September, Mr. J. M. Eyre killed on one tide the
surprising number of one hundred and ninety-five Rails, which
is forty more than ever was bagged by any Shooter on our
river, if we except, perhaps, the shooting-match that took place
many years ago, between Mr. Hubbell and a friend, at which
time, we believe, the former gentleman got one hundred and
seventy-five Rails. The Birds were very numerous, as we may
suppose, on this day, and the tide very high, insomuch that the
Rails were obliged to seek shelter on the meadows, a very un-
common circumstance. Mr. Eyre lives in Chester, and is con-
sidered one of the very best of shots on Rail, and is ever on the
spot ready to avail himself of all the high tides that make up
our river during the Rail season.* The most indifferent shot
may often kill from thirty to forty Rails on a tide, and fair
shots always calculate on sixty or eighty, provided there is a
good tide.
* During the season of 1849, Rails were very abundant, and great numbers
•were killed ; over cue thousand were brought into Chester alone during one day,
of a very good tide.
THE RAIL. 217
SHOOTING RAILS IN VIRGINIA.
Althougli Soras are generally killed in tlie way we have en-
deavored to describe above, they are taken along the shores of
the James Eiver, in Virginia, in much greater numbers, by a
very singular process, with which, however, we are not practi-
cally acquainted, but will lay it before our readers in the words
of Wilson. The operation of this method is the same as the
" fire-hunting of Woodcock," in Louisiana : " A kind of iron
grate is fixed on the top of a short pole, which is placed like a
mast in a light canoe, and filled with fire. The darker the
night, the more successful is the sport. The person who manages
the canoe is provided with a light paddle ten or twelve feet in
length, and about an hour before high water, proceeds through
among the reeds, which lie broken and floating on the surface.
The whole space for a considerable way round the canoe is
completely enlightened ; the Birds stare with astonishment, and,
as they appear, are knocked on the head with a paddle, and
thrown into the canoe. In this manner, from twenty to eighty
dozen have been killed by three negroes in the short space of
three hours."
NETTING RAILS.
We have been informed that a French gentleman of our city
conceived the project of driving Rails into nets, set in the reeds,
but we believe that he was not very successful in the undertak-
ing; at all events, not as much so as, he has been in the capture
of Eeed Birds by a somewhat similar process.
FISH PREY UPON RAILS.
Wherever Rails abound. Eels and Catfish are said to resort
in great numbers, anxiously awaiting every opportunity to
prey upon all those that escape the eye of the marker, after
being killed, or that die from wounds; it is no uncommon thing
to find portions of these Birds, and even whole Rails, in the
stomachs of Eels.
218 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
PLACES TO SHOOT RAILS.
It is difficult to say wliere, upon the Delaware, Sportsmen
can find the most Kails, as every spot teeming with the Zizania
Aquatica is filled with these little Birds, and great numbers
are killed in the neighborhoods of Trenton, Bristol, Borden-
town, Burlington, Bridesburg, Gloucester Point, Penrose Ferry,
Marcus Hook, Lazaretto, Chester, &c. This latter place is,
perhaps, as good as any, being a convenient distance from the
city, and good pushers and boats are to be had without much
difficulty.
EXPENSE ATTENDING RAIL-SHOOTING.
This amusement is somewhat expensive to the Sportsman; at
all events much more so than Partridge-shooting. Good Pushers
command high prices for their arduous services, and few, if any
of them are contented with less than $2 50 or $3 a tide ; but
if they perform their duty well, we do not consider these
amounts too much, as their work is of the severest kind. If
the generality of them, however, drank less and pushed harder,
it would be a wholesome change for the better among this class
of men.
Some of our friends who live upon the river in the vicinity
of the Eail-ground, take turns in pushing each other during the
shooting season, and thus enjoy in a quiet way this sport, with-
out the expense of employing " regular pushers."
X
MEMORANDA.
Eails migrate regularly, as many other Birds, and pass
the breeding season in the North, and the winter in the far
South.
2. These migrations are invariably performed under the cover
of night, and hence the mystery of their sudden appearance ;
they are capable of long flights, and have frequently been caught
far out at sea.
3. Like the Eeed Birds, they are very partial to the seeds of
THE RAIL.
219
the Zizania Aquatica, and consequently affect the river shores,
where this plant flourishes in the greatest profusion.
4. Rails make their appearance in the Delaware and Schuyl-
kill Rivers early in August, and remain till the frost warns them
to seek the sunny South.
5. Rails are easily killed ; two pellets of small shot are quite
sufficient to knock them down — when wounded, they swim and
skulk with great skill.
6. The greatest number of Rails as yet killed on any one tide
is one hundred and ninety-five.
X
CHAPTER XIV
GREAT RED-BREASTED RAIL. RALLUS ELEGANS.
LOCALITY AND DESCRIPTION.
This beautiful Bird is well known to the Delaware Rail
Shooters as tlie King Rail. They frequent the fresh-water
marshes of the interior, and seem to feed upon the same food
as the Sora Rails, as they are most often found in the same
localities. The Rallus Elegans is far more common in the
South than it is to the Eastward, being seldom met with beyond
the reedy shores of the River Delaware. The specimen before
us is a very beautiful one, and was obtained while shooting the
Sora Rails below Chester last season.
This Bird is thus described by " Giraud" in his work on the
Birds of Long Island : " Bill along the gap, two inches and
three-quarters ; length of tarsi, two inches ; sides and forepart
of neck and the breast, bright orange brown; iris, bright red."
Total length of the specimen before us seventeen inches, wing
six and three-quarters. Adult, upper part of head and hind
neck dull broAvn; from the base of the upper mandible over
THE GREAT RED-BREASTED RAIL.
221
the eye a dull white line, terminating with brownish orange;
lower eyelids white, loral space, and a band behind the eye
dusky; upper parts of the body brownish-black ; the feathers
broadly margined with light olive brown ; wing coverts dull
chestnut; primaries dark brown, inner secondaries and tail
feathers same as the back ; throat white ; forepart and sides of
the neck, with the breast, bright orange brown ; abdomen and
sides of the body, dark brown, faintly barred with dark brown ;
lower tail coverts, white, with a black spot near the end ; the
middle feathers, black, barred with white.
The flesh of the King Kail is very similar to that of the
Sora, perhaps not quite so delicate, but at times equally as
juicy and tender. The Rallus Elegans affects fresh-water
marshes only, never being found on the seaboard ; it pene-
trates far into the interior, and has the same wild and skulkinsr
habits as the other variety ; its flight is short and apparently
labored, and it requires but a slight " rap" to knock it over.
This Bird swims and dives, when wounded, with great dexterity,
and resorts to the same artifices to conceal itself beneath the
water as the Sora Rail.
We shot one of these Birds on an upland marsh in the
midst of a heavy wood, in the interior of Maryland, during the
month of July.
The King Rail is also known as the fresh-water Marsh Hen,
in contradistinction to the Clapper Rail, which is often spoken
of as the " salt-water Marsh Hen."
CHAPTEK XV,
CLAPPER RAIL, OR MUD-HEN. RALLUS CREPITANS.
NOMENCLATURE, &c.
This species of Fowl, more familiarly known to our Coast
Shooters as the Mud-Hen, Meadow Clapper, or Big Rail, is met
with along our whole Atlantic board, from the Southernmost
extremities of Florida, even as far North as the New England
States. Although the Clapper Rail is a large Bird, and affords
at times some considerable sport to the Shooter who visits our
seasides during the summer months, the flesh, notwithstanding
all the arts of the mditre de cuisine to the contrary, is univer-
sally insipid, dry, and sedgy, and consequently holds out but
slight inducements to the Epicurean Sportsmen to interrupt
them in their secluded retreats. This Fowl is not known in
Europe, but it somewhat resembles the Moor -Hen (Furtica
Chlorophus) of England, both in its habits, size, and the insipid
character of its flesh.
These Fowls are extremely shy and secret in their habits,
and are only to be found along the salt marshes of the sea-
CLAPPER RAIL, OR MUD-HEN. 223
shore, and the large rivers of the Atlantic States. Thej are
always abundant in New Jersey and Delaware, and sometimes
quite numerous in the brackish fens of Long Island. The
Mud-Hen is a migratory Bird, and arrives from the South on
the coast of New Jersey and the neighboring States about the
middle of April. Though coming unobserved in the stillness of
the night, they soon make their presence known to the inhabi-
tants of those districts by the sound of their harsh and never-
ceasing cackle^ somewhat resembling the well-known tremulous
cry of the Guinea Fowl. Although the marshes and sedgy mea-
dows, in the course of a very few days after their first appearance,
resound on all sides with the unmelodious notes of these skulk-
ing Birds, few or none of them are to be seen, as they seldom
take wing, and when pursued run with amazing rapidity through
the tangled weeds and high grass that always grow so luxuri-
antly in the haunts that they affect. In our youthful days we
have had many a race after a wounded Clapper, and know full
well that our powers of speed and endurance were often most
fruitlessly taxed in the doubtful chase.
The Mud Hen commences laying towards the close of May ;
the nest is simple, but often artfully contrived for concealment,
having the long grass twisted and plaited over it, in the form of
an arch, so as effectually to obstruct the glance of an inexpe-
rienced observer. Eight or ten eggs are usually found in their
nests; we have seen as many as fifteen. Their eggs are eagerly
sought after by the residents of those parts, who, in fact, con-
sider them far superior in delicacy to those of the domestic Hen.
The wholesale robbery of their nests is not the only interruption
that the Clapper Eail meets with during the period of incuba-
224 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAISr.
tion, as the marshes are occasionally overflown during the con-
tinuance of a Northeast gale, and thousands of eggs as well as
old Birds are destroyed.
Wilson mentions an instance where this calamity took place
twice during one season, and notwithstanding these sad misfor-
tunes, this persevering Fowl commenced building anew the
third time, and in two weeks their eggs appeared as numerous
as ever. On these occasions, hundreds of Mud Hens are de-
stroyed by the ruthless hands of idle boys, and even grown
persons, many of whom avail themselves, as before observed,
of every opportunity to take the lives of the inferior animals,
from a mere love of cruelty, or the gratification of a monstrous
propensity for shedding blood.
The Clapper Eail swims with ease, and dives with great ra-
pidity, often remaining under the water for several minutes at
a time, holding on to the roots of the marine plants that grow
at the bottom of the inlets and guts that intersect the marshes
whereon these Birds congregate.
It is almost impossible to flush them, and the only chance
the Sportsman has to shoot them is by going on the marshes
in a light boat during a high tide, when, from want of shelter,
they are obliged, like the Soras, to seek safety in flight, and
are then easily knocked over. When the tide is not sufficiently
high for this sport, many may be killed by moving noiselessly
along the guts, in a boat, and keeping a sharp lookout on all
sides for the many Clappers that will ever and anon be seen
stealing down to the water's edge, to drink or pick up the small
shell-fish and aquatic insects that are deposited upon the banks.
A good Retriever would prove a useful Dog in these expedi-
tions, to recover and bring to hand the wounded Birds, as when
only slightly struck the Clapper Rail is very tenacious of life,
and runs with so much ease through the reeds and matted grass,
that few Sportsmen, no matter how agile they may be, can
overtake them. The Dog should be as small as possible, other-
wise he will not be able to follow the Bird through the twist-
ings of the pathways, or rather archways that are formed all
through the reeds by the wanderings of this Bird.
The flight of the Clapper Rail is very similar to that of the
Sora, and being, if anything, even more slow and labored, it
CLAPPER RAIL, OR MUD-HEN, 225
requires but an indifferent shot to bring them down. "We have
killed these Fowls often when in pursuit of other Coast Birds,
on the marshes about Cape May and Cape Henlopen, but never
thought it worth while to go a foot out of our way to procure
them, as they are at the best but an unsavory dish for the table;
and we trust that we have never encouraged a disposition to
take animal life from the mere love of destruction, or perhaps
to gratify a morbid taste to make a great display by the mag-
nitude of our game-bag.
DESCRIPTION.
" The Clapper Kail measures fourteen inches in length, and
eighteen in extent ; the bill is two inches and a quarter long,
slightly bent, pointed, grooved, and of a reddish-brown color;
iris of the eye dark red ; nostril oblong, pervious; crown, neck,
and back black, streaked with dingy brown; chin and line over
the eye brownish- white; auricular dusky; neck before, and
whole breast, of the same red-brown as that of the preceding
species; wing coverts dark chestnut; quill feathers plain dusky;
legs reddish-brown ; flanks and vent black tipped, or barred
with white. The males and females are nearly alike.
" The young Birds of the first year have the upper parts of
an olive brown, streaked with pale slate ; wings pale brown
olive ; chin and part of the throat white ; breast ash color,
tinged with brown ; legs and feet a pale horn color."
15
CHAPTER XYI.
ESQUIMAUX CURLEW, OR SHORT-BILLED CURLEW. SCOLOPAX
EOREALIS.
"Soothed by tLe murmurs of the sea-beat shore,
His dun-gray plumage floating to the gale,
The Curlew blends his melancholy wail
With those hoarse sounds the rushing waters pour."
NOMENCLATURE AND DESCRIPTION.
This large and handsome bird is known to our shooters as
the Jack Curlew, or Short-Billed Curlew, iu contradistinction
to the other variety, the Numenius Longerostris, or Long-
Billed Curlew.
"The Esquimaux Curlew is eighteen inches long, and thirty-
two inches in extent ; the bill, which is four inches and a half
long, is black towards the point ; and a pale purplish flesh
color near the base ; upper part of the head dark brown ;
divided by a narrow stripe of brownish-white; over each eye
extends a broad line of pale drab; iris dark-colored; hind part
of the neck streaked with dark brown; forepart and whole
ESQUIMAUX, OR SHORT-BILLED CURLEW. 227
breast very pale brown; upper part of the body pale drab,
centered and barred with dark brown and edged with spots of
white on the exterior vanes; three primaries black, with white
shafts; rump and tail coverts barred with dark brown; belly
white, vent the same, marked with zigzag lines of brown on a
dark cream ground ; legs and naked thighs a pale lead color."
This Bird, like most others of our Sea-fowl, is migratory,
arriving in the Middle States from the South early in the
spring, and remaining a short time, feeding on the mud flats
and salt marshes, in company with various others of the fea-
thered race. After this, they take up their line of march for
the far North, where they spend the summer in breeding and
rearing their young. The Short-Billed Curlews travel in large
bodies, and keep up a constant Avhistling during their journeys.
It is possible that some few remain the whole summer through
in the marshes about Cape May, for the purposes of incubation;
such, indeed, is the opinion of those employed in shooting
these Birds for the markets. We have often met with them in
the neighborhood of Cape May early in July.
During the breeding season. Curlews collect in immense
numbers on the Labrador coast, where thev remain till the
months of August and September, and then leave in large com-
panies for the South. During these months, and until the
commencement of cold weather. Curlews are very numerous on
the coast of New Jersey and Long Island, frequenting the salt
marshes and flats, where they find abundance of food, such as
marine worms, shell-fish, and various species of aquatic insects,
all of which they partake of greedily. On these mud fiats,
where numberless varieties of Sea-birds collect, are great quan-
tities of a particular kind of shell, or craw fish, vulgarly called
fiddlers, upon which the larger fowds prey and soon become fat"
This dainty food, however, though very nutritious and excel-
lent, does not improve the flavor of the Bird, as their meat soon
becomes coarse and sedgy after their arrival among us. In the
North, they keep more to the open grounds of the interior,
and consequently feed chiefly on seeds, insects, and berries.
Their flesh at such times is pronounced delicious, and even
delicate. We have shot them within a few days after their
arrival among us from the North, and always found them more
228 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
palatable than at any other time. When these Birds associate
with Field Plovers, and frequent the meadow lands, their flesh
is quite passable, and even sometimes quite delicate; but it is
not often that they are found in such good company. Curlews
are very shy, and require much caution to approach. They
fly with great rapidity when frightened, and require a good
blow to bring them down. There are many ways of shooting
this Bird; the favorite plan is rowing through the inlets and
guts in a boat, and killing them as they fly backward and for-
ward to their different feeding-grounds ; or coming upon them
by stealth, when, unsuspicious of danger, they are socially feed-
ing in company with other waders, on the insects and shell-fish
that they find on the bars and points along the creeks. Great
caution, silence, and a considerable degree of manoeuvring are
necessary to follow this sport with much success, as these Birds
are extremely shy, and easily put to flight. When approach-
ing them, keep near to the shore, and also under cover of the
land; it will also be frequently necessary to get out of the
boat, and make a long detour, so as to get in the rear of the
Birds; w^e have often obtained a raking shot at beach fowl in
this way.
If one be wounded, he should be made use of as a decoy for
others, as they are very kindly in their feelings, and show a
great desire always to assist a distressed companion, whom they
will fly around for a considerable time, and thus offer many
opportunities to kill several before leaving the spot. For all
kinds of Coast Birds when shooting from a boat, it is best to
have a gun in reserve, as the most of them are enticed within
reach by the cries of a winged bird, and the second volley in
such cases is oftentimes the most destructive.
The great mistake that our city Shooters make in pursuing
coast Birds is in the size of the guns that they make use of.
Partridge guns are not suitable for this kind of sport; neither
are the full Duck guns the proper weapon. A medium size
gun is the proper instrument : it should not be too light, how-
ever, but forged to throw the shot at long distances, and then
they would be surprised to see the difference it would make in
the count of one day's sport. When going along the inlets in
a boat, keep a bright look-out on the marshes adjoining the
ESQUIMAUX, OR SHORT-BILLED CURLEW.
229
stream, and you will often discover two or three suspicious-
looking heads peering up from among the high grass, within a
short distance of the banks, and Avhich will offer an easy shot
to the marksman. We have obtained many a good shot in
this way, which otherwise would have been passed by. This
Bird is not the same with the Scolopax Phaepus, or Whimbrel
of England, as originally supposed, but proves to be an entirely
distinct species.
CHAPTER XYII.
LONG-BILLED CURLEW, OR SICKLE-BILL. NUMENIUS
LONGIROSTRIS.
HABITS AND DESCRIPTION.
This variety of Curlew is larger than the preceding species,
but not perhaps as nunaerous ; it is a beautiful and noble-look-
ing Bird. The habits of the Sickle-Bill are much the same as
those of the Short-Billed ; they frequent the salt marshes and
sea-shore about the same time as the other Bird, and we are
surprised to learn from Mr. Giraud's work, that numbers of
them remain on Folly Island, near Charleston, during the sea-
son of nidification, for the purposes of procreation.
"The Long-Billed Curlew is twenty -five inches in length,
and three feet three inches in extent; and when in good order,
weighs about thirty ounces; but individuals differ greatly in
this respect. The bill is eight inches long, nearly straight for
half its length, thence curving considerably downwards to its
extremity, where it ends in an obtuse knob that overhangs the
LONG-BILLED CURLEW, OR SICKLE-BILL. 231
lower mandible ; the color black, except towards the base of the
lower, where it is of a pale flesh color; tongue extremely short,
differing in this from the Snipe ; eye dark ; the general color
alone of the plumage above is black, spotted, and barred along
the edge of each feather with pale -brown; chin, line over the
eye, and round the same, pale brownish- white ; neck reddish-
brown streaked with black; spots on the breast more sparingly
dispersed; belly, thighs, and vent pale, plain rufous, without
any spots; primaries black on the outer edges, pale-brown on
the inner, and barred with black ; legs and naked thighs very
pale light blue or lead color; the middle toe connected with the
two outer ones as far as the first joint by a membrane, and bor-
dered along the sides with a thick warty edge; lining of the
wing dark rufous, approaching a chestnut, and thinly spotted
with black. The male and female alike in plumage, &c."
This Bird resembles somewhat the English Curlew (Scolopax
Aquata), but the difference in the plumage and length of the
bill is sufficient to mark it as a distinct species. The English
Curlew weighs about the same with the American ; the bill,
however, is two inches shorter. During the season of Bramble-
berries, the Curlews sometimes desert the marshes and fens, and
resort to the old fields to partake of this fruit, and are then
free from that strong sedgy taste that they acquire while feed-
ing on fiddlers, snails, shell-fish, and other strong food.
These Birds, like all their congeners, are very shy and hard
to approach; they are often shot down when in company on
the sand flats with other less wary fovv^ls ; they are easily de-
coyed while flying by imitating their whistle, with which most
of our Coast-Shooters are familiar, and can draw them a con-
siderable distance from their course by sounding their expres-
sive notes. All our Sea-Birds should be fired upon while going
from us, as they are more easily killed by striking them with
the feathers than against them.
The Long-Billed Curlew requires a very hard rap to bring
him down, and will often carry off several large pellets with
him. They generally fly very high, and with great velocity,
and, when in companies, adopt the wedge form, like Ducks.
These Birds are pursued upon our coast like other Sea-fowls,
either in boats or by tramping over the marshes. A pit dug
232
LEWIS AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
in the marsh adjoining some favorite feeding-ground or point
is an excellent plan to shoot all kinds of Bay-fowl.
Another variety of Curlew, known as the Doe Bird, is often
shot by the Bay-Shooters ; it is smaller than either of the two
preceding varieties; it is also termed Jack Curlew; its habits
are the same, and it associates with the other two species.
CHAPTER XYIII.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. CHARADRIUS APRICARIOUS.
" O'er the flat marsh we mark the Plovers sweep,
And clust'ring close, their wheeling courses keep."
THEIR HABITS, ETC.
This Bird is well known to most of our Sportsmen, and is
eagerly sought after wherever he makes his appearance. Plo-
vers return from the South early in May, and remain but a
short time upon the sea-coast; they then retire to the high up-
land districts to breed and rear their young, and during this
season they feed upon berries, grasshoppers, and various in-
sects, and become very fat and good-flavored. At this time,
more particularly, they are known as the Old Field Plover, or
Whistling Plover. Towards August or September, in company
with the young Birds, they resort to the sea-shore, and soon
become sedgy from the change of food. The plumage of the
young Bird is quite dissimilar to that of the adult Bird, even
so much so that they are frequently considered a distinct spe-
cies, and are then known as the "Bull or Beetle-Headed Plover."
\
234 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Plover generally fly liigli, and keep up an incessant whistling,
whicli is easily imitated, and the Birds decoyed within gunshot.
They are very shy, and extreme care is requisite to approach
them. When on the sea-shore, they may be shot by the same
artifices resorted to for the killing of Curlews, or other Sea-
Birds. When on the open plains, where they are still more
difficult to be got at, to approach them by means of a stalking-
horse is an excellent plan, and is recommended as the most
successful mode of killing them,
A most capital manoeuvre, and one adopted by some of our
sporting friends in the countrj'', is to approach them in a care-
less manner, either in an old wagon or cart, or on horseback,
as they seldom take alarm, either from a horse or vehicle of
any description.
Plovers require a very hard rap to bring them down. This
species is known in England.
As soon as the cold weather sets in, these Birds move off to
the South.
DESCRIPTION.
"This species is twelve inches long, and twenty four inches
in extent ; the bill is thick, deeply grooved on the upper man-
/ dible, an inch and a quarter in length, and of a black color ; the
head and globe of the eye are both remarkably large, the latter
deep bluish-black; forehead white; crown and hind head black,
spotted with golden yellow ; back and scapulars dusky, sprinkled
with the same golden or orange-colored spots, mixed with others
of white ; breast, belly, and vent, black; sides of the breast whitish;
wing-quills black ; middle of the shafts white ; greater coverts
black, tipped with white ; lining of the wing black ; tail regu-
larly barred with blackish and pure white ; tail coverts pure
white ; legs and feet a dusky lead color ; the exterior toe joined
to the middle by a broad membrane ; hind toe very small.
"From the length of time which these Birds take to acquire
their full colors, they are found in very various stages of plu-
mage. The breast and belly are at first white, gradually appear
mottled with black, and finally become totally black. The spots
of orange, or golden, on the crown, hind head, and back, are at
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER.
235
first white, and sometimes even the breast itself is marked with
these spots, mingled among the black. In every stage, the
seemingly disproportionate size of the head and thickness of the
bill will distinguish this species."
CHAPTER XIX.
GOLDEN PLOVER. CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS.
HABITS, NOMENCLATURE, ETC.
This Bird is more beautiful in its plumage than tlie other
variety, but somewhat smaller ; it is also far less numerous ; its
habits are pretty much the same, perhaps more Gregarious, as
they are often seen in considerable flocks on the seaboard. The
notes of the Golden Plover are less shrill and piping than those
of the Black-Bellied Plover; they are less timid and easily de-
coyed. These Birds are often taken for the young of the other
variety — they are known as " Frost Birds" in the neighborhood
of New York, from the circumstance of their being more numer-
ous about the time of the early frosts of Autumn, when they are
also in good condition. The Golden Plover resorts to the up-
land meadows in search of berries and grasshoppers, both of
which it is very partial to. The flesh of this Bird in the early
Autumn is most excellent, and they always command a good
price when exposed for sale in our markets. As the weather
gets cold they pass on to the far South. They breed in regions
beyond the United States ; they are never very numerous in
the Middle or Eastern States, and their flesh being savory, they
are highly prized.*
DESCRIPTION.
" The Golden Plover is ten inches and a half long, and twenty-
one inches in extent ; bill short, of a dusky slate color ; eye
very large, blue-black ; nostrils placed in a deep furrow, and
* The Golden Plover frequents the sea-coast of the Middle and Eastern States
in the spring, and early summer ; during the autumn they resort to the Prairies
and interior feeding-grounds.
GOLDEN PLOVER. 237
half covered with a prominent membrane ; whole upper parts
* black, thickly marked with roundish spots of various tints of
golden yellow ; wing coverts and hind part of the neck pale-
brown, the latter streaked with yellow; front, broad line over
the eye, chin, and sides of the same, yellowish-white, streaked
with small pointed spots of brown olive; breast gray, with olive
and white; sides under the wings marked thinly with transverse
bars of pale olive; belly and vent white; wing-quills black, the
middle of the shafts marked with white; greater coverts black,
tipped with white ; tail rounded, black, barred with triangular
spots of golden yellow; legs dark dusky slate; feet three-toed,
with generally the slight rudirtieuts of a heel ; the outer toe con-
nected, as far as the first joint, Avith the middle one. The male
and female differ verj^ little in color."
There are several other varieties of Plover known to our Gun-
ners ; the flesh of the most of them is equally good, and when
in season is highly prized by the Epicure. These two above
described, however, are the largest and most distinguished of
the species; the others are known as the Ring Plover, Piping
Plover, Kildeer Plover, Wilson's Plover, Grass or Field Plover,
&c, &c.
The last-named variety, Tringa Bartramian, is not a coast or
marsh Bird. They are found most commonly on the inland
meadows and old upland fields, where they feed on grasshoppers,
beetles, and the various insects that inhabit such situations.
They are very much esteemed by Epicures, their flesh being-
delicate, juicy, tender, and high-flavored. The whole species
are wild, wary, cunning, and diflicult to be approached.
CHAPTER :^x.
SEMIPALMATED SNIPE, WILLET, OR STONE CURLEW. SCOLOPAX
SEMIPALMATA.
HABITS, DESCRIPTION, ETC.
The Snipe family, as before said, is extremely numerous
throughout this country, and the number and variety of Birds
of this species that flock to our sea-coast during the Summer
and Autumn is almost incredible.
Among these Shore or Bay Fowls there is none more con-
spicuous or more sought after than the one now under con-
sideration. The shrill and incessant cry of the Willet is well
known to every frequenter of the salt marshes throughout the
States of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware; and this
familiarity with the peculiar call of this wary Bird is turned to
fearful account against them, as they are easily deceived and
decoyed within reach of the treacherous gun by the imitations
of the Gunners.
The Willet is not known in England, nor have they any
Bird with which it might be said to correspond. Temmick,
however, notices it as an accidental straggler among the Birds
of Europe. Willets come from the South about the middle of
April, and soon make preparations for laying; their nests are
built in the marshes, upon the tussocks and other little emi-
nences of earth and herbage that are scattered about in the
drier places. The nest generally contains four tapering dark-
colored eggs, and, like those of the Mud-IIen, are said to be
good eating ; in fact, we know them to be very excellent, as we
have partaken of them, although we did not assist in the de-
struction of the nests from which they were taken. This Bird,
SEMIPALMATED SNIPE, OR WILLET. 239
with most others that build on the marshes, suffers greatly
during the period of incubation from the attacks of Crows,
Weasels, and Foxes, and other animals, that devour numberless
eggs as well as young Willets.
These Fowls feed on small shell-fish, and the innumerable
variety of aquatic insects and worms found on the marshes ;
the flesh consequently is sedgy, but not fishy, however. Young
Willets are juicy and tender, and perhaps more esteemed than
any other of the Shore Birds, and, when cooked properly, are
quite passable when no other kind of Game is to be had; in
fact, we have heard many of our sporting friends really extol
these Birds when served up, and hunt as eagerly after them as
if they possessed the delicacy and gamy flavor of the Woodcock.
AVillets remain with us till October and November, and some-
times later, if the weather continues agreeable. They are shot
during low tide, on the marshes and flats, and when flying are
easily decoyed by imitating their whistle, which is thouglit to
resemble the following combinations: Pill-ivill-icillet, ^j^Y^wiYZ-
ivillet.
Shooters most frequently go after these Birds in small boats,
on the inlets and guts that intersect the marshes, that they, in
common with Curlews, Plover, &c., frequent.
DESCRIPTION.
"Length fifteen inches; extent thirty inches; npper parts
dark olive brown ; the feathers streaked down the centre, and
crossed with waving lines of black; wing coverts light olive-
ash, and the whole upper parts sprinkled with touches of dull-
yellowish white; primaries black, white at the root half;
secondaries white, bordered with brown ; rump dark brown ;
tail rounded, twelve feathers pale olive, waved with bars of
black ; tail coverts wdiite, barred with olive ; bill pale lead
color, becoming black towards the tip ; eye very black ; chin
Avhite; breast beautifully mottled with transverse spots of olive
on a cream ground ; belly and vent white, the last barred with
olive; legs and feet pale lead color; toes half webbed.
"Towards the fall, when these Birds associate in large flocks,
they become of a pale dun color above, the plumage being
240
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
shafted with dark brown, and the tail white, or nearly so. At
this season they are extremely fat, and esteemed excellent
eating. Experienced Gunners always select the lightest-colored
ones from a flock, as being uniformly the fattest. The female
of this species is generally larger than the male."
Willets, as other Shore Birds, have a strong affection for their
young, or for a companion in distress, and are ever ready to
turn from their path to offer assistance at the first call for aid,
regardless of all consequences.
M^,^
CHAPTEE XXI.
RED-BREASTED SNIPE. SCOLOPAX NOVEBORACENSIS.
HABITS, NOMENCLATURE, ETC.
This Snipe resembles very mncli in size and plumage the
common Snipe, more particularly wlien in its winter plumage;
it is, however, altogether different in its habits, as well as in the
flavor of its flesh. The English or Wilson Snipe affects fresh-
water marshes only, while the present species confines itself
almost exclusively to the salt marshes of our Atlantic States.
The English Snipe is mostly a solitary Bird, while the Eed-
Breasted Snipes congregate in immense flocks upon the mud-
flats and sand-bars. This Snipe, we believe, is known to our
Coast-Shooters as the Brown Back, or Dowitcher, and we have
found it far more palatable perhaps than any other kind of sea-
Bird, although very considerably smaller than the Curlew, Wil-
let, or Plover. Being so much smaller than those other Birds,
this Snipe is not so much sought after as some others ; we, how-
ever, never let an opportunity pass to bring them to bag, when
on these excursions, oftentimes in preference to the other
Birds, which are always far more sedgy, and not unfrequently
fishy besides.
The Eed-Breasted, or as it is also called the Quail Snipe, arrive
on the coast of Jersey from the South on their way to their
breeding-grounds further Noi^th, about the first week in May,
remain a short time, and then stretch off" for the Canadas. To-
wards the middle of July they commence returning in increased
numbers, and remain feeding on the marshes till the commence-
ment of the cold weather, when they take themselves to the
16
242 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Soutli. These Snipes fly in large flocks, and feed in thick masses
upon the points, and will often allow a boat to approach them
sufficiently near to give them a raking shot fore and aft, that
not unfrequently spreads death and destruction through the
greater portion of their affrighted ranks. A¥e were present ou
one occasion when twenty-three of these Birds were killed at
one discharge of a large-sized foAvling-piece ; and we have killed
repeatedly six or eight at a shot.
They are certainly far less wary than most other Shore Birds,
and when feeding in company are always the last to take the
alarm ; they are easily deceived by the Bay-Shooters, and fall
easy victims when attracted by decoys.
Their food consists of small snails and aquatic insects that
are washed up by the tide.
DESCRIPTION.
" The Eed-Breasted Snipe is ten inches and a half long, and
eighteen inches in extent; the bill is about two inches and a
quarter in length, straight, grooved, black towards the point,
and of a dirty eel-skin color at the base, where it is tumid and
wrinkled ; lores dusky ; cheeks and eyebrows pale j^ellowish-
white, mottled with specks of black ; throat and breast a reddish
buff color; sides white, barred with black; belly aud vent white,
the latter barred with dusky; crown, neck above, back, scapu-
lars, and tertials black, edged, mottled, and marbled with yel-
lowish-Avhite, pale and bright ferruginous, much in the same
manner as the common Snipe ; wings plain olive, the secondaries
centred and bordered with white; shaft of the first quill very
white; rump, tail-coverts, and tail (which consists of twelve
feathers) white, thickly spotted with black ; legs and feet dull
yellowish-green ; outer toe united to the middle one by a small
membrane ; eye very dark. The female is paler on the back,
and less ruddy on the breast."
OTHER VARIETIES OF SHORE BIRDS.
There arc several other varieties of the Snipe species that
Sportsmen eagerly seek after while shooting on the sea-shore
EED-BREASTED SNIPE. 243
marshes ; it cannot he expected of us, however, to describe all
these Birds. We shall, therefore, be forced to pass them by with
two exceptions, namely, the —
SCOLOPAX FLAVIPES — YELLOW-SHANKS SNIPE: AND SCOLOPAX
VOCIFERUS— TELL-TALE SNIPE, GODWIT, OR GREATER YELLOW-
SHANKS SNIPE.
Both these Birds are well bat not favorably known to the
market Shooters of Philadelphia and New York, as they are
extremely shy and very vigilant, and often give notice, by their
shrill whistle, of the approach of the Shooter when he would not
have been observed by the less wary fowl feeding around. This
habit of timely warning their careless companions of the danger
that is encompassing them, has given rise to their I'espective
appellations of Greater or Lesser Tell-Tale. Notwithstanding
their uncommon vigilance they are, nevertheless, often brought
to bag, and in the Autumn their flesh is not unfrequently very
savory. These Birds resemble each other so very much in their
general appearance and plumage that the difference in their size
alone is the most distinguishing characteristic.
CHAPTER XXII
WILD FOWL SHOOTING.
"But hark! what sound is that approaching near?
'Down close.' Tlie Wild Ducks come, and, darting down.
Throw up on ev'ry side the troubl'd wave ;
Then gavly swim around with idle play."
THIS AMUSEMENT IN AMERICA.
This amusement, thougli not as popular, or followed with tlie
same zest by the Sportsmen of America as it is by those of
England and other countries, is nevertheless every season at-
tracting increased attention to its real merits as a manly and
exciting sport. And no doubt, as the conveniences for visiting
our bay and sea-shores become more widely diffused through-
out the various portions of our Atlantic States, by the opening
of new steamboat and railroad routes, that our pleasure-loving
and novelty-seeking people will flock to the secluded haunts of
the Wild FoAvl much more generally than they do at present.
When a fondness for this kind of sport is once awakened
among us, we may expect to see our Shooters excel those of
WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 245
any other portion of the world, owing to the great abundance
of this kind of Game, the freedom with which they can pursue
it, and the enthusiasm with which they will take it up. This
sport at present is almost entirely confined to the hands of those
who follow the occupation of killing Wild Fowl not from mo-
tives of pleasure or healthful recreation, but as a means of
subsistence for themselves and families ; and the tables of our
Epicures are generally supplied from this source.
Some few of the New York Sportsmen occasionally sally
forth during the Ducking season to spend a few days in shoot-
ing upon the neighboring shores, but the sport is not considered
sufficiently enticing to carry them very often on such expedi-
tions. We also have a few amateurs in Philadelphia who are
fond of visiting the Wild Fowl regions, but none that are very
enthusiastic on the subject, like Colonel Hawker and many other
Englishmen, who have devoted so much time and talent to the
perfecting of this branch of sport.
Duck shooting, to be sure, is no child's play ; but on the con-
trary is often attended with many mishaps, great hardships, and
constant exposure to the elements, and withal frequently results
in Fisherman's luck, so often quoted. No true lover of sport,
however, should be intimidated, or, in fact, object to these petty
inconveniences, as it is these very circumstances that afford
the chief enjoyment and give a keener relish to this pursuit,
which will in time inure him both in body and mind for the
accomplishment of greater and more lasting benefits than the
mere destruction of Game. We cannot expect to arrive at per-
fection in any employment without a becoming share of labor and
perseverance ; and in the pursuit of Ducks the Shooter will find
a wide field open for the exercise of both these virtues, as well
as many other qualifications alike necessary for the attainment
of nobler deeds. It is indeed necessary, for a Sportsman to
enjoy this kind of amusement, to become accustomed to all
kinds of hardships — to care neither for the peltings of the rain,
the driving of the snow, whistling of the wind, or the freezing
of the water ; all such accompaniments to his pursuits must be
despised, and not regarded as barriers to his enjoyments ; but,
as before said, their presence must be viewed as imparting a
keener zest to the pleasure of the sport. With feelings akin
246 lewis' AMERICAN" SPORTSMAN.
to these, the Sportsman is prepared to enter upon the hardy
and exciting occupation of "Wild Fowl Shooting in all its
branches during the cold winter months of our northern
country ; and such a choice spirit will derive both pleasure
and healthful recreation in the pursuit.
It is almost unnecessary to tell the Sportsman that he must
be provided with many essentials to assist him in holding the
elements at defiance, and resort to every expedient to protect his
ammunition from dampness, his gun from rust, and his own
person from the effects of the cold and rain to which he will
often be exposed during these excursions. Water-proof boots,
water-proof coats, woollen shirts, drawers, and stockings, and
warm gloves, are all necessary accompaniments to a Ducker's
wardrobe ; and without these essentials and a strong heart
besides, he had better not enter upon the rough-and-tumble
sport of Wild Fowl Shooting as followed by an old campaigner.
A flask of good spirits is also an important accompaniment
to the other necessaries, but which, by the by, should be re-
sorted to as seldom as possible; for the use of liquor during
active exercise often creates an unnatural thirst, which, if in-
dulged in to an extent sufficient to produce a flush on the cheek
or a glow on the body, will most assuredly make the eye un-
certain or the hand unsteady, and, moreover, prove otherwise
injurious by opening the pores of the system and making the
Shooter more susceptible to the effects of cold. We have
spoken more fully on this subject in our Hygienic directions.
CHESAPEAKE BAY.
"Above, around in numerous flocks are seen,'
Long lines of Ducks o'er this their fav'rite scene."
There is no place in our wide extent of country where Wild
Fowl Shooting is followed with so much ardor as on the Chesa-
peake Bay and its tributaries, not only by those who make a
comfortable living from the business, but also by gentlemen
who resort to these waters from all parts of the adjoining States
to participate in the enjoyments of this far-famed Ducking-
ground. All species of Wild Fowl resort to these waters in
numbers beyond credence or computation, and it is really ne-
WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 247
cessaiy for a stranger to visit these regions, if he wishes to form
a just idea of the wonderful multitudes and numberless varie-
ties of Ducks that darken these waters and hover in intermina-
ble flocks over these favored feeding-grounds. It is not, how-
ever, the variety or extraordinary numbers of Ducks on the
Chesapeake that particularly attracts the steps of so many
Shooters to these parts, as there are other rivers and streams
equally accessible where Wild Fowl also abound. But the
great magnet that makes these shores the centre of attraction
is the presence of the far-famed Canvass-Back, that here alone
acquires its peculiar delicacy of flavor, while feeding upon the
shoals and flats of these waters. It is in quest of these noble
Ducks that so many repair annually to the shores of the Chesa-
peake and its numerous tributaries, regardless of the myriads
of other Ducks that are seen around on every side. The
Shooter alone taxes all his energies for the destruction of this
one species, regarding all others with contempt, and as hardly
worthy of powder and shot. The month of October has hardly
set in before the immense host of Ducks commence arriving
from the North in the waters of the Chesapeake. Among the
first of these welcome visitors will be seen the Anas Albeola,
commonly known as the Butter Ball, and. whose sharp and
quick note — quack, quack, quach! — is soon heard throughout
the neighboring streams and marshes, as they ever and anon
spring up and dart off with amazing velocity. Now may be
seen the Anas Boschas, known as the Wild Drake, or Mallard;
the Anas Glacialis, South-southerly, or Long-tailed Duck, with
its singular and discordant notes, and a few others. As the
season progresses, the cold blasts of the North bring down in
regular succession the sprightly little Anas Mavilla, Black-
Head, or Blue-Bill ; the cunning Anas Americaoa, American
Widgeon, or Ball-Pate; the poaching Anas Ferina, or Eed-
Head ; the wary Anas Canadensis, or Canada Goose ; the grace-
ful Cygnus Americanus, or American Swan; and last, but not
least, the Anas Valisineria, or Canvass-Back. Now it is that
the Walters of the Chesapeake are filled to repletion Avith the
armies of Ducks that collect on the flats and shoals where the
juicy blades of the Valisineria flourishes in the greatest profu-
sion. Now it is that the shores are thickly strewed with the
248 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
remnants of this aquatic plant, pulled up from its soft bed.
Now it is that the waters of the bay are darkened by the flights
of the winged host, travelling hither and thither in search of
food ; now it is that the ordinary quiet employments of the re-
sidents of these regions teeming with abundance, are abandoned
for the more exciting and lucrative occupation of Duck shoot-
ing. Every old musket and rusty fowling-piece is brought
into immediate requisition. All is bustle and confusion among
the Duckers; and now it is that the neglected Water Dog, who
has wandered idly about, uncared for and unfed for the past
nine months, is called familiarly and even kindly to the heels
of his selfish master. The bay shore, for miles and miles, long
before the dawn of day, is alive with Shooters ; and every point
is occupied with eager marksmen, who stand prepared with
murderous weapons to give a passing volley to every Canvass-
Back that heedlessly ventures within range. The before quiet
and peaceful shores of the bay now resound with the deafening
volleys of the toling parties concealed behind the various blinds
erected • along the banks, while the guns from the boats and
masked batteries send booming over the placid waters their
echoing notes of death and destruction. The wary Canvass-
Backs, startled in every quarter, fly here and there, scarcely
knowing where to repose in safety or feed in peace.
HINTS FOR DUCKERS.
Wild Fowl are ever on the alert, and always ready to take
alarm at the least indication of danger, and therefore must be
approached with the utmost precaution, or waited for in the
profoundest silence. The plashing of an oar, the rattling of a
pebble, the rustling of a leaf, the bobbing up of a head, the ex-
posure of a leg, the raising of an arm, or the utterance of a
loud word, will often put to sudden flight a whole flock of
Ducks, a few minutes before feeding in fancied security almost
within reach of our smallest gun; therefore, "be as still as
death itself, yet watchful as life can make you."
The sense of smell is singularly developed in Wild Ducks,
and, when approaching them on the water, it is necessary to get
to the leeward of them. Colonel Hawker very justly remarks
WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 249
on tliis point: "In following Wild Fowl, it is easier to get
within twenty yards of them by going to leeward, than a hun-
dred and fifty directly to ivindivard, so very acute is their sense
of smelling^'' This fact of their being able to scent an enemy a
long distance off is well known to the men employed in attend-
ing on the decoy ponds of England and France; and, for the
purpose of destroying or counteracting the odor emanating
from their persons, alwaj^s hold a piece of burning peat in their
mouths when visiting their nets.
DISTANCES ON THE WATER.
It is very difficult for the inexperienced to judge of distances
on the water, and the eye is consequently often deceived on
such occasions; and young Sportsmen not unfrequently fire
away at Wild Fowl securely feeding far beyond the reach of a
gun double or treble the caliber of the one he is using, and then
expresses great astonishment that the load should have fallen
far short of the mark, or, perhaps, have scattered harmlessly in
the very midst of the intended victims. Experience and obser-
vation will alone correct this fault.
VELOCITY OF FLIGHT.
When Wild Fowl are flying against the wind, it causes them
to fly low and closer together than when going with it. The
velocity with which Ducks fly is very great, and argues strongly
the necessity of having the best of guns and ammunition to be
successful in this kind of sport. The barrels of Duck guns
should be of sufficient caliber and length to bear a large pro-
portion of powder, so as to throw the shot thickly and with
great force to a long distance. Under ordinary circumstances,
unassisted by the wind. Ducks fly at the rate of eighty to one
hundred miles an hour, as has often been proven by actual ex-
periment; and the following plan, adopted by Major Cartwright,
to ascertain this fact to his own satisfaction, is both ingenious
and conclusive in its results, and we therefore give it in his own
words : "In my way hither, I measured the flight of Eider Ducks
250 lewis' AMERICAN SPOETSMAN.
by the following method, viz : on arriving off Duck Island, I
caused the people to lie on their oars; and when I saw the flash
of the guns which were fired at a flock of Ducks as they passed
through the latter, I observed by my watch how long they were
in flying abreast of us. The result of very many observations
ascertained the rate of their flight to be ninety miles an hour."
This velocity of flight is not only wonderful, but seems almost
incredible; nevertheless, the fact is well substantiated by the
observations of other writers respecting the movements of Birds
even less rapid than those of Ducks. For example, it is not an
uncommon circumstance to shoot Wild Pigeons {Cohimha Mi-
gmtoria) in the forests of Canada, with their stomachs filled with
perfect, or rather whole grains of rice, which must have been
gleaned from the rice-fields of the Southern States, at a distance,
perha]3s, of one thousand miles or more from the spot Avhere
the}^ were killed. Now, allowing several hours of active exer-
cise to be sufficient to digest this article of food, or, rather,
granting the inability of these seeds to resist the action of the
digestive apparatus for a longer time than a few hours, it is but
fair to conclude that the Birds must have flown with wonderful
velocity to have arrived at such a distance from the rice-planta-
tions even before its last meal was digested. To still further
elucidate this subject, we will mention another well-authenti-
cated circumstance that has already been referred to by more
than one writer. It is stated that a Falcon belonging to Henry
the Fourth, King of France, escaped from Fontainebleau, and
was captured again at Malta, a distance of nearly fourteen
hundred miles, in less than twenty-four hours from the time of
its escape from its former prison. Now, if we suppose this Bird
to have been in motion during the whole of the time intervening
between its escape from Fontainebleau and its recapture at
Malta, the rate at which it travelled would exceed sixtv miles
an hour. This supposition, however, is neither correct nor
rational, as this species of Bird never flies in the night; and we
must therefore grant it the hours of darkness for repose, and
calculate the actual velocity of flight accordingly. Allow,
therefore, that the Falcon enjoyed eighteen hours of light,
which is more than a fair proportion of the time in opposition
WILD FOWL SHOOTING.
251
to our argument, and also grant that the Bird was seen the
moment of its arrival at Malta, which is also somewhat im-
probable, the velocity with which it must have flown is equal
to eighty miles an hour, or within a fraction of that amount.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CANVASS-BACK. ANAS VALISINERIA.
"Now, all around us, rising trains appear.
Wild whistling wings on every hand we hear;
The alarm of death amid their legions spread,
In files immense they winnow over head."
THEIR HIGH ESTIMATION.
From among the numerous family of tlie Duck Tribe, the
far-famed Canvass-Back will first claim our attention, as this
species stands pre-eminent, both with Sportsmen and Epicures,
for the richness and delicacy of its flesh; in fact, it is conceded
in all quarters that no Wild Fowl in any portion of the globe
can vie in flavor with the Canvass-Back of the Chesapeake or
Potomac. No variety of Duck is more eagerly sought after
by the Sportsmen of our country, and no viand contributes so
largely to enhance the enjoyments of the table among the luxu-
rious followers of Epicurus as the presence of this delicious
fowl, served up piping hot, all redolent with the captivating
fumes of its savory flesh; and, in the words of Wilson, "Can-
CANVASS-BACK. 253
vass-Backs not only grace, but dignify the table, and tlieir verj'-
name conveys to the imagination of the eager Epicure the most
comfortable and exhilarating ideas."
The beautiful appearance, large size, immense numbers, and
juicy tenderness of these Ducks, during their stay on the
Chesapeake and its tributaries, cause them to be persecuted
with an unrelenting ardor by Shooters collected from all parts
of the neighboring States, urged on, not only by a healthful
desire for sport, but doubly stimulated by the more selfish
motive of gain. Although thousands of these Ducks are an-
nually sent to the markets of Philadelphia, Baltimore, New
York, and even as far south as Charleston, the demand for
them at these places is ever the same; and the exorbitant
prices that they readily bring — two or three dollars per pair —
is of itself a sufficient proof of the high estimation in which
our citizens hold them.
KNOWN ONLY IN AMERICA.
This Duck we are proud to claim as solely American, there
being no fowl as yet described in any portion of the world,
except, perhaps, the Pochard of England, that at all resembles
the Canvass-Back. This Duck, however, is much smaller, and
weighs at least one-third less; and the delicacy of its flesh,
though good, is far inferior to that of our species.
Before going further, we will make the reader familiar with
this beautiful Duck by the introduction of Wilson's descrip-
tion : —
" The Canvass-Back is two feet long and three feet in extent,
and, when in good order, weighs three pounds; the bill is large,
rising high in the head, three inches in length, and one inch
and three-eighths thick at the base, of a glossy black ; eye very
small; irides dark red; cheeks and foreparts of the head
blackish-brown; rest of the headland greater part of the neck
bright glossy reddish-chestnut, ending in a broad space of black
that covers the upper part of the breast and spreads round to
the back; back, scapulars, tertials white, faintly marked with
an infinite number of transverse waving lines or points, as if
254 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
done witli a pencil ; whole lower parts of the breast, also the
belly, white, slightly pencilled in the same manner, scarcely
perceptible on the breast, pretty thick towards the vent ; wdng-
co verts gray, with numerous specks of blackish ; primaries and
secondaries pale slate, two or three of the latter of which nearest
the body are finely edged with deep velvety black, the former
dusky at the tips ; tale very short, pointed, consisting of four-
teen feathers of a hoary brown; vent and tail coverts black;
lining of the wing white ; legs and feet very pale ash, the latter
three inches in width — a circumstance which partly accounts
for its great powers of swimming.
" The female is somewhat less than the male, and weighs two
pounds and three-quarters.* The crown is blackish brown ;
cheeks and throat of a pale drab ; neck dull brown ; breast, as
far as the black extends on the male, dull brown, skirted in
places with pale drab ; back dusky white, pencilled like the
back ; wings, feet, and bill as in the male ; tail-coverts dusky ;
vent white, waved with brown."
NATURAL HISTORY.
Very little or nothing is known of the Canvass-Back during
the period of incubation ; in fact, the history of the whole race
during this interesting season is but little known, as they retire
at the breaking up of Winter to the far regions of the Arctic,
and there, in those solitudes never trod by the wandering foot-
steps of man, they unmolested breed and rear their young,
Audubon, however, informs us that they breed in consider-
able numbers on the borders of Bear River, in Upper Califor-
-nia; also in the marshes and along the banks of streams in
many parts of the Eocky Mountains.
December 17, 1849.
* We are just in receipt of two couples of Canvass-Backs, from the Chesa-
peake, the aggregate weight of which is twelve pounds and a half, being three
pounds and an eighth to each fowl; as they are paired, male and female, the
weight is rather unusual. We occasionally hear of a seven-pound couple, but
such Ducks are very rare, even in the height of the season. We have seen some
couples that weighed within a fraction of eight pounds ; but such are still
more rare.
CANVASS-BACK. 255
Canvass-Backs first make their appearance on our rivers in
the months of October and November. During the time of
migration a few are encountered upon the Hudson and Dela-
ware, and other rivers, but the great body of Ducks generally
take up their line of march straight for the Chesapeake and its
tributaries, the Susquehanna, Potomac, James, Elk, Bush,
Gunpowder, and some other smaller streams.
It will now be very naturally asked by the uninitiated but
inquisitive reader. Why do these Ducks resort so particularly
to the above-mentioned streams in preference to the hundreds
of others of our noble rivers? This question is easily solved
when we inform him that a peculiar kind of aquatic plant on
which they delight to feed grows luxuriantly in these streams,
and that it is seldom or ever found in other localities ; and if
met with at all, is generally in such small quantities that it
would not furnish food sufficient for these numberless Ducks
over a few days. They, therefore, instinctively, or perhaps led
by the older members of the flocks, wend their way from the
bleak climes of the North in a direct course to these favored
regions of abundance, and where, previous to the coming of the
white man, the feathered tribes remained all winter, feeding
unmolested and undisturbed by the never-ceasing reports of
the terrible Duck guns that now spread death and destruction
on all sides. "When the Canvass-Backs first arrive in our
waters they are rather poor and unpalatable, but soon become
fat and juicy, as they are very industrious feeders, and partake
largely of the roots of the Valisineria, or wild celery, which is
very tender and extremely nutritious. This species of aquatic
herb, from which the Canvass-Back so appropriately derives itf
scientific appellation, grows in great abundance on the exten
sive shoals of the Chesapeake, as also on the numerous flats o.
all the rivers that empty their waters into this estuary. The
plant attains several feet in height, and has a small white root
very much resembling young celery; and it is upon this deli-
cate portion alone that the dainty Canvass-Back regales his
fastidious appetite, disdaining the green blades, which are left
to float off, and strew the shores of the bay for miles and miles. '
There are several species of Ducks that are as equally fond of
I
f 256 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
( the roots of the Yalisineria as the Canvass-Backs ; but not
1 being as strong as this fowl, thej are not able to dive deep
1 enough to seize the stock sufficiently near the bottom to insure
( pulling the plant up by the roots. These Ducks, however, are
^ always seen feeding with the Canvass-Back, and supply this
1 deficiency in their physical construction to the adaptation of
( their wants by a singular boldness and ingenuity for acting the
t part of skulking poachers. They attentively watch every op-
1 portunity to seize upon the delicate morsel the very moment
t the Canvass-Back makes his appearance on the top of the
1 water with the root in his mouth, and then, swimming off"
rapidly to a convenient distance, quietly enjoys the stolen re-
1 past, unmolested by his good-tempered opponent, who soon
c dives down again for another root.
f Among these cunning poachers, none are more conspicuous
I than the Eed-Heads and Bald-Pates, both of which are always
\ found feeding in company with the Canvass-Back, and at the
^ height of the season are not very far inferior to these Ducks;
and it oftentimes puzzles the best judges to distinguish one
from the other. "We have seen the Epicurean taste of some of
our sporting friends put to the test on this point more than
once, and the mistakes that have been made on these occasions
t' is conclusive evidence of the great similarity in the flavor of
d these three varieties of Ducks during the particular period that
a they all feed exclusively upon the roots of the Yalisineria.
a Although the Canvass-Backs are excessively fond of the bul-
s bous root of the Yalisineria Americana, and prefer it to any
other kind of food, they are not solely dependent upon this
a production for subsistence, but are obliged to resort to other
r species of aquatic plants when driven from the rivers and flats
r of the upper bay by the large masses of floating ice into regions
where this vegetable does not grow. When forced by this cir-
cumstance to quit their favorite feeding-grounds, the Canvass-
Backs betake themselves far down the bay, where the Yalisi-
j neria is thinly distributed, and the shallows are more generally
■> covered with a different variety of marine plant known as Eel-
' grass. At such times, the Canvass-Backs, being forced to par-
^ take of this rank grass, as well as small fish and many other
r
CANVASS-BACK. 257
less dainty articles of food, soon lose a great deal of that deli-
cacy of flavor which alone seems to be imparted to their flesh
by the use of this water celery. If they should be confined to
a different diet for any considerable time, their flesh becomes
sedgy, and is not much superior to many other varieties of
Sea-Coast Fowl.
The fact of the fondness of the Canvass-Back for this bulbous
root, and the knowledge of the peculiar delicacy imparted to
their flesh by partaking of it, has been turned to useful account
by some of our intelligent agriculturists, who coop and feed the
common domestic Duck upon the tops and roots of the garden
celery for a few days previous to killing them, which plan is
said to much improve their flavor and altogether destroy that
rankness which is often observable in the Barn-Yard Duck.
A friend of the author, Avho has fattened Ducks in this way,
assures him that it was almost impossible to distinguish some
of them from wild ones, their flavor being so much improved.
The Canvass-Back extends its migrations as far South as
Florida, and is known at New Orleans under the somewhat sin-
gular appellation of " Canard Cheval." They are much esteemed
in that city for their delicacy, but are said to be far inferior to
those killed on the Chesapeake. Canvass-Backs are often met
with in the markets of Charleston and Savannah, but they are
commonly very poor, dry, and at times fishy, and not as much
esteemed late in the season as either Mallards or Teal. We are
informed by a friend that these Ducks are very numerous in
Galveston Bay, and at times are most excellent eating.
In the neighborhood of New Orleans the Canvass-Backs re-
sort to wet prairies and fresh- water ponds, where they feed upon
the seeds of various plants, more particularly those of the wild
oats and water-lily. This kind of food being somewhat analo-
gous to that which they partake of in the Chesapeake Bay, it is
not improbable that the Canvass-Backs of that particular region
may be but a trifle inferior to those shot on the fresh- water
shoals of the North, where the Yalisineria Americana flourishes
in such profusion.
17
f
258 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
THEIR SHYNESS.
The Canvass-Back is an extremely shy and wary Duck, and
very difficult to approach, except by means of some cunningly
devised stratagem, as there are always sentinels on the look-out
for intruders, whether the mass of Ducks be sleeping at night
or feeding during the daytime. AVhen on the water, they may
be distinguished at a great distance from other Ducks by their
constant habit of diving, and when on the wing they fly in a
wedge-like form, with considerable velocity, and generally at a
great height. When wounded, they dive very deep and swim
immense distances under water, thus bafiling every effort of the
most skilful Dogs to overtake them ; and the sagacious animals
that are trained to this kind of Sport are perfectly aware of this
circumstance, as they seldom or ever show any disposition to
pursue wounded Canvass-Backs — for they know full well, from
hard-taught experience, the utter impossibility of their being
able to catch them, no matter how fast they may swim or how
deep they may dive in the pursuit.
MODES OF TAKING CANVASS-BACKS.
In detailing the various schemes and describing the innumer-
able contrivances that the ingenuity of man has prompted him
to adopt for the purpose of circumventing and destroying this
much-prized Duck, we will, ere finishing the subject, have pretty
much exhausted the whole material appertaining to Wild Fowl
Shooting ; as it is to the taking of this particular variety that
the energies of the whole shooting craft are devoted in those
portions of the country where they, in common with numberless
other Ducks, congregate.
CANVASS-BACK.
259
TOLING DUCKS.
We will first speak of a most curious process resorted to by
the Shooters on the Chesapeake Bay, at the beginning of the
season, for the purpose of decoying Canvass-Backs from the flats
within gunshot of the Sportsmen, who lie concealed from obser-
vation behind blinds erected all along the shore at convenient
intervals. This practice we have already described in our edi-
tion of " Youatt," under the head of Newfoundland Dog, and as
here put down will transfer it to these pages, with some addi-
tional observations.
" This may not be an inappropriate place to speak of this won-
derful mode of decoying Ducks, termed ToJinrj, so extensively
practised upon the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, where
the Canvass-Backs and Red-Heads resort in such numerous
quantities every Autumn. A species of Mongrel Water-Dog,
or often any common cur, is taught to run backwards and for-
wards after stones, sticks, or other missiles thrown from one
side to the other along the shore. In his activity and industry
in this simple branch of education, within the comprehension
of any Dog, consists the almost incredible art of Toling the Can-
vass-Back. With a Dog of this character, the shooting party,
consisting of several persons, all prepared with heavy double-
260 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
barrelled Duck-guns, ensconce themselves at break of day behind,
some one of the numerous blinds temporarily erected along the
shore contiguous to the feeding-grounds of these Ducks.
" Everything being arranged and the morning mists cleared
off, the Ducks will be seen securely feeding on the shallows not
less than several hundreds of yards from the shore. The Dog
is now put in motion by throwing stones from one side of the
blind to the other. This will soon be perceived by the Ducks,
who, stimulated by an extreme degree of curiosity, and feeling
anxious to inform themselves as to this sudden and singular
phenomenon, raise their heads high in the water and commence
swimming for the shore. The Dog being kept in motion, the
Ducks will not arrest their progress until within a few feet of
the water's edge, and oftentimes will stand on the shore staring,
as it were in mute and silly astonishment at the playful motions
of the animal.
" If Avell trained, the Dog takes no notice whatever of the
Ducks, but continues his fascination until the quick report of
the Battery announces to him that his services are now wanted
in another quarter, and he immediately rushes into the water
to arrest the flight of the maimed and wounded, who, struggling
on every side, dye the water with their rich blood.
" The discovery of this mode of decoying Ducks was quite
an accident, being attributed to a circumstance noticed by a
Sportsman, who, concealed behind a blind patiently awaiting
the near approach of the Canvass-Backs, observed that they
suddenly lifted up their heads and moved towards the shore.
Wondering at this singular and unusual procedure on the part
of this wary Bird, he naturally looked round to discover the
cause, and observed a young Fox sporting on the river bank ;
and the Ducks, all eagerness to gaze upon him, were steering
their course directly for the shore.*
" These Ducks will not only be decoyed by the Dog, but will
* Be this as it may, this peculiar faculty of fascination on the part of the
Dog has been long known and practised on the decoy ponds of England, to a
much more limited extent, to be sure, but still sufficient to show that these Wild
Fowl Shooters, or rather Nettcrs, understand the whole bearing of the operation.
For further information on the suliject, we refer our readers to Bewick's account
of the decoy dpons.
CANVASS-BACK. 261
often come in by waving a fancy-colored handkerchief attached
to the ramrod. We have seen a Dog fail to attract their atten-
tion till bound around the loins with a white handkerchief, and
then succeed perfectly welh The Toling season continues about
three weeks from the first appearance of the Ducks — often a
much shorter time — as these Birds become more cautious, and
are no longer deceived in this way. The Canvass-Back Toles
better than any other Duck ; in fact, it is asserted by some
Sportsmen that this particular variety alone can be decoyed in
this mode. There are always numbers of other Ducks feeding
with the Canvass-Back, particularly the Eed-Heads and Black-
Heads, who partake of the top of the grass that the Canvass-
Back discards after eating off the root, which is a kind of celery.
These Ducks, though they come in with the Canvass-Backs when
Toled, do not seem to take any notice whatever of the Dog, but
continue to swim along, carelessly feeding, as if intrusting them-
selves entirely to the guidance of the other Ducks.
"As far as we have been able to judge, we are inclined to
this opinion also, and do not recollect ever having succeeded in
Toling any other species of Duck unaccompanied by the Can-
vass-Back, although we have made the effort many times.
These Ducks are a very singular Bird, and although very cun-
ning nnder ordinary circumstances, seem perfectly bewildered'
upon this subject. "We were one of a part}^, several years
since, who actually succeeded in decoying the same batch of
Ducks three successive times in the course of an hour, and
slaying at each fire a large number. We counted out over
forty at the conclusion of the sport.
"Although the Toling of Ducks is so simple in its process,
there are few Dogs who have sufficient industry and persever-
ance to arrive at any degree of perfection in the art. The Dog,
if not possessed of some sagacity and considerable training, is
very apt to tire and stop running when the Ducks have got
near the shore but too far off to be reached by the guns, which
spoils all, as the Birds are very apt to swim or fly off if the
motion of the animal is arrested for a few moments."*
* On some particular days, even in the midst of the Toling season, without
any appai-ent reason, the Toler is obliged to relinquish his sport, as no artifice on
262 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Since writing the above, we have been assured by an experi-
enced and somewhat veteran Sportsman that both the Black-
Heads and the Red-Heads Tole with the same facility, and the
former Duck, if anything, even more easily than the Canvass-
Backs. From further observation and more minute inquiry on
the subject of Toling, we are now inclined to think that very
nearly all varieties of the Wild Fowl can be decoyed in the
way above described ; but at the same time we are m^ore than
ever convinced that the Canvass-Back is more susceptible to this
strange influence than any other Duck on our waters. The rea-
son why we were led at first to suppose that the Canvass-Back
alone could be influenced by these playful motions of a Dog
was owing to the circumstance of our never having at that time
Toled Wild Fowl on other waters than the Chesapeake, where
the Canvass-Back is always to be seen feeding during the shoot-
ing season in company with all the other varieties that flock to
this favorite resort ; and we had not perhaps considered how
seldom it was that a bed of Ducks could be seen on these
waters that did not chiefly consist of Canvass-Backs, as the
most of the other varieties keep company with these Ducks for
the purpose of feeding on the refuse of the celery which they,
by their superior strength and dexterity, are enabled to pull up
from the bottom of the rivers. We consequently may have
been perfectly correct in our assertion ^^ of never havii^g succeeded
in Toling any other species of Duck unaccompanied hy the Ganvass-
Bach f but at the same time our inferences may have been
entirely wrong, when we consider how seldom a hed of Ducks
is seen on these waters that is not principally composed of Can-
vass Backs. And, moreover, when we consider the acuteness
of vision and the never-ceasing watchfulness of the Canvass-
Back, we need not be at all surprised that they should be most
generally the first to notice the Dog or the first to take the lead
in the general movement towards the shore — all the other
the part of the Dog -will induce the Ducks to come in, although on the preceding
day they may have exhibited the greatest eagerness to satisfy their curiosity on
this point. Tlie immediate cause of tliis fickleness on the part of these Fowl it
is difificult to explain, as it cannot be attributed to any sudden change in the
weather or other concomitant circumstances ■which most generally influence the
actions of the feathered race.
CANVASS-BACK. 263
Ducks apparently following, although they may he equally
under the magic influence.
This plan of killing Ducks, though practised by all the gentry,
as well as Pot Hunters who frequent the bay shore, is not altoge-
ther recognized as a sportsman-like way of bagging Game, and
is forbidden on some of the grounds in possession of the Clubs
that meet during the shooting season at different points in the
haj. Of the utility of this regulation we will not argue, as
the gentlemen composing these associations no doubt have good
reasons for this restriction. We must confess, however, that
we see no impropriety or unsportsman-like conduct in thus de-
coying this wary Fowl within reach of our gun, more particu-
larly in positions where all other modes of getting at them
would surely fail. But, on the contrary, we have always found
a great- deal in the sport to admire, as it is not unfrequently
attended with a high degree of pleasurable excitement, while
witnessing the playful antics of the Dog operating so strangely
upon his bewildered and silly victims that so soon pay the for-
feit of their idle curiosity in death. And, moreover, if we
desired to act the part of a sage, we might also draw a pretty
moral from the incident, in demonstrating to our brother Sports-
men that a foolish and idle curiosity even in the brute creation
often results in disastrous consequences to all parties con-
cerned.
Along some shores on the Gunpowder and Bush Rivers, ex-
clusively devoted by their proprietors to Toling, the season for
this sport continues very late, as the Fowl are seldom or never
disturbed upon their feeding-grounds far out in the stream, to
which they take immediate refuge after being fired at, and there
remain in perfect security till enticed again within gunshot;
and this may be accomplished several times during the same
day, and the slaughter consequently is often enormous. This
method of killing Ducks is less injurious in its effects upon the
movements of Wild Fowl than any kind of boat shooting that
can be practised, as it never disturbs them on their feeding-
grounds, but attacks them only when foolishly wandering away
from their usual secure haunts.
The proper and most destructive moment to shoot Ducks
when they have been Toled, is when they present a side view.
26dt lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Duck Dogs, when behind the blinds along the bay-shore,
watch the flight of Ducks as anxiously as the Sportsman him-
self, and often by their manners give evidence of the approach
of Ducks before they are observed by those on the watch for
them.
BOATING DUCKS.
Another method of killing Canvass-Backs is that of boating
them on their feeding-grounds in small skiffs, either in the day-
time or during the still hour of night. The latter plan, of
course, is the most destructive and terrifying to the Fowl.
A large swivel, carrying several ounces of powder and a
pound or more of shot, is placed on the bow of a light-boat, and,
by means of muffled oars and under cover of the darkness, it
is carried into the very midst of the sleeping Ducks, and being
fired into their thick columns great numbers are destroyed as
well as crippled. This plan of killing Wild Fowl, however, is
very generally reprobated by all respectable parties interested
in this sport, and is very properl}'" restricted by legislative
enactment. Notwithstanding, however, the general discoun-
tenance of the community, and the severe penalties threatening
the participators in this unhallowed plan of butchery, many
unprincipled poachers, who shoot for the markets, boldly resort
to this expedient to fill their slender purses, in spite of all law
and the universal execrations of those who live in the neigh-
borhood of the bay. These impudent and reckless fellows
know full well the inefficiency of all such laws, owing to the
disinclination, or rather want of energy, on the part of the
people to enforce them ; for, without the assistance of those in-
terested in such matters, all legislative enactments in reference
to the preservation of Game soon become obsolete, and the laws
are no more than a dead letter.*
* Strong efforts, however, were made at the Last session of the Maryhmd Le-
gislature to do something towards the protection of the Vv'ild Fowl on the Chesa-
peake, by the suppression of the Surface-Boats and the use of large guns ; but
the enactment was of little avail as regards the Surface-Boats, owing to some
unlooked-for defect in the framing of the act, and we now learn that there is
some probability of its being repealed altogether, which we very much regret ;
■we would much rather see it made more rigid, and then strictly enforced.
CANVASS-BACK. 265
Nothins: is more calculated to drive Ducks from their accus-
tomed feeding-grounds than the practice of boating them at
night; for, being disturbed during their wonted hours of repose
and security by an unforeseen enemy, they soon learn that there
is no safety for themselves under any circumstances, and have
been known to abandon such places almost entirely after being
shot at two or three times in the quiet of the night, when per-
haps the whole flock, perfectly unconscious of danger, were
wrapped in deep sleep.
Boating Ducks on their feeding-grounds, even with small
guns during the daytime, will soon drive them from their
accustomed haunts, and force them to find other spots at a
distance where they can remain undisturbed. All modes of
boating Ducks are condemned by the Sportsmen visiting these
parts, as well as by those who reside in the vicinity of the bay
shore.
NETTING DUCKS.
A very ingenious way of taking Canvass-Ba'cks was resorted
to a few years since by a gentleman living on the bay, and
which certainly, for its novelty, requires some notice on our
part. This plan consisted in sinking gilling-nets a short dis-
tance below the surface of the watei', so that the Ducks in
diving would get their heads and wings entangled in its meshes,
and thus miserably perish by drowning.
Great numbers were secured by this method at first; but the
Canvass-Backs soon entirely forsook the shoals where these
nets were placed, and did not return to theni again during the
same season. But what brought this method more particularly
into disrepute, even among Pot Hunters, was the circumstance
of the Ducks secured in this way being so far inferior to those
that were shot, owing to their being drowned and remaining so
long a time under the water, as the placing of the nets occupied
so much time and labor that it would not pay to examine them
oftener than once in twenty-four or forty-eight hours; and many
of the Ducks consequently were under the water during a
larger portion of this time. The flesh, under these disadvan-
tages, became watery and insipid, and the Ducks, moreover,
were very hard to keep, except in verj^ cold weather, on account
of their bodies absorbing so much water. The whole system
266 lewis' amekican sportsman,
of gilling Dacks is now entirely abandoned, and we only men-
tion it as one of the things that have appeared and passed away.
This method, however, of taking Ducks is not altogether new,
but a somewhat similar plan is resorted to on the coast of
France for taking the Scoter Duck, which little Fowl resorts in
considerable numbers to the sea-coast for the purpose of feeding
on the shell-fish that there abound. The fishermen, or those
engaged in taking Wild Fowl, spread their nets at low tide on
the flats where these shell-fish are found, being supported two
or more feet from the ground, so that the Ducks, feeding in
with the tide and diving after food, become entangled, as in the
case of the Canvass-Backs, in the meshes of the net.
DUG-OUTS.
Another very successful mode of killing Ducks, and one that
has been very much in vogue for many years on our rivers, is
the use of the Dig-outs or Dag-outs,'^' a small kind of boat
moored over the fiats, and concealed as far as possible from
observation by quantities of eel-grass thrown over it. Thus
fixed, and surrounded by large numbers of Decoys that are
previously anchored all around the little vessel, the Shooter
patiently awaits the approach of the Wild Ducks that are flying
up and down the river, and are of course tempted to dart down
upon the deceptive Decoys, believing them to be others of their
own species that are feeding in perfect security, notwithstanding
the proximity of the greenish mass that conceals the Shooter
and his boat. As soon as the Canvass-Backs have come suffi-
ciently near, the Shooter raises himself up suddenly and blazes
away with his ponderous weapon, dealing death and destruction
throughout the affrighted ranks of his innocent victims.
When the weather is favorable and the Ducks are flying, this
plan succeeds very well, and offers some considerable attractions
in the way of sport to those accustomed to Wild Fowl Shoot-
ing; but if the weather be cold and boisterous, none should
attempt it but those inured to the roughest usage and are per-
fectly regardless of the elements.
* So termed from being constructed by excavating the trunk of a large tree
sufficiently deep to allow the person of the Shooter to lie concealed in it.
THE SURFACE BOAT. COFFIN BOAT. BATTERY. SINK, OR BOX.
The use of the old-fashioued Duo'-outs has been entirelv
superseded during the three or four past seasons, on the waters
of the Chesapeake, by the introduction of the Surface-boat, as
represented in the above engraving.
This ingenious machine has many local appellations, those in
most general use will be seen at the heading of this article, and
at the close of it the reader will find explicit directions, together
with a skeleton model of the same to be used as a guide in
building one for his own use.
The boat is anchored out on the feeding-arrounds, surrounded
by innumerable Decoys, resembling as much as possible the
Canvass-Backs, and so balanced in the water that the most ob-
servant eye can hardly distinguish them from the living Fowl,
as they ride gently on the surface and appear to be employed
in feeding, owing to the constant motion of their heads and body,
imparted to them by the quiet rippling of the water.
The construction of this skiff is such that when anchored out,
loaded with the Shooter, his ammunition, and the necessary bal-
last, the water is on a level with the deck of the box, and when
reclining, the occupant and all his paraphernalia are entirely
268 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
concealed from observation, insomuch that it is next to impos-
sible to distinguish any portion of this curious ambush, even
when within a few hundred feet of it. We have often been
amazed Avhen gazing on the water in the direction of the flats,
to see a black figure rise up suddenly, as if from the deep, and
blaze forth a destructive volley into a flock of Ducks about to
alio;ht, and then immediatelv sink arain from view. The
Shooter having delivered his well-directed fire, he quickly re-
loads his gun or guns, and throwing himself again on his back,
awaits another opportunity to repeat the sport, which almost
immediately follows, provided the day be favorable for the
flying of Wild Fowl. It is better, in fact usual, to have two or
more double-barrelled guns in the Sink, as a great many Ducks
are only winged at the first discharge, and require reshooting
to secure them.
Thus in rapid succession, immense numbers of Canvass-Backs,
as well as other YVild Fowl, are killed, and the water for an
hundred feet or more is crimsoned with the rich blood, and
covered with the mangled bodies of this far-famed Duck. Those
engaged in this profitable way of killing Canvass-Backs are
always accompanied by a companion in a sail or row boat, who
keeps at a respectable distance for the purpose of watching over
the safety of his associate, as well as running down upon the
adjacent feeding-grounds and putting the Ducks to flight, so
that they may chance to join the Decoys that are set to allure
them as they pass up and down the feeding-shoals. On the
flats in the coves near to Havre de Grace and Spesutia Island,
where this method of shooting Ducks has been more particu-
larly practised during the last three seasons, there is but little
or no current during calm weather, and therefore is singularly
suitable for this kind of sport. The Ducks, after being shot,
will remain nearly in the same place where they dropped for
a considerable time without drifting away ; the Shooter, there
fore, pays no heed to them until he has a large number killed,
when he makes a signal to his companion to come and pick
them up.
The numbers of Ducks killed in this way during the three
past seasons have been enormous — almost beyond belief.
We are credibly informed that Mr. W. W. Levy, a Ducker,
CANVASS-BACK. 269
well known on the Chesapeake Bay, for his skill in thjs par-
ticular sport, has killed as many as one hundred and eighty-
seven Ducks in one day, and during the seasons of 1846 and
1847, actually bagged seven thousand Canvass-Backs.
This system of killing Ducks, we believe, was introduced on
the Chesapeake Bay by some of the experienced "Wild Fowl
Shooters from the vicinity of New York, and who now reap a
rich harvest from their hardihood and ingenuity. It is no
unusual thing for one of these men to kill as many as fifty
couples of Canvass-Backs in the course of a day ; and if the
weather prove favorable for this kind of shooting, they have
been known to fill a small vessel with Ducks in two or three
days, and which they immediately dispatch for the markets of
New York, Baltimore, or Philadelphia. These worthies that
pursue Wild Fowl for a living, usually make their appearance
on the Chesapeake Bay in small yachts, or rather, ill-looking
sloops, in which they live and stow away their plunder, seldom
or ever visiting the neighboring shores, knowing full well the
reception they most likely would meet with from the hands of
those residents who also kill Ducks during the winter season to
sell, and consequently, from selfish motives alone, are very
jealous and testy of their rights, which the legislature has en-
deavored to define, but they are wanting in sufficient moral
energy or principle to enforce.
When the wind is blowing pretty fresh, and the ripple high,
the Ducks are more apt to notice the Decoys than on a per-
fectly mild day, and are also more likely to alight among them.
When Ducks are approaching the Battery, the distance at
which they are from it is often very delusive, insomuch that
the inexperienced Sportsman will find himself continually
rising up to shoot before the Fowl have got over the Decoys,
and even long before they have come within fair shooting
range. This act of "rising-up" too soon on the part of the.
Shooter is a common fault with beginners, and is fatal to hi&
success in most instances; as the Ducks, immediately on his
appearance, take the alarm, and, making a sudden turn, sheer
off" in time to save themselves.
Ducks should be shot after they have alighted, or just when
dropping their legs in the act of settling on the water, and not
a moment sooner.
270
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MODEL, AVITH PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS FOR
BUILDING A SINK, OR BATTERY.
A, A. The Box in which the Shooter lies concealed.
B. A rim of sheet-lead extending entirely around the Box, to
prevent the ripple from washing in upon the Shooter.
c, c, c. Another rim of sheet-lead, as a still further protection
from the ripple.
D, D, D, D. The platform, or false deck surrounding the Box,
supported by carJings.
E, E, E, E, E, E, E, E, E. Musliu sheeting, or canvas, stretched
over the Avooden frames running around the platform,
F. A board or frame attached to G by leather hinges.
G. Another board or frame, secured to the deck by strong
iron hinges.
H, H, II, H, H, H, H, H. Leather hinges securing the frames (on
which the canvas is tacked) to the platform or deck.
I, I. Wrought-iron hinges, peculiarly constructed with arms,
so as to allow the end wing to fold over the side wings, which
are first drawn in upon the deck, when the Battery is to be
removed from its position.
K, K, K, K. Ropes extending from the extremities of the
frames, and to which the canvas is also attached ; this arrange-
CANVASS-BACK.
271
ment permits tlie wings to be folded more readily upon the
deck.
L, L, Points at which a rope is passed through the carlings
supporting the deck, to the middle or light of which rope the
cable of the head anchor is attached.
M. Point at which the foot anchor is attached to the carling
supporting the deck.
Having given, we trust, a satisfactory explanation of the
model, we will now proceed to give some special instructions
as to the building of the Battery. The timber most usually
emplo3'ed is one inch white pine, except in the case of the head
and /oo^ of the Box, which should be made of two-inch oak, or_
some other hard and durable wood. The side-boards and bot-
tom of the Box are attached to the head and foot; and the
strength of the Box, as well as the deck, is in a great measure
dependent upon these oaken timbers.
The carlings^ or small beams which support the platform or
deck are also made of oak, one and a half inch thick, five inches
wide in centre, reduced at their extremities to one and a half
inch, and secured to the ends and sides of the Box by means of
screw-bolts, or large wrought nails.
The length, width, and depth of the Box, must of course be
proportioned to the size of the Shooter ; for an ordinary sized
individual, the following dimensions are amply sufficient: —
FEET.
INCHES
Length of Box ....
. 6
Depth " ....
1
IJ
Width " at top .
2
Width " at bottom
1
8
Length of platform or deck
. 12
Width " » . .
. 7
Width or height of rims of sheet-lead
4
Width of the frames to which the can-
vas is tacked ....
. 2
1
W idth of boards f and G, each .
8
Width of canvas wing at the head
9
The deck is not a perfect plane, but declines, or rather is
272 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
graded off from the Box on every side to the extent, say of one
inch ; this slope, or dip of the deck permits tlie ripple to wash
or play over the platform the more securely, having a constant
tendency to the edges, instead of the centre, where the Box is
placed — the opposite of which Avould be the case if the deck
was a dead level.
The entire edge of the Box is slightly elevated above the
surface of the deck — say, an eighth to a quarter of an inch —
to this edge the inner rim of sheet-lead is tacked, extending
entirely around the Box, and, being very pliable, is raised up
at an angle of forty-five degrees, just before launching the Box
into its position on the shooting-grounds, which precaution
will prevent the ripple from washing into the Box.
The outer rim of sheet-lead c, c, c, it will be observed, does
not extend entirely around the deck, that being totally unne-
cessary, from the circumstance of the sea or ripple seldom or
never being sufficiently violent to break over the foot or sides
so as to endanger the comfort of the Shooter, and, when such
should be the case, it is time for the Ducker to decamp for
more secure quarters.
The head of the Battery, it will be seen, has two eight-inch
boards, the inner one G, as explained above, is attached to the
deck by stout iron hinges i i, made with projecting arms, so
that the whole head wing may turn in upon the two side wings
which are first folded up when the Box is about being removed
from its position. The other frame F is secured to G by strong
leather hinges, as well as the balance of the frame to which the
canvas is tacked.
The head of the Battery is always anchored to the breeze,
and, as a matter of course, is obliged to sustain the principal
shock from the wind and waves, and of necessity is made dif-
ferently as well as much stronger than the foot, by the addition
of the framework F and g, and which, from their peculiar
construction and attachment to the solid platform, opposes a
pliable, but at the same time safe resistance to the shock of the
waves.
It is most important to know exactly how to attach the
anchors to the Battery, more particularly the one at the head,
for without proper precaution on this point the whole machine
CANVASS-BACK. 273
would ride most unpleasantly to the Shooter during the slight-
est puff of old Boreas.
To explain this the more fully, we have caused two points or
dots — L, L — to be placed on the model at the head of the Box,
to show the position of the ends of the rope to which the
anchor is attached, and have defined above the manner in
Avhich the cable of the anchor is to be secured to the higlit of
this rope.
The advantages of this arrangement should at once be ob-
vious to the greenest landsman ; for the head of the platform,
being in a measure free from restraint, is permitted to rise and
fall with the swell of the sea, with an easy motion, thus pro-
tecting the Shooter from the disagreeable consequences of the
waves breaking in over the deck, which would be the inevitable
result if the anchor was attached to the extreme end of the
platform ; as the head of the Battery, during a heavy blow,
would be pulled entirely under water; and the whole machine,
even during a comparative calm, would be subjected to a jerk-
ins;, disagreeable motion.
The position of the foot-anchor we have designated by the
point M, and requires no further explanation.
At the bottom of the Box there is a false bottom, or drainage-
board, which takes up an inch and a half of the original depth.
Notwithstanding this additional loss of space, there is still suf-
ficient room remaining of the thirteen and a half inches not
only to accommodate, but absolutely to hide below the surface
of the platform the Shooter himself, as vv^ell as his sheepskin or
buffalo-robe upon which he reposes.
As to the amount of ballast necessary for a Battery such as
we have described, that must be regulated by the state of the
wind and waves, and other circumstances; it will vary, how-
ever, from fifty to one hundred and fifty pounds, increasing
from the lesser to the greater amount in proportion to the vio-
lence of the elements. Portions of iron pigs are most con-
venient for ballast.
AVhen these Batteries are intended to be occasionally towed
out to their position on the flats, they should be made sharj^ at
the stern or bow by the addition of a false cut-water, otherwise
18
274 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
it will require heavy pulling to get tliem along. Most, if not
all, of those in the hands of the regular Bay Shooters arc made
square at the ends, and, thus constituted, answer their purposes
perfectly well, for they move them from point to point only by
hauling them on board of their large row or sail-boats, which
convey the whole party on these expeditions.
On looking at the drawing, several Decoy Ducks will be
noticed on the platform ; the bodies of these Ducks arc reduced
in bulk, or, in other words, are shaved down to one-third of
their original thickness, and permanently fixed to the deck at
suitable intervals, with movable heads, which are slipped on and
off at pleasure by the Ducker, as he takes his position in the
box, or retreats from it. The number of Decoys set out around
the Battery is not often less than two hundred, and most gene-
rally two hundred and fifty, or even more. Each Deco}'' has a
string several feet long attached to it from a loop in the breast,
and to the end of each string is tied a small piece of leaden pipe
or other convenient metal, or even a fragment of stone sufii-
ciently heavy to anchor the Decoy, and prevent its floating off
from its position.
The arranging or putting-out of so great a number of Decoys
around the Batter3^ on a cool, blustering December morning, is
no child's play, we can assure the uninitiated reader, and is only
equalled, or rather excelled, in point of discomfiture, by the
process of taking them up again in the evening, when it is ne-
cessary to wind the wet and half-frozen strings around each one
to prevent entanglement when placed together in the boat.
A small pad or pillow for the head to lie on should be placed
at the top of the Box, and in severe weather the Shooter will
find a woollen helmet, vizor, or mask, a very comfortable con-
trivance to protect him from the cold blasts.*
We were formerly under the impression that much danger
was to be apprehended from the accidental sinking of these
Batteries ; but we are now satisfied, from further observation
and the experience of old Duckers who have used these ma-
* Decoys made of solid blocks, such as are universally used, can be had of
Duckci's on the bay, if ordered during the idle season, at a moderate pi-icc,
ranging from twenty to thirty tloUars a hundred.
CANVASS-BACK. 275
chines jproijerhj constructed, for the early ones were susceptible
of much improvement, that our fears are rather gratuitous.
Mr. W. W. Levy, of Havre de Grace, to whom wc are in-
debted for a rough, but very complete drawing of a Batter}^,
from which the above sketch was taken, as well as much other
valuable information upon this subject, assures me that a Box
built such as we have described, could not, by actual experi-
ment, be made to sink below the surface, ichen filled ivith icater,
loaded tvith tivo hundred and fifty i^onnds of pig iron, and the addi-
tion of two stout men.
This experiment we cannot but consider a very extreme one,
and the result most conclusive, and we shall no longer hesitate
in recommending our sporting friends to consign themselves
without hesitation or fear, to one of these cunning machines
whenever a fitting opportunity presents itself.
The ease with which one of these Batteries rides on the surface
of the bay, even during a heavy blow, is very remarkable; we
have been quite comfortable in them, when it required two
strong oarsmen to row a light gunning skiff".
AMBUSH ON THE FLATS.
We noticed last season a very simple, but at the same time,
rather ingenious contrivance erected on the flats in Elk River,
from which to shoot Ducks ; we have never seen anything of
the kind before, but presume something similar may have been
adopted elsewhere by others.
This ambush or hlind^ as all such contrivances are termed in
this particular section, was constructed in this wise: —
Some Shooters, taking advantage of low tide, had driven into
the soft mud, in the very centre of the widest expanse of feed-
ing-ground, and in the very path of the Ducks, as they flew up
and down the river, four strong posts, forming a square.
These posts or piles were perforated on their upper portion,
which extended far above low-water mark, with large holes of
sufficient capacity to permit the introduction of long hickory
pins, which passed entirely through, and projected several inches
from the inside. Upon these pins thus secured, was placed a
light frame, sufficiently strong, however, to bear the weight of
276 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
the Shooter, who lay there completely concealed from observa-
tion by a profusion of cedar brush and eel-grass piled around
him.
The numerous holes in the posts were necessary for the pur-
pose of raising up and letting down the framework to suit the
state of the tide, which was very easily accomplished, before the
Shooter took his position.
This particular kind of Hind was especially adapted for this
river, as the narrow steamboat channel is marked out in its
whole course by long poles thrust into the mud on its either
border, each one of which was surmounted by a heavy piece of
cedar brush, with which the Ducks soon become familiar while
feeding, and therefore take no precaution to avoid while flying,
which also was the case with the blind ; and, consequentl}^, af-
forded at times most excellent shooting.
The flats or feeding-grounds on Elk Eiver, are quite exten-
sive, and occasionally attract enormous hosts of Wild Fowl,
more especially when they have been greatly harassed by the
Boats and Batteries on the Susquehanna and Chesapeake, as both
these modes of warfare are strictly interdicted upon this stream.
During the season of 1850, we had considerable sport shooting
over Decoys off the points on Elk Eiver ; the weather being mild
and the Ducks, both Canvass-Backs and Red-Heads, being more
numerous than Ave had ever before witnessed them on this
water.
STOOLING OFF POINTS.
Another method of killing Ducks by means of Decoys is to
anchor them off a short distance from some one of the many
points along the bay or river shores, more particularly on those
points in the narrows of Spesutia Island. When the Canvass-
Backs are flying and the weather is not too severe, this plan
affords most excellent sport, and great numbers may be killed.
This kind of shooting requires the assistance of a Dog, and none
but a Newfoundland or other hardy Water-Spaniel of some
good breed will be able to stand the work, if the weather is
very cold ; as the frequent plunging into the Avater chills and
CANVASS-BACK. 277
Stiffens tliern to such an extent that thej often can barely walk
or swirn/"
When the weather is very calm and the surface of the waters
remain unrufQed by a breeze, although the Ducks may be flying,
they will not dart to Decoys, more especially off points, as readily
as if they had a certain degree of motion imparted to them by
the gentle ripple of the waters.
For when perfectly still the Decoys, no matter how well made
or proportioned, lose that life-like ajipearance which they present
when hohhing up and down as if in the very act of feeding; and,
consequently, are wanting in their chief attraction for the Ducks
that may be on the Aving in quest of more secure and fruitful
feeding-places.
We have before us a late number of the Spirit of the Times^
which contains a very excellent article on Duck-shooting,
wherein is described a very ingenious plan adopted by the
writer for imparting this particular motion to the decoys on a
still da}' ; and as the expedient is quite novel as well as practi-
cable, we shall transfer the description of it in the words of the
author to these pages, feeling sure that it may prove serviceable
to some of our sporting friends under like circumstances.
" Ducks not decoying well on calm days, of which we had
quite a number in December, we hit upon a somewhat novel
expedient to attract their attention to our Decoys. A dozen
stakes of about two feet in length were firmly driven into the
soft bed of the river, at a distance of some forty yards from the
hlind, so that at low water their upper ends were quite a foot
beneath the surface ; through the tops of these stakes, on which
we had bored holes of an inch in diameter, having rings of
stout iron wire inserted in them to prevent chafing, were passed
strings of the proper length, one of the ends of which were car-
ried into the blind, while the others were attached to the necks
of the Decoy Ducks. These latter were anchored by heavy
anchors at such a distance from the stakes that, when pulled
upon b}' the strings, the anchors remaining firm, they were sud-
* Decoys made of solid blocks of wood are preferable to those made hollow ;
they are less expensive and not so easily injured by the shot, and also require far
less gentle handling. From fifty to one hundred arc necessary for point-shooting,
tlie more the bettor.
278 lewis' amekican sportsman.
denly drawn head foremost beneath the water, representing very
fairly the diving of the real Fowl. The ends of the strings within
the blind were attached to small sticks, four in number, being
three to each, and one person could thus manage at the same
time all, or a portion of the Decoys.
"Around these Divers (as we termed them), which were scat-
tered over a considerable extent of water, were set the usual
number of Decoys, taking care to place the latter so as not to
interfere with the action of the strings of the former. Not
beino- aware of its ever having been tried before, we were ex-
ceedingly anxious about the result of our experiment, and, on
the first calm da}^, all being prepared, we looked anxiousl}'- for
the appearance of a flock of Ducks, with which to test its suc-
cess. A bunch of Canvass-Backs passing down the river soon
came in sight, but holding their way so far out that we de-
spaired of attracting their notice ; when directly opposite, how-
ever, we commenced vigorously working our Divers, and to our
surprise and delight, the flock immediately turned in, and, pass-
ing back and forth two or three times, came up most beauti-
fully.
"This success at once settled the question of the utility of our
device, and during the whole of this day, on which there was
not sufficient wind to ruffle the surface of the Avater, we had
excellent sport, many Fowl passing up and down the river, and
almost every bunch that were not too far off to see our Decoys^
came up fearlessly and without hesitation; with single Ducks,
or when only two or three were together, we were invariably
successful. Day after da}^, the weather being mild and calm
for this time of the j^ear, we tried it with complete success, and
to this simple expedient we owed decidedly the best portion of
our shooting; its excellence existing, not only with regard to
the Canvass-Back, but also to the Red-Head and Scaup Duck.
The success with which we met, was owing partly to the ex-
ceedingly natural appearance of the Decoys, for, this number of
Divers scattered through some seventy or eighty, gave the sem-
blance of life to the remainder, and, creating a ripple on the
water, made them show much better ; besides this. Ducks pass-
ing at a distance frequently do not see Decoys, and a slight
motion amono- the latter is at once sufficient to draw their at-
CANVASS-BACK. 279
tention; this done, their coming up to such well-gotten up
affairs, follows almost as a matter of course."*
HOLES IN THE ICE
As the season advances, Dacks are most frequently obliged
to abandon their favorite feeding-grounds in the upper bay,
owing to the large masses of floating ice that are constantly
coming down the Susquehanna and the smaller streams that they
are wont to frequent. The Canvass-Backs are now driven to
great extremes to procure food, and are almost constantly on
the wing in quest of suitable spots to dive down for the still
tender roots of the Valisineria.
At this unfortunate juncture, a cruel advantage is taken of
the half-starved condition of the poor Canvass-Backs to entice
them Avithin the reach of the murderous guns of those who lie
in ambush upon the shores of the Gunpowder, Bush, Elk, and
the many other smaller streams that are now frozen over. A
large hole of many feet in diameter is cut in the ice directly
over some choice feeding-shoal, suflEiciently near, however, to
the land to allow its being raked by the guns of those con-
cealed behind an ambush erected on the shore for the purpose.
Large numbers of Wild Fowl, more particularly the Canvass-
Backs, may be killed in this way, and the Shooter can lie still
and bang away at the Ducks all day long, as they will often-
times continue coming and going as fast almost as he can load,
provided they are driven to the extremity we have mentioned
above. These seasons of scarcity are not by any means un-
usual ; and a friend of the author's informs him that he has
killed as many as one hundred and fifty Canvass-Backs over
one of these feeding-holes in one day on the Gunpowder River.
rOINT SHOOTING.
Several of the above plans of shooting Ducks may be said
to be illegitimate ways of sporting, although pursued indis-
criminatel}'- by all those of our friends who participate in Wild
* See Spirit of the Times, February 5, 1853.
280 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Fowl Shooting. Tlie really sportsman-like way of killing Can-
vass-Backs, however, is for the Shooter to station hinnself on
some one of the many points or hars along the bay shore or its
tributaries that the Ducks fly over in their course to and from
their feeding-grounds. Much depends, in this kind of shooting,
upon the disposition of the elements ; for neither pleasure nor
success can be reasonably expected, provid-ed the weather is
intensely cold, or the wind blowing fresh from a quarter that
carries the Ducks off from the point rather than on it.
On the other hand, if the wind and weather prove favorable,
and the Ducks are flying briskly, there is not a more delightful
way of enjoying one's self than in point-shooting. Great skill
and judgment are requisite to strike the Ducks; and when thus
suddenly stopped in their rapid course, they present a beautiful
sight as they come tumbling down with a heavy plash from a
height of one, two, or even three hundred feet.
It is this kind of Duck-shooting that either displays the igno-
rance or dexterity of the Sportsman ; for, without long practice
in this particular branch, the best general Shooter in the country
would appear to little advantage alongside even of an indiffer-
ent Ducker.
The principal sites on the Chesapeake Bay where Sportsmen
resort for this kind of pastime are the points immediately about
Havre de Grace, the narrows of Spesutia, a few miles further
down, Taylor's Island, Abbey Island, Legoe's Point, Marshy
Point, Bengie's Point, Eobbins' and Ricket's Point, Maxwell's
Point, and Carrol's Island. There are also some good points
about Elk and Isortheast Rivers, and a few on the Western
shore.*
* There is a considerable difference between har-nliooting and poini-shooting ;
the latter we have already described, and to make the former intelligible to our
readers, we must premise our remarks by stating that, along the shores of the
Chesapeake, the land stretching out into the bay to form these shooting-points is
often a mere narrow peninsula, termed a bar, over which the Ducks are con-
stantly passing and repassing to their feeding-grounds, Avithout going out of
their usual course to weather the points, as they would do under ordinary cir-
cumstances ; most of the shooting, therefore, is perpendicular, and consequently
far more difficult than when shooting directly oif of the point. Maxwell's Point
is thus formed by a very narrow strip of land. The shooting-points on the Elk
Pviver are Locust Point, Plumb Point, Little and Big Welch. Nearly all these
shooting-points are rented out.
CANVASS-BACK. 281
Carrol's Island has long been in possession of a club of
Sportsmen, who regnlarlj resort to this favorite spot daring
the Ducking season, and seldom return home without being
heavily laden with the rich spoils of their skilL Not only
Canvass-Backs, but the larger species of AVild Fowl are killed
at Carrol's Island. Numbers of Swans and Geese are seen fly-
ing about these points, and the ambitious Sportsman will often
have an opportunity to bring down with his steady hand the
most majestic as well as the most beautiful of all the feathered
race. If any of our readers should feel this laudable ambition —
and where is the Tyro who will not? — we trust that he may
prove more successful than we did at our dehut upon Swan
shooting; having, much to our mortification, fired both barrels
of a heavy duck-gun from behind an ambush into a noble
flock of sixteen Swans quietly feeding on the water within
eighty yards of us, without even as much as rumpling a single
feather of their plumage. But then there was a reason why,
as all Sportsmen have good excuses for their bad shooting; at
all events, they strive very hard to concoct plausible ones, by
which to gull their companions. But in this case, unfortu-
nately for our credit as a marksman, the gun was neither
strange, bad, nor overloaded; neither did it snap, hang fire,
overshoot nor undershoot its mark ; but the plain and simple
fact is — shall we have recourse to so hackneyed a plea? — but
to cut the matter short and solve the mystery, we had no num-
ber B B shot in the barrels, one of our companions having
drawn the charge, the night before, by way of affording himself
some amusement at our expense on the following day.
Jokers, however,* often get hurt with the recoil of their own
weapons, and so it was in this case, as we were entirely alone
and separated from the projector of this trick when we fired at
the Swans; and, suspecting something wrong, we did not relate
the circumstance till after he had confessed drawing the load,
and expressed a desire to know the result of our first two
shots; and then, greatly to his chagrin, he learned that he
might have had added to his lot of Ducks two or three noble
Cygnets, if he had restrained his silly propensity to make us
a laughing-stock for the company. Such an opportunity to
distinguish ourself in the field of Wild Fowl Shootino; w^e never
282 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
again expect to meet with, as we are satisfied that we should
have killed, on this occasion, not less than six Swans, and per-
haps more; as they were all huddled together in such a manner,
when we drew on them, that hardly one could have escaped
from the effects of our fire.
ART OF SHOOTING DUCKS.
We have now nearly drawn to a close the whole subject of
Wild Fowl Shooting ; but little remains to say further, except,
perhaps, ^n effort on our part to instruct beginners in the art
of shooting Ducks, both on the wing and water. Without
some instructions on this head, and a great deal of practice
besides, we can assure the most determined Tyro that he would
make but a poor show of shooting among the skilful Duckers
of the Chesapeake. He might, however, stand an equal chance
with the oldest of them, provided he could ever be so fortunate
as to meet with Canvass-Backs in the same predicament that a
correspondent of the Spirit states that some Punters found a
flock of Black and Gray Ducks on the ice of Little Creek, in
Canada — that is, too fat to fly, and wanting in energy sufficient
to get out of the way when pursued.
The circumstances of this sporting incident being so very
curious and unique, we think it worth while to transfer to our
pages the extract of the letter containing the details, leaving it
for Naturalists and Sportsmen to explain the phenomenon as
they best can. As for ourselves, we do not feel inclined to
believe that Ducks could become too fat to fly, in the month of
December, in the bleak regions of Canada, and doubt very
much whether such an occurrence could be so general under
any circumstances, no matter how plenty the most nutritious
food mio;ht be. Mi2;ht not the sino-ular conduct of these Fowl
be attributed rather to sickness produced by some unnatural
cause, or perhaps the eating of some deleterious substance
forced upon them by the severity of the weather? However,
here is the extract; we give it as we find it: —
"By the by, talking of cold, I have a most extraordinary cir-
cumstance to tell you in the sporting way. Two Punters last
week went to the Long Island Marsh, which has been for some
CANVASS-BACK. 283
time frozen up, for the purpose of trapping. Walking along
the ice near the creek — I think called Little Creek — they saw
a number of Ducks on the ice, and crawled up very cautiously
to get a shot. They were, however, much surprised, on coming
near them, to find that they did not appear at all alarmed, and
concluded that they must be frozen, or something of the sort ;
they consequently did not fire, but continued to approach until
they caught one. Upon this, the others scattered, but did not
attempt to fly ; and a chase ensued, which ended in the capture
of no less than seventy-six, all Black and Gray Ducks, and one
AVild Goose. The next day they came across some moVe in the
same way, and took thirty- four — in all, one hundred and four.
Did you ever see or hear the like of that? — a novel sort of
Duck-hunting! The Birds were actually so fat that the Punters
attribute their success in taking them to their inability to rise
in consequence."
Canvass-Backs fly with great strength and velocity, and
require a heavy blow to bring them down ; if Avinged only, it
is almost useless to pursue them either with a Dog or in a boat,
as they dive with so much celerity, and swim such great dis-
tances under water, that it is next thing to an impossibility to
overtake them, or even to shoot them if within gunshot, as they
only come to the top of the water for an instant, and duck down
again before a snap-shot could get a range on them, even with
a light Partridge-gun, let alone a heavy Duck-gun. Dogs accus-
tomed to Duck-shooting soon learn this fact, as before stated,
and will not be induced to follow after a wounded Canvass-Back
if able to dive. The Shooter will therefore see at once the im-
portance of striking Canvass-Backs in a vital spot ; the head
and neck are the portions we should always endeavor to hit, as
a single pellet of shot lodged in these portions of the body will
do as much execution as a half-dozen imbedded in the breast
or other fleshy parts. To accomplish this, many circumstances
must be taken into consideration, and must be run over in one's
mind at a moment when there is not a second to ponder on the
subject. For example, we should be able to tell at a glance the
probable distance the Ducks are from us, their height, the velo-
city with which they are flying, the course they are pursuing,
&c. &c.; for without a just appreciation of all these circum-
284 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
stances we shall be very apt to shoot over them, under them,
before them, or behind them. This kind of rapid mental cal-
culation, though very bothersome at first, will soon become a
kind of intuitive habit by practice, and the gun will be found
almost of itself to take the proper direction, seemingly un-
guided by any particular will of the Shooter.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.
Never shoot at Ducks as they are coming towards you ; wait
till they are on a line with your person, or till they have passed
you, as it is almost impossible for shot to penetrate through the
thick plumage of a Duck Avhen presented in this position, but
will most inevitably glance off. As the Ducks are approaching,
raise your gun, take sight on them, and follow the foremost
with the eye and weapon until they come immediately over-
head, or rather in a line parallel with your body ; then slide the
gun with a quick motion a short distance in front of the fljnng
column; being careful, however, to preserve its range directly
in their course, and fire without stopping the motion of the arm.
The distance which the gun is thus thrown before the Ducks
depends entirely upon their probable distance from the Shooter,
the velocity with which they are flying, and the other points
already alluded to above, all of which must be ascertained in
a moment of time, when the eye is resting upon the Birds along
the barrel of the gun. Three or four feet will nearly always
be necessary to insure success in bringing down Canvass-Backs,
and sometimes even as much as twenty feet is not too far in
advance, if the wind is blowing fresh and the Ducks travelling
before it, as they most frequently do. It should always be borne
in mind that most Ducks fly with amazing velocity ; and the
great error committed by all beginners, and even by experi-
enced Shooters, is that they deliver their shot behind the Bird.
The range of the siorht should be rather above than below the
Ducks, to prevent the pellets from falling too Ioav before reaching
their proper destination. The various points on the narrows of
Spesutia Island are perhaps the most frequented of all localities
in the upper bay for Duck-shooting, and it is seldom that the
Sportsman will be disappointed in visiting these grounds, as the
CANVASS-BACK. 285
Ducks are passing up and down these waters nearly all day, but
more particularly in the morning and afternoon. Canvass-Backs
commence flying very early, and it is necessary for the Sports-
man to be up and on the ground betimes, as he will have an
opportunity of trying his skill as soon as it shall be light enough
to see the Ducks that he will hear moving over his head in
uninterrupted numbers for an hour before daybreak. The
morning flights continue an hour or two after the dawn of day,
although, as before stated, many Ducks keep in motion all day
long ; but the greater portion of them are busily engaged feed-
ing after this time, and if flying, endeavor to avoid these
exposed points, where they have every reason to apprehend
danger. Canvass-Backs, in fact, are disposed to keep clear of
the shores at all times, but when impelled by a strong breeze
that sets them towards these points, they are not easily turned
from their course, it not being often necessary to employ any
kind of device to screen the Sportsman from observation, pro-
vided he remain motionless until the Ducks have come suflB.-
ciently near to be in range of the gun. It is better that the
dress should not be too conspicuous ; a drab overcoat and cap
of the same color is the most suitable for concealment ; and if
possible, station yourself against a bush, tree, or some dark
object, if there are no blinds erected.
When the Canvass-Backs are flying fast and in great numbers,
an eager Sportsman had better take two guns with him, and have
an assistant to load while he fires; and in this way he will get
double the number of shots, without the hurry and excitement
of loading fast.
Captain Hawker very justly remarks: "Never look up while
loading; j^ou can do no good by it, and you will only put your-
self in a flurry, and perhaps break your ramrod. If your man
(assistant), knowing you have no gun loaded, says : ' Look out,
sir !' why — I had almost said — knock him down."
TO SHOOT DUCKS SITTING.
Having learned the art of shooting flying, the Tyro may feel
disposed to treat with contempt any endeavor on our part to
teach him so simple a thing as to shoot Wild Fowl while sitting
286 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
on the water, within, we will say, fifty or a hundred 3^^,rds of
our ambush. Nevertheless, we can assure him that it is not
such an easy matter as he supposes, and he will upon trial soon
find to his satisfaction what we say to be true ; and without
paying proper regard to our instructions on this point, he will
often have the mortification of seeing the Ducks escape from
his fire when he ought, by due management, to have killed at
least a dozen or more. It seems to be a very simple thing to
point the gun in the direct range of a flock of Ducks, and cut a
complete lane, as it were, through their ranks, with a heavy
charge of powder and shot; but such, unfoi'tunately for the
Tyro, is not the case. The young Sportsman generally commits
one of two errors in shooting Wild Fowl ; that is, he either
undershoots or overshoots the game, according to the distance
they are from him ; if within thirty, forty, or fifty, or even
seventy yards, the shot almost invariably passes over the
Ducks; if beyond this distance, the load most frequently frills
fiu' short of the intended mark.
AVhen the shot is first impelled from the mouth of a large
Duck-gun held on a level, it has an upward tendency from a
point-blank range, which it preserves for an indefinite distance,
according to the quantity of powder used, and the force with
wdiich the weapon shoots. When it has reached a certain dis-
tance it begins to lose the upward tendency, and, therefore, must
fall sooner or later before losing entirely its projectile force.
Any one can easily ascertain this fact by trying the experiment
on the water, if not convinced of it by previous observation. This
being the case, the force of our assertion will be readily seen;
that is, when the Ducks are but a short distance off, the load
will most likely pass over the spot within the point-blank
range of the gun, and be distributed some distance beyond ;
while, on the other hand, the Ducks being much further off, the
shot will most likely fall short of their intended destination, or,
in other words, drop within the point-blank range of the eye.
How often is the young Ducker disappointed in the results
of a long and tedious watch upon the cold shore, when he
might crown all his fond expectations with success at the very
moment, if he would give the proper attention to these facts!
When the Ducks are a short distance from our station, the
CANVASS-BACK. 287
foremost ones, if there be many, should be in full relief over the
sight of the gun; and then, most probably, if shooting on a
level, as is most frequently the case on the shores where AYild
Fowl are pursued, the leader of the troop that we select for our
guide will escape from the dire effects of our volley that shall
spread death and destruction in his rear.
If, on the contrary, the Ducks are a long distance off, be sure
that the foremost Ducks are entirely under the range of the
barrels, and then we shall most likely rake the front and middle
columns, if not sweep the whole mass. For other information
regarding Shooting Ducks, we refer to our chapter on Wild
Fowl Shooting in general, and beg to close the present subject,
as some one has done before us, with the spirited lines of Wil-
son, descriptive of the shooting of these celebrated Birds.
" Slow round an opening point we softly steal,
AVhere four large Ducks in playful circles wheel.
The far-famed Canvass-backs at once we know,
. Their broad, flat bodies Avrapped in pencilled snow;
The burnished chestnut o'er their necks that shone,
Spread deep'ning round each breast a sable zone.
Wary they gaze — our boat in silence glides ;
The slow-moved paddles steal along the sides ;
Quick-flashing thunders roar along the flood,
And three lie prostrate, vomiting their blood!
Ihe fourth aloft on whistling pinions soared ;
One fatal glance the fiery thunders poured;
Prone drops the Bird amid the dashing waves,
And the clear stream his glossy plumage laves."
288 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
THE PRESENT AND FUTURE NUMBERS OF DUCKS UPON
CHESAPEAKE BAY.
" Still files of Ducks in streaming thousands pour,
At eveiy bend their rising torrents roar."
Notwithstanding the immense multitude of Canvass-Backs
that annually resort to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, they
are now said to be far less numerous than they were some years
ago. Of this fact we are not able to judge, but feel satisfied
that the species, although killed in numbers still greater than
they have been heretofore, can never become extinct, as some
persons apprehend. The greatest safeguard to the continuation
of the whole Duck race is the circumstance of their breeding in
regions so remote, and withal are so prolific, that every suc-
ceeding Autumn will bring down to their former haunts a won-
derful increase to the great numbers of those that must neces-
sarily escape the general massacre. The great and increasing
demand, however, for Ducks from the Chesapeake in particular,
and the ingenious methods resorted to, to kill them, will no
doubt eventually drive the larger portion of the Canvass-Backs
from their favorite feeding-grounds, and thus cause them to be-
come more widely disseminated over the whole country. The
comparative scarcity of them on these waters will, perhaps,
induce the erroneous belief of their near extinction, but such a
thing we deem impossible, owing, as before stated, to the habits
of the whole Duck tribe during the period of incubation. This
season of 1850, Canvass-Backs are very plenty, and, owing to
the unusual mildness of the season, and the consequent increased
slaughter of them from the Surface-boats, they are selling at
unusufJly low prices in our markets.*
* The present season of 1854, the Duclcs are equally abundant. The first
day of the season, the Duckers killed three thousand Ducks in the vicinity of
Havre de Grace.
CHAPTER XXIV.
DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF DUCKS.
RED-HEADED DUCK, OR RED-HEAD. ANAS FEEINA«
" Beyond a point, just opening to the view,
A fleet of Ducks collect their scatter'd crew ;
Part, soon alarm'd, with sudden splattering soar,
The rest, remaining, seek the further shore ;
There, 'cross a neck, conceal'd by sheltering vines,
Down the smooth tide I view their floating lines
With sudden glance the smoky vengeance pour,
And death and ruin spread along the shore."
HABITS, DESCRIPTION, ETC.
The Red-Head, second alone in delicacy of flavor to the
Canvass-Back, will now claim our attention. It frequents very
mucli the same grounds with the preceding variety, although
not so exclusively wedded to the waters of the Chesapeake but
that it can be found in other localities in considerable profusion,
even during the luxuriance of the Valisineria. The Red-Head,
Jike the Poachard, or Bald-Pate, feeds on the blades of the
19
290 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
water-celery, when it cannot obtain tlie tender roots from tlie
Canvass-Baclvs. It is often sliot in the Delaware, Hudson, and
other rivers, and visits the streams of the South as the Winter
progresses. The flesh of these Fowls is so near akin to that of
the Canvass-Backs, that the most delicate palate can hardly dis-
tinguish one from the other, and we have seen many amusing
mistakes made by those persons professing to be able to tell
one Duck from the other when served for the table.
"The Red-Head is twenty inches in length, and two feet six
inches in extent ; bill dark slate, sometimes black, two inches
long, and seven-eighths of an inch thick at the base, famished
with a large broad nail at the extremity; irides flame-colored;
plumage of the head long, velvety and inflated, running high
above the base of the bill ; head, and about two inches of the
neck, deep glossy reddish chestnut ; rest of the neck and upper
part of the breast black, spreading round to the back ; belly
white, becoming dusky towards the vent by closely-marked un-
dulating lines of black; back and scapulars bluish- white, ren-
dered gray by numerous transverse waving lines of black ;
lesser wing-coverts brownish ash ; wing-quills very pale slate,
dusky at the tips ; lower part of the back and sides under the
wings brownish-black, crossed with regular zigzag lines of
whitish ; vent, rump, and tail-coverts, black ; legs and feet dark
ash." The female has the upper part of the head dusky-brown,
and the plumage generally is not so bright as that of the
male.
The Red-Head weighs from a pound and a half to two
pounds. This Duck resembles very closely the Poachard, Red-
Headed AVidgeon, or Dun-Bird, of England, and is considered
by many as the same identical Bird. The description of the
one corresponds very much with that of the other, as will be
seen by the following, taken from Daniel. "The Poachard is
about the size of a Widgeon, weighs one pound twelve ounces ;
its length is nineteen inches; breadth two feet and a half; the
bill is broader than the Widgeon's, of a deep lead color, with a
black tip ; irides orange ; the head and neck deep chestnut ;
the lower part of the neck and breast, and upper part of the
back, dusky-black ; scapulars and wing-coverts nearest the
RED-HEADED DUCK, OR RED-HEAD. 291
body of a grayish- white, elegantly marked with narrow lines of
black ; the exterior wing-coverts and quills dusky-brown ; the
belly ash-colored and brown ; the tail consists of twelve short
feathers of a deep gray ; the legs lead-colored. The female has
the head of a pale reddish-brown," &c.
From the above description and the investigations of natur-
alists, we are led to suppose that these two Birds are identical,
and therefore it will not perhaps be deemed irrelevant to the
subject to introduce a short history of the plan pursued in Eng-
land for the capture of this Fowl upon an extensive scale.
" These Birds (Poachards) are eagerlj'- sought by the London
Poulterers, under the name of Dun-Birds, as they are deemed
excellent eating ; the greater part of what appear in the markets
are caught in Decoys ; but the construction and mode of working
is perfectly distinct from that w^herein the other Wild Fowl are
taken. A Decoy for Dun-Birds is called a flight-pond, and has
nets fastened to tall stout poles twenty-eight or thirty feet long;
at the bottom of each pole is a box fixed, filled with heavy
stones, sufficient to elevate the poles and nets the instant an iron
pin is withdrawn, which retains the nets and poles flat upon
the reeds, small willow boughs, or furze ; withinside the nets
are small pens made of reeds, about three feet high, for the re-
ception of the Birds that strike against the net and fall down ;
and such is the form and shortness of wing in the Poachard,
that they cannot ascend again from their little inclosures if they
would ; besides, the numbers which are usually knocked into
these pens preclude all chance of escape from them by the wing.
A Decoy Man will sometimes allow the haunt of Dun-Birds to
be so great that the whole surface of the pond shall be covered
with them previous to his attempting to take one. Upon such
occasions, he bespeaks all the assistants he can get to complete
the slaughter by breaking their necks. "W hen all is ready, the
Dun-Birds are roused from the pond ; and, as all Wild Fowl
rise against the wind, the poles in that quarter are unpinned,
and fly up with the nets at the instant the Dun-Birds begin to
leave the surface of the water, so as to meet them in their first
ascent, and are thus beat down by hundreds. At the pond of
Mr. Burton, at Goldanger, in Essex, as many Poachards have
t
292
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
been taken at one drop as filled a wagon, so as to require four
stout horses to carry them away ; and the lower Birds in the
pens have been known to be killed and pressed entirely flat
from the numbers of their companions heaped above them by
the fotal stoppage of the poles and nets."
{
P
f ^
ANAS AMERICANA. AMERICAN WIDGEON, OR BALD-PATE.
This Fowl, like the Ked-Heads, during their sojourn on the
Chesapeake and Potomac, is the constant companion of the
Canvass-Back, upon whose superior skill in diving they depend
for a supply of the tender root of the Yalisineria, which they
filch from these Ducks as soon as ever they come to the top of
the water with it in their mouths. The Bald-Pates, as these
Ducks are most commonly called on the Chesapeake, are not far
inferior in flavor to the Canvass-Back, and when in good order
it is not easy to distinguish them from the above Duck, Those
killed on other streams, though excellent eating, will not com-
pare with those that feed on the flats of the Chesapeake. Wid-
geons are extensively scattered throughout the whole of our
Atlantic States, and are abundant in some of the West India
Islands ; they are well known in the Delaware Bay.
DESCRIPTION.
"The Widgeon, or Bald-Pate, measures twenty-two inches in
length, and thirty inches in extent ; the bill is of a slate color ;
the nail, black; the front and crown, cream-colored, sometimes
294 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
nearly white, tlie feathers inflated ; from the eye backwards, to
the middle of the neck behind, extends a band of deep glossy
green, gold, and purple ; throat, chin, and sides of the neck
before, as far as the green extends, dull yellowish- white, thickly
speckled with black ; breast and hind part of the neck, hoary
bay, running in under the wings, where it is crossed with fine,
waving lines of black; whole belly, white; vent, black; back
and scapulars, black, thickly and beautifully crossed with undu-
lating lines of vmous bay; lower part of the back, more dusky;
tail-coverts, long, pointed, whitish, crossed as the back ; tail,
pointed, brownish-ash; the two middle feathers an inch longer
than the rest, and tapering ; shoulder of the wing, brownish-
ash; wing-coverts, immediately below, white, forming a large
spot; primaries, brownish-ash; middle secondaries, black,
glossed with green, forming the speculum ; tertials, black,
edged with white, between which, and the beauty spot, several
of the secondaries are white.
" The female has the whole head and neck yellowish-white,
thickly speckled with black, very little rufous on the breast ;
the back is dark brown. The young males, as usual, very much
like the females during the first season, and do not receive their
full plumage until the second year. They are also subject to a
regular change every Spring and Autumn."
This Fowl, it will be seen, resembles the English Widgeon,
Whewer, or Whim, both in appearance and habits. The Ame-
rican variety is, perhaps, a little heavier and the plumage more
rich. Widgeons do not feed much during the day, but remain
listlessly on the sand-flats or hid among the herbage of the
marshes; but as soon as night comes they are in motion, and
may be heard repairing in considerable numbers to the various
feeding-grounds that they are wont to frequent. These Fowl
are very abundant on the coast of Great Britain, and the num-
bers slaughtered in the course of a season by the Sportsmen
and Fowlers are enormous. They are much esteemed in Lon-
don, and eagerly sought after by the Poulterers as a ready ar-
ticle of sale. They are pursued by the English Punters almost
entirely by night; they lie in wait for them in those situations
that they are most likely to visit or pass over in their course to
the feeding-grounds. The best weather for this sport is a clear,
AMERICAN WIDGEON, OR BALD-PATE, 295
windy, half moonlight night, provided the wind does not blow
frora you, as the Ducks may smell you; in fact, it is always
necessary to get to the leeward of Wild Fowl of all kinds, as
their power of scenting is very great. The English variety is
easily " domesticated in places where there is plenty of water,
and are much admired for their beauty, sprightly look, and
frolicsome manners." The same is said of the American Wid-
geon.
Bald-Pates can be decoyed within gunshot by imitating their
peculiar shrill note. Not apt to dart at Decoys off points, ex-
cept in foggy weather. They are migratory, and breed in the
North, on the coast of Hudson's Bay; they visit the rice fields
of the South during the winter in considerable numbers, and
are much esteemed by the planters as an article of food.
For further information on the subject of Widgeon, we beg-
to refer the reader to Colonel Hawker, the Magnus Apollo of
Wild Fowl Shooting, as he has very justly been styled.
^>^\' v^ ^
C aM h
ANAS BOSCHAS. MALLARD, OR WILD DRAKE.
This widely disseminated Duck is known in almost every
habitable part of the globe, and its flesh is alike esteemed in all
parts; and wherever it makes its appearance, Sportsmen resort
to all kinds of expedients to secure it. At a glance, it will be
seen that the Wild Drake is the original stock from which is
sprung the Puddle Duck of* our barnyards, as they differ but
little in plumage and general form. The wild Bird, however,
is a much more noble-looking Fowl than those of the same race
that have been enslaved by man; and instead of the sill}'-, dis-
cordant quach! quack! quack! lazy waddle, and inactive life,
and singular propensity for dabbling in the filthy oozes of the
stable-yard, common to our domestic Duck, they pursue a cun-
ning, silent, active, and free life.
DESCRIPTION.
" The Mallard, or Common Wild-Drake, is so universally
known as scarcely to require a description. It measures twenty-
four inches in length, by three feet in extent, and weighs up-
MALLARD, OR WILD DRAKE. 297
wards of two pounds and a half; the bill is greenish-yellow;
irides, hazel; head, and part of the neck, deep glossy change-
able green, ending in a narrow collar of white; the rest of the
neck and breast are of a dark purplish chestnut; lesser wing-
coverts, brown ash ; greater, crossed near the extremities with
a band of white, and tipped with another of deep velvety
black; below this lies the speculum, or beauty spot, of a rich
and splendid light purple, with green and violet reflections,
bounded on every side with black; quills, pale-brownish "ash;
back, brown, skirted with paler; scapulars, whitish, crossed
with fine, undulating lines of black; rump and tail-coverts,
black, glossed with green ; tertials, very broad, and pointed at
the ends; tail, consisting of eighteen feathers, whitish, centred
with brown-ash, the four middle ones excepted, which are nar-
row, black, glossed with violet, remarkably concave, and curled
upwards to a complete circle; belly and sides, a fine gray,
crossed by an infinite number of fine, waving lines, stronger
and more deeply marked as they approach the vent; legs and
feet, orange-red.
The female has the plumage of the upper parts dark brown,
broadly bordered with brownish-yellow ; and the lower parts
yellow ochre, spotted and streaked with deep brown ; the chin
and throat, for about two inches, plain yellowish-white; wings,
bill, and legs, nearly as in the male.
The windpipe of the male has a bony labyrinth, or bladder-
like knob, puffing out from the left side. The intestines mea-
sure six feet, and are as wide as those of the Canvass-Back.
The windpipe is of uniform diameter, until it enters the laby-
rinth."
Like most of Wild Fowl, the Mallard breeds in the far North,
and makes its appearance in the Autumn among the first of our
Ducks. It is common throughout all our rivers, and fresh-
water lakes, but is seldom met with on the sea-coast. As the
winter progresses, large numbers continue South, and take up
their abode among the rice fields of the Carolinas, where they
become very fat and particularly palatable; their flesh at all
times when the weather is not very severe is good, as they feed
on vegetable matter in preference to any other kind of food,
and only partake of fish when they cannot obtain an3^thing else.
293 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
Mallards are easily brought within gunshot by means of
Decoys, used in the way already described under the head of
Canvass-Backs. They are numerous at times on the Delaware,
and numbers are killed by Shooters hiding themselves in boats
and the reeds within range of their Stool-Buchs, which are set
out on the edge of the reeds. They are very fond of the seeds
of the wild oats that flourish so profusely on the flats of the
Delaware, and their flesh soon becomes delicate and juicy.
In Eno-land and on the Continent many singular contrivances
have been invented to entrap these Birds, and so successful are
the Fowlers now in this lucrative business that many hundreds
are often taken at one draw of the net.
The most destructive way of trapping Mallards is the plan
adopted on the Decoy ponds of England and France, a full ac-
count of which may be found in Bewick's British Birds.
ANAS MARILLA. SCAUP DUCK, OR BLACK-HEAD.
This species is much better known as the Black-IIead, or
Blue-Bill; in fact, the term Scavp is never applied to it by
Sportsmen, and few, if any, of our Coast Shooters would be
able to distinguish these Fowl by this name. The Black-Head
is widely disseminated over our country; and a Duck very
similar both in its habits and plumage, though a trifle larger, is
well known in England and throughout the Continent. It is
abundant during the Autumn on most of our rivers, and great
numbers resort to the Chesapeake to feed on the Valisineria
and other aquatic herbs of this region of abundance. When
killed on these waters in the early part of the season, they are
very fat, and their flesh tender and juicy, and entirely free from
the fishy taste they are apt to acquire in other localities. They
feed principally at night, and are said to be very partial to a
small shell-fish called Scaiq)^ from whence they derive their
name. We have shot them very frequently in company Avith
Canvass-Backs, and under such circumstances always found
them excellent eating ; they should be split open in the back
and broiled, with a particle of butter for dressing.
SCAUP-DUCK, OR BLACK-HEAD. 299
DESCRIPTION.
The length of the Blue-Bill is nineteen inches; extent twenty-
nine inches; bill broad, generally of a light blue, sometimes of
a dusky lead color; irides reddish; head tumid, covered with
plumage of a dark glossy green, extending half-way down the
neck; rest of the neck and breast black, spreading round to the
back; back and scapulars white, thickly crossed with waving
lines of black ; lesser coverts dusky, powdered with veins of
whitish; primaries and tertials brownish black; secondaries
white, tipped with black, forming the speculum ; rump and tail
coverts black; tail short, rounded, and of a dusky brown;
belly white, crossed near the vent with waving lines of ash ;
vent black ; legs and feet dark slate.
ANAS DISCORS. BLUE-WINGED TEAL.
This little Duck is among the first of the Water Fowl that
visit the shores of the Delaware and Chesapeake from the far
regions of the North. They arrive among us in September,
and remain feedinsr along the fresh-water shores and mud-flats
until driven further South by the chilling frosts of these regions,
as they are a very tender Bird, and spend the most of their
time in parts where the weather is mild. Blue- Winged Teal
appear to be much less cunning than most other varieties of
Wild Fowl, as it is not difficult to approach them in a boat or
under cover of any simple device.
The Shooters on the Delaware kill great numbers from the
reeds, over Stool-Ducks set out on the mud ; they stool without
difficulty, and drop down among the Decoys and go to eating as
if they were surrounded by busy companions like themselves.
They stool better if the Decoys are set in the mud than if in
the water, and in this respect differ from every other Duck.
They are fond of the seeds of the wild oats, and become very
fat after feeding on them for a short time. In the South they
also become very fat, and are considered most excellent eating ;
great numbers are shot as well as caught on the rice-fields in
traps set by the Negroes.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL. 301
The markets of Philadelphia abound with these Ducks, and
are sold for a mere trifle ; they are considered best by Epicures
when split open and broiled, with a dressing of butter ; we
prefer them in this way to all other modes of cooking.
Blue-Winged Teal fly with great rapidity and considerable
noise ; they drop down suddenly among the reeds much like a
Woodcock.
DESCRIPTION.
"This species measures about fourteen inches in length, and
twenty-two inches in extent; the bill is long in proportion, and
of a dark, dusky slate; the front and upper part of the head
are black; from the eye to the chin is a large crescent of white;
the rest of the head and half the neck are of a dark slate, richly
glossed with green and violet ; remainder of the neck and breast
is black or dusky, thickly marked with semicircles of brownish
white, elegantly intersected with each other ; belly pale brown,
barred with dusky in narrow lines; sides and vent the same
tint, spotted with oval marks of dusky ; flanks elegantly waved
with large semicircles of pale brown ; sides of the vent pure
white; under the tail coverts black; back deep brownish black,
each feather waved with large semi-ovals of brownish white ;
lesser wdng covert a bright light blue; primaries dusky brown;
secondaries black ; speculum, or beauty-spot, rich green ; tertials
edged with black or light blue, and streaked down their middle
with white ; the tail, which is pointed, extends two inches be-
yond the wings; legs and feet yellow, the latter very small; the
two crescents of white before the eyes meet on the throat.
" The female differs in having the head and neck of a dull,
dusky slate, instead of the rich violet of the male ; the hind
head is also whitish ; the wavings on the back and lower parts
more indistinct ; wdng nearly the same in both."
ANAS CRECCA. GREEN-WINGED TEAL.
This variety is a little larger than the preceding, and resem-
bles more closely the English Teal ; in fact, is considered by
Naturalists as the same Duck. Its habits and disposition are
302 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the same as that of the Blue-Winged, and its flesh of like
quality.
DESCRIPTION.
"The Green-Winged Teal is fifteen inches in length, and
twenty-four inches in extent; bill black; irides pale brown;
lower eyelid whitish; head glossy reddish-chestnut; from the
eye backwards to the nape runs a broad band of rich silky-
green, edged above and below by a fine line of brownish- white ;
the plumage of the nape ends in a kind of pendent crest ; chin
blackish; below the chestnut, the neck, for three quarters of an
inch, is white, beautifully crossed with circular, undulating
lines of black ; back, scapulars, and sides of the breast white,
thickly crossed in the same manner; breast elegantl}'' marked
with roundish or heart-shaped spots of black on a pale vina-
ceous ground, variegated with lighter tints ; belly white ; sides
waved with undulating lines ; lower part of the vent-feathers
black; sides of the same brownish- white, or pale-reddish cream;
lesser wing-coverts brown ash ; greater tipped with reddish
cream ; the first five secondaries deep velvety black, the next
five resplendent green, forming the speculum or beauty-spot,
which is bounded above by pale bufif, below by white, and on
each side by deep black ; primaries ashy-brown ; tail pointed,
eighteen feathers, dark drab ; legs and feet flesh-colored. In
some, a few circular touches of white appear on the breast near
the shoulder of the wing. The windpipe has a small bony
labyrinth where it separates into the lungs; the intestines
measure three feet six inches, and are very small and tender.
" The female wants the chestnut-bay on the head, and the
band of rich green through the eye, these parts being dusky-
white, speckled with black ; the breast is gray brown, thickly
sprinkled with blackish, or dark brown ; the back dark brown,
waved with broad lines of brownish- white; wing nearly the
same as in the male."
ANAS ALBEOLA. BUFFEL-HEADED DUCK, OR BUTTER-BALL.
This little Duck is more commoul}- known as the Butter-
Box, or Butter-Ball, from the circumstance of its fat, plump
little bocl3^ It is one of the very first Ducks that x2ome from
the North. Their flesh is rather fishy at times, but we have
shot them on the Chesapeake and Delaware of very good flavor.
They breed in the North, fly with great velocity, and dive with
considerable facility; and when on the wing, utter a quick gut-
tural note — quack! quack! quack!
DESCRIPTION.
"The Buffel-Headed Duck, or rather, as it has originally
been, tlie Buffalo-Headed Duck, from the disproportionate size
of its head, is fourteen inches long and twenty-three inches in
extent ; the bill is short, and of a light blue or leaden color ;
the plumage of the head and half of the neck is thick, long,
and velvety, projecting greatly over the lower part of the neck ;
this plumage on the forehead and nape is rich glossy green,
changing into a shining purple on the crown and sides of the
neck ; from the eyes backward passes a broad band of pure
804
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
white; iris of the eye dark; back, wings, and part of the scapu-
lars black ; rest of the scapulars, lateral band along the wing,
and whole breast, snowy white ; belly, vent, and tail-coverts
dusky white ; tail pointed, and of a hoary color.
" The female is considerably less than the male, and entirely
destitute of the tumid plumage of the head; the head, neck, and
upper parts of the body and wings are sooty black, darkest on
the crown ; sides of the head marked with a small, oblong spot
of white ; bill dusky ; lower part of the neck ash, tipped with
white; belly dull white; vent cinereous ; outer edges of six of
the secondaries and their incumbent coverts white, except the
tips of the latter, which are black ; legs and feet a livid blue ;
tail hoary brown."
•^■>:'.^„
ANAS OBSCURA. DUSKY DUCK, OR BLACK DUCK.
This Duck is well known to all our sea-shore Shooters, and
innumerable quantities are brought to the Philadelphia markets.
They meet with ready sale, although their flesh is far inferior
to many other varieties of Wild Fowl. They are better known
as the Black Duck, and are shot on the salt marshes of the
Delaware. They are very wary, and will not stool. They feed
on the small bivalves that are so abundant in these waters, as
also along the shores of the creeks and inlets of the Middle
States. Black Ducks swim and fly with great velocity ; their
notes resemble those of the Mallard, but their flesh is much in-
ferior.
As before stated, Wild Fowl rise almost universally against
the wind ; Black Ducks, however, are an exception to this
general rule, as they spring indifferently either with or against
the wind.
Numbers of Black Ducks are killed by the Gunners lying in
wait for them in the route of their return from the sea to the
marshes to feed after night. This kind of shooting is termed
" dusking,''^ and of course can only be practised with much suc-
cess on a moonlight night.
20
306 > lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
When the weather is not severe and the Ducks are plenty,
" dusldn(f is an agreeable pastime. Black Ducks are very wary
and sagacious, and it is necessary to hold the most ])rofound
silence when dashing, as they change their course or tower high
at the slightest noise.
DESCIIIPTIOX.
"The Dusky or Black Duck is two feet in length, and three
feet two inches in extent; the bill is of a dark greenish-ash,
formed very much like the Mallard, and nearly of the same
length; irides dark ; upper part of the head deep dusky brown,
intermixed on the forepart with some small streaks of drab ;
rest of the head and greater part of the neck pale-yellow ochre,
thickly marked with small streaks of blackish-brown; lower
part of the neck, and whole lower parts, deep dusky, each
feather edged with brownish-white, and with fine seams of rusty-
white ; upper parts the same, but rather deeper ; the outer vanes
of nine of the secondaries bright violet blue, forming the beauty-
spot, which is bounded on all sides by black ; wings and tail
sooty-brown; tail feathers sharp-pointed; legs and feet dusky-
yellow; lining of the wings pure white.
"The female has more brown on her plumage, but in other
respects differs little from the male, both having the beauty-spot
on the wing."
ANAS ACUTA. TINTAIL DUCK, OR SPRIG TAIL
This handsome-lookins; Duck is known to our Shooters in-
differently as the Pintail or Sprigtail. The latter appellation is
perhaps the most common. This Duck is abundant in England.
They frequent the fresh- water streams of almost every section of
our country, both inland and on the seaboard; they are not
very partial to salt water. Sprigtails are shy and vigilant ;
when aroused they fly confusedly together, so that the Shooter
has always a fine opportunity to rake the flpck when on the
wing. They remain with us all winter and breed in the North ;
their flesh is sweet and often delicious.
DESCRIPTION.
" The Pintail Duck is twenty-six inches in length, and two
feet ten inches in extent ; the bill is a dusky lead color ; irides
dark hazel ; head and a half of the neck pale brown, each side
of the neck marked with a band of purple violet, bordering the
white ; hind part of the upper half of the neck black, bordered
on each side by a stripe of white, which spreads over the lower
part of the neck before ; sides of the breast and upper part of
308 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the back white, thickly and elegantly marked with transverse,
undulating lines of black, here and there tinged with pale buff;
throat and middle of the belly white, tinged with cream; flanks
finely pencilled with waving lines; vent white; under tail-coverts
black; lesser wing-coverts brown ash; greater the same, tipped
with orange ; below which is the speculum or beauty-spot of
rich golden green, bordered below with a band of black and
another of white; primaries dusky brown ; tertials long, black,
edged with white and tinged with rust ; rump and tail coverts
pale ash, centred with dark brown ; tail greatly pointed, the
two middle tapering feathers being fall five inches longer than
the others, and black ; the rest brown ash, edged with white ;
legs a pale lead color.
"The female has the crown of a dark brown color ; neck of a
dull brownish-white, thickly speckled with dark brown; breast
and belly pale-brownish white, interspersed with white ; back
and root of the neck above black, each feather elegantly waved
with broad lines of brownish-white — these wavings become ru-
fous on the scapulars ; vent white, spotted with dark brown ;
tail dark brown, spotted with white; the two middle tail feathers
half an inch longer than the others.
" The Sprigtail is an elegantly formed, long-bodied Duck, the
neck longer and more slender than most others."
ANAS SPONSA. SUMMER, DUCK, OR WOOD DUCK.
This Bird is remarkable for the richness and varied hue ot
its plumage, and may be considered the most beautiful of all
the Duck tribe. It is spread throughout the whole extent of
our country, breeding in almost every State of the Union, and
familiarly known to country people as the Wood Duck, from
the circumstance of its selecting the hollows of trees to breed
in. This Fowl delights in the small streams and mill-ponds of
the interior, and is but seldom met with on the large rivers.
They are not often met with in flocks, but are generally found
in small families of two or three. The followers of Sir Isaac
Walton are generally much more familiar with this Fowl than
the professed Sportsman, as they, in the pursuit of their favor-
ite amusement, spend much of their time in the quiet and se-
cluded haunts that these Birds affect. Their food consists of
seeds and insects, and their flesh at times is excellent. They
are easily tamed when taken young, and soon become com-
pletely domesticated.
DESCRIPTION.
" The Wood Duck is nineteen inches in length, and two feet
four inches in extent; bill red, margined with black; a spot of
310 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
black lies between tbe nostrils, reacbing nearly to the tip, wbicb
is also of the same color, and furnished with a large hooked
nail; irides orange red; front, crown, and pendent crest rich
glossy bronze green, ending in violet, elegantly marked with a
line of pure white running from the upper mandible over the
e3^e, and with another band of white proceeding from behind the
eye, both mingling their long, pendent plumes with the green
and violet ones, producing a rich effect; cheeks and sides of the
upper neck violet; chin, throat, and collar round the neck pure
white, curving up in the form of a crescent nearly to the poste-
rior part of the eye; the white collar is bounded below with
black; breast dark violet brown, marked on the forepart with
minute triangular spots of white, increasing in size until they
spread into the white of the belly; each side of the breast is
bounded by a large crescent of white, and that again by a broader
one of deep black; sides, under the wings, thickly and beauti-
fully marked with fine undulating parallel lines of black, on a
ground of yellowish-drab; the flanks are ornamented with
broad, alternate, semicircular bands of black and white; sides
of the vent rich light violet; tail-coverts long, of a hair-like
texture at the sides, over v.'hich they descend, and of a deep
black, glossed with green ; back duskj^-bronze, reflecting green ;
scapulars black; tail tapering, dark glossy green above; below
dusky; primaries dusky, silvery hoary without, tipped with
violet blue; secondaries greenish-blue, tipped with white; wing-
coverts violet blue, tipped with black; vent dusky; legs and
feet yellowish- red; claws strong and hooked.
"The female has the head slightly crested; crown, dark
purple; behind the e_ye, a bar of white; chin and throat, for two
inches, also white ; head and neck, dark drab; breast, dusky
brown, marked with large triangular spots of white; back, dark,
glossy, bronze-brown, with some gold and greenish reflections ;
speculum of the wings nearly the same as in the male, but the
fine pencilling of the sides, and the long hair-like tail-coverts
are wanting; the tail is also shorter."
^
AXAS CAXADCNSIS. CANADA GOOSE.
''H.iwnkl Iionk I and fui'ard to the lior'ax'd is the trumpet tone,
AVh.-it Gdose can lag, or feather ti.ig, or break the goodly cone,
llawnk I onward to the cool blue lakes where lie our safe love-bowers,
No stop, no drop of ocean brine, near stool or hassock hoary,
Our travelling watchword is ' our males, our goslings, and our glory !'
Symsonia and Labrador for us are crowned with flowers,
And not a breast on wave shall rest, until that heaven is ours.
Hawnk! Hawnk! E— ellawnk!"
This well-kiiowu Fowl is widely spread over the whole of
our country, and there are few portions of the United States
where the honking of the Wild Groose is not familiar to the
inhabitants. These Fowl, in their migrations South and North,
are considered the sure harbingers of dreary Winter, or the
near approach of cheerful Spring. They breed in the remotest
regions of the North, even perhaps under the very pole itself,
where, undisturbed by the cruel hands of man, they rear their
young in the most perfect security, and only leave those peace-
ful climes when driven from them by the severity of threatening
Winter.
312 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
Wild Geese make their appearance on tlie Delaware and
Chesapeake Bays in October, and when many are flying early
in the season, it is considered a certain prognostic of a long and
hard Winter, a belief, in which all the inhabitants of those parts
that they visit place implicit confidence.
During their journey through the Canadas, their thick ranks
are considerably thinned by the slaughter made among them
by the Indians, who kill immense numbers for their own sup-
port and that of the English settlements about Hudson's Bay.
The Geese are cleaned and salted away for the winter's use,
and afford the principal article of flesh that the people have to
depend upon for several months in the year,
Mr. Pennat says: "The English at Hudson's Bay depend
greatly on Geese of this and other kinds for their support, and,
in favorable years, kill three or four thousand, which are salted
and barrelled. Their arrival is impatiently expected by the
inhabitants, as they are one of the chief articles of their food,
and also the harbingers of Spring; and the month is named by
the Indians the Ooose-Moon. They appear usually at our settle-
ments in numbers about St. George's Day, and fly Northward
to nestle in security. They prefer islands to the Continent,
as further from the haunts of men. Thus, Marble Island was
found in August to swarm with Swans, Geese, and Ducks; the
old ones moulting, and the young unfledged and incapable of
flying. The English send out their servants as well as the
Indians to shoot these Birds on their passage. It is in vain to
pursue them; they, therefore, form a row of huts made of
boughs, at musket-shot distance from each other, and place
them in a line across the parts of the vast marshes of the coun-
try where the Geese are expected to pass. Each stand is occu-
pied by a single person; these, on the approach of the Birds,
mimic their cackle so well that the Geese will answer, wheel,
and come nearer the hovel. The Sportsman keeps motionless
and on his knees, with his gun cocked, and never fires till he
has seen the eyes *of the Geese. He fires as they are going
from him, then picks up another gun that lies by him and dis-
charges that. The Geese killed he sets up on sticks as if alive,
to Decoy others; he also makes artificial Birds for the same
purpose. In a good day (for they fly in very uncertain and
CANADA GOOSE. 813
unequal numbers) a single Indian will kill two liundrecl. Not-
withstanding every sort of Goose Las a different call, yet the
Indians are admirable in their imitation of every one."
The Geese, on their return to the North, pass through the
Eastern States in the months of April and May, early or late,
according to the state of the Aveather. AVhen in our waters
they feed on the leaves, blades, and berries of different marine
plants, and the roots of the sedge which grows so abundantly
on the salt marshes. Their flight is heavy and laborious, and
in the form of a triangle, the flock being led by an Okl Gander.
When wounded, they swim and dive with great fi^cility, going
long distances under the water. When taken alive they are
easily domesticated, and will breed readily with the tame Goose.
It is a very common circumstance to see flocks of these Geese
entirely domesticated in the neighborhood of the waters that
they frequented in their original state of freedom. Although
they may have become quite tame, and perhaps have reared a
brood or two, they are all apt to exhibit symptoms of uneasi-'
ness as the period for migration approaches, and will some-
times fly off with the Avild ones that they hear honhlng over-
head. The Canadian Goose is domesticated in England and
France, and is considered superior to the common Gi'ay Goose.
Many plans are resorted to by the Shooters on our coast to
decoy these wary Fowl within gunshot, and none more success-
ful than that of imitating their honkings^ which most of them
can do to perfection.
Domestic Geese are also used to Decoy the wild ones flying
overhead; and they not unfrequently entice them from great
heights in the air to alight among them, supposing them to be
some of their own companions feeding in safety below.
They are also shot at night on the ponds and marshes where
they go to feed. '
Numbers are shot over Decoys from the sand-flats, or points
upon which are sunk boxes, in which the Shooter conceals him-
self. When only wounded they are difiicult to capture," as they
swim and dive well, and also possess the power of sinking their
bodies in the water with the bill only projecting above the sur-
face, and Avill continue in this position for some time.
Wild Geese, when migrating South, sometimes lose their
814 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSilAN.
way, more particularly in foggy weather, when they have been
known to alight in the immediate vicinity of the farm-houses,
apparently much confused and wonder-struck at their peculiar
and dangerous position. When feeding, sanding, or sleeping,
they always place sentinels on guard, wdio are regularly re-
lieved at the lapse of an hour or so. These sentinels are ever
on the alert with wide-extended necks, and give the alarm to
their companions at the slightest intimation of danger.
DESCRIPTIOX.
The length of this species is three feet; extent five feet two
inches; the bill is black; iridcs dark hazel; upper half of the
neck black, marked on the chin and lower part of the head
with a large patch of white, its distinguishing character; lower
part of the neck before white ; back and wing-coverts brown,
each feather tipped with whitish ; rump and tail black ; tail-
coverts and vent white; primaries black, reaching to the ex-
tremity of the tail; sides pale ashy brown; legs and feet black-
ish ash.
"The male and female are exactly alike in plumage."
ANAS HYrERBOPvEA. SNOW GOOSE. .
" Hoarse, heavy Geese, scream up the distant sky,
And all the tlmndei-s of our boat defy."
This beautiful Fowl is known upon our coast as the Red
Goose, and makes its appearance in the rivers of the Eastern
States early in November ; and as the Winter progresses pro-
ceeds further South; it also stops with us on its return to the
North early in the Spring, or rather late in the Winter.
Snow Geese are numerous on the coast of Jersey and in the
Delaware Ba3^ They frequent the marshes and reed}' shores
to feed upon the roots of various marine plants — more particu-
larly that called sea-cabbage. Their bills being very strong
and well supplied with powerful teeth, they pull up with great
facility the roots of sedge and all other [)lants.
Their flesh, thou2;h not fishv, is stroii;i, but we think better
than that of the Domestic Fowl.
SNOW GOOSE. 315
The same strata2;ems are used to shoot these Fowls as are
put into practice to kill the other variety,
DESCRIPTION.
"The Snow Goose is two feet eight inches in length, and five
feet in extent; the bill is three inches in length, remarkably
thick at the base, and rising high in the forehead, but becomes
small and compressed at the extremity, where each mandible is
furnished with a whitish rounding nail; the color of the bill is
a purplish-carmine ; the edges of the two mandibles separate
from each other, in a singular manner, for their whole length,
and this gibbosity is occupied by dented rows, resembling
teeth, these and the parts adjoining being of a blackish color;
the whole plumage is of a snowy whiteness, with the exception,
first, of the forepart of the head all round as for as the eyes,
which is of a yellowish-rust color intermixed with white; and,
second, the nine exterior quill-feathers, which are black, shafted
with white, and white at the root ; the coverts of these last, and
also the bastard wing, are sometimes of a pale ash color; the
legs and feet of the same purplish carmine as the bill ; iris dark
hazel ; the tail is rounded, and consists of sixteen feathers ; that,
and the wings, when shut, nearly of a length,"
Wilson remarks that "the bill of this Bird is singularly
curious ; the edges of the upper and lower gibbosities have
each twenty-three indentations or strong teeth on each side ;
the inside, or concavity of the upper mandible, has also seven
lateral rows of strong, projecting teeth; and the tongue, which
is horny at the extremity, is armed on each side with thirteen
long and sharp bony teeth, placed like those of a saw, with
their points directed backwards ; the tongue turned up, and,
viewed on its lower side, looks very much like a human finger
with its nail. This conformation of the mandibles, exposing
two rows of strong teeth, has probably given rise to the" epithet
'Laughing,' bestowed on one of its varieties, though it might
with as much propriety have been named the Grinning Goosed
ANAS BERNICLA. BRANT, OR BRENT.
Wilson considers the Brant and Barnacle Goose the same
Bird. Large flocks of these Fowl arrive on the coast of Jersey
in the latter part of September or early in October. They
remain in these regions till the weather gets very cold, and
then move off to the South. They feed on shell-fish and marine
vegetables; their flesh is sedgy, and often extremely fishy.
Our markets are crowded with Brant in Autumn and Spring,
and they sell for a mere trifle. They have a hoarse, honl-intj^
disagreeable note, and may be heard at a great distance. They
are shy Birds, and fly high and in long lines.
Great numbers of Brant are killed about Long Island, by
Shooters concealed in Batteries somewhat similar to those used
on the Chesapeake Bay for the capture of Canvass-Backs, Those
shot late in the Spring are much better eating than at any other
time. Unsuccessfal attempts have been made to domesticate
them, but, owing to their wild and wandering disposition, but
little has been accomplished towards this end.
BEANT, OR BRENT. 817
DESCRIPTION.
"The Brant generally weighs about four pounds avoirdupois,
and measures two feet in length, and three feet six inches in
extent ; the bill is about an inch and a half long, and black ;
the nostril large, placed nearly in its middle ; head, neck, and
breast black, the neck marked with a spot of white about two
inches below the eye ; belly pale ash, edged with white ; from
the thighs backwards, ,white ; back and wing coverts dusky
brownish black, the plumage lightest at the tips; rump and
middle of the tail coverts black; the rest of the tail coverts
pure white, reaching nearly to the tip of the tail, the whole of
which is black, but usually concealed by the white coverts ;
primaries and secondaries deep black; legs also black; irides
dark hazel.
"The only material difference observable between the plum-
age of the male and female is, that in the latter the white spot
on the neck is less, and more mottled with dusky. In young
Birds it is sometimes wanting, or occurs on the front, cheeks,
and chin ; and sometimes the upper part of the neck only is
black ; but in full-plumaged Birds, of both sexes, the markings
are very much alike."
AMERICxVN SWAN— CYGNUS AMERICANA; AND TRUMPETER SWAN-
CYGNUS BUCINATOR.
" The stately sailing Swan
Gives out his snowy plumage to the gale;
And, arching proud his neck, with oary feet
Bears forward tierce, and guards his osier isle,
Protective of his young."
WHERE FOUND, ETC.
We have two or more varieties of Swans which visit the
shores of our AtLantic States. At times they are quite nu-
merous in the vicinity of Carrol's Island, more particularly if
the weather continues boisterous for several days, when they
retire from the mid-ba}'- to seek food on the shallows of the
coves, or under the protection of the islands a considerable dis-
tance from the sea. Swans are very shy, fly high, and are not
easily brought down if not struck in some vital part. The flesh
of the Cvgnet, or Young Swan, is considered excellent; we have
eaten of it frequently, but cannot say that we have any great
AMERICAN SWAN AND TRUMPETER SWAN.
319
predilection in its favor. One thing is certain, however — it is
superior to the Wild Goose, but inferior to the Canvass-Back.
Swans are frequently, and we may sa}^ easily, domesticated,
but they will not thrive save where they can pass most of their
time on the water. In such favorable situations for their mode
of life, they will breed and live for years contented and happ3^
Swans 7^0?' excellence are the most beautiful, most elegant, most
graceful, and most spotless of all Fowl. Their plumage is per-
fectly white.
The Cj'gnus Americana is the species most commonly met
with. The other varieties are but seldom shot in these parts.
Swans, as the rest of the Wild Fowl, retire to the fiir North in
the early Spring.
We once, as before mentioned, had a fair shot at sixteen of
those noble Birds without ruffling a single feather, and since
that time have not had the good fortune even to see one, let
alone shoot one. All our good fortune and high anticipations
of shooting-glory parted with us on that unfortunate occasion.
CHAPTER XXV.
AMERICAN HARE, OR GRAY RABBIT. LEPUS SYLVATICUS.
DESCRIPTION, HABITS, GENERAL CHARACTERISTCS, ETC.
SUMMER DRESS.
Fur on the back, yellowish brown ; soft fur, from the roots
to the surface, plumbeous; the long hairs which extend beyond
the fur, and give the general color to the animal, are for three-
fourths of their length lead colored, then yellowish, and are
tipped with black ; cars, dark brown on the outer surface, des-
titute of the distinct black border seen in the Northern Hare,
and not tipped with black like those of the Polar and Variable
Hare; whiskers, nearly all black; iris, light brownish-yellow;
a circle of ftiwn color around the eye, more conspicuous nearest
the forehead; cheeks, grayish; chin, under surface of body, and
inner surface of legs, light grayish-white ; tail, upper surface,
grayish-brown, beneath, white; breast, light yellowish-gray;
behind the ears, a broad patch of fawn color ; outer surface of
fore-legs and thighs, yellowish-brown.
THE AMERICAN HAKE.
321
WINTER COLOR.
"Very similar to the above; in a few specimens the hairs are
whitest at the tips ; in others, black tips prevail. This Hare
never becomes white in any part of our country, and so far as
our researches have extended we have scarcely found any variety
in its color.
DIMENSIONS.
Adult Male.
Length of head and body
" head
ears
((
tail (vertebrie)
" tail, including fur
From heel to end of middle claw
Audubon.
Weight 2 lbs. 7 oz."
Inches.
Lin
15
0
3
5
3
0
1
2
2
2
3
7
LOCALITY.
The Gray Eabbit is met with as far north as New Hamp-
shire, and abounds in the Middle, Southern, and Western
States.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.
The timid and interesting little creature now under considera-
tion, we may say, is universally known as the Eabbit; this ap-
pellation, however, notwithstanding its general use, is a very
unjust one, as will be learned from the following remarks on
this head.
Those Naturalists who have studied the habits and characte-
ristics of the Genus Lepus of America do not hesitate for a
moment in placing all the varieties yet met with in their proper
rank of Hare. And, moreover, we shall without doubt sur-
prise some of our readers when we tell them that we have no
Eabbit, that is, true Babbit, indigenous to this country.
The Hare and Eabbit so closely resemble each other in many
21
322 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAlSr.
1
points that it is not at all astonishing that they should often be
confounded one with the other ; in fact, nothing but the dis-
criminating eyes of science could have pointed out the dividing
link between these two nearly allied species.
The principal and most striking difference in the habits of
these two species is the circumstance of one living in commu-
nities and burrowing in the ground, while the other live singly
or in pairs, and make their nest upon the open surface; this
striking peculiarity of the American Hare is almost sufficient
of itself to prove the entire identity of the species with that of
the English Hare (Lepus Cnniculus).
We have, however, still stronger grounds than this for placing
our Eabbit, as it is termed, in the same rank with that of the
European Hare.
The American Hare, as the English, breeds about three times
in the course of a year ; in the South they may possibly, owing
to the effects of climate, bring forth more frequently. Their
nest is of the rudest character, and constructed with little or no
care to anything like warmth or comfort ; it is generally found
upon the open ground, in an old field, perhaps protected some-
what from the weather, and easy observation, by the overhang-
ing leaves of a shrub or other small plant.
The Rabbit, on the contrary, has several litters in the course
of the year, and selects with some degree of care the choicest
part of its burrow for the deposit of its young ; the nest is made
of the softest materials within the reach of the anxious mother,
and she even plucks the downy fleece from her own body to
furnish a soft and warm bed for the reception of her tender off-
spring.
The young of the Lepus Sylvaticus, at birth, are covered with
hair, their eyes wide open and ready for immediate use ; their
ears fully developed and eager for action ; their bodies supple
and their limbs pliant, even so much so that they possess suffi-
cient strength to run'almost at the moment of birth.
The young of the Rabbit, on the contrary, are deposited in
the dark recesses of the burrow, entirely destitute of any pro-
tection in the way of fur, their eyes shut up and their ear flaps
even closed; their bodies also are soft and delicate; and their
limbs feeble ; in fact, the litter is entirely dependent upon the
THE AMERICAN HARE. 32S
anxious care of its parent for protection and support during
some considerable time after birth.
The flesh also of the Hare and Rabbit are quite dissimilar ;
the former when boiled is dark, the latter white ; there is also a
gamy flavor about the one that the other does not possess.
The Rabbit is a lively, frolicsome little animal, delighting
to pop in and out of its burrow at all hours of the day, to bask
for a few moments in the sun, and collect something to eat, and
then away at the slightest token of alarm to the depths of their
subterranean abode.
The Hare is a timid, lonely creature, sitting motionless for
hours, crouched up within its /on??, a mere space the size of the
animal upon the open ground, or perhaps snugly stowed away
under a pile of brush, stones, or rubbish of any description what-
ever.
The Rabbit, when pursued by Dogs, takes to his burrow as
the only secure refuge.
The Hare, on the contrary, trusts in a great measure to his
speed and cunning to insure his safety ; and when pursued by
Dogs, the American species resort to the same method of escap-
ing froin their enemies as the English variety — that is, doubling.
The construction of the hind legs is also the same in the one as
in the other, being not less than ten inches in length, which is
large in proportion to the size of the body ; those of the Rabbit
are much smaller.
The American Hare has from three to five young at a litter,
sometimes six and rarely seven. If it were not for the won-
derful fecundity of this animal, the whole race would soon be-
come extinct, from the constant and never-ceasing depredations
of its numerous enemies. Nature, however, wise in all her
plans, compensates for the waste on one side by an extraordi-
nary fruitfulness on the other, thus balancing the losses from
destruction by that of reproduction, in a ratio which is always
sufficient to insure the prolonged existence of the race.
The Hare is peculiarly adapted for speed, not only on account
of the general muscularity of its body, but also from the pecu-
liar construction of its hind limbs, which, being so very long,
assist the animal greatly in going up hill, in fact, gives it con-
siderable advantage over the pursuer, and which it, from cun-
324 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
ning, or more properly instinct, avails itself by taking to rising
ground as soon as come upon. The Hare is always in good
running condition at that season of the year when it is most
likely to be pursued by dogs or other less dangerous foes; this
circumstance also we may regard as a peculiar provision of
nature, for if the timid little creature was permitted to repose
in ease and silence, entirely free from apprehension of danger
except at the moment when really attacked, the body would
soon become overloaded with fat, which would necessarily pre-
vent it from takino; advantas-e of that fleetness which, when in
condition, insures its safety.
The American Hare has considerable speed, and can run for
a short time without giving out; the hairy covering of its feet
gives it a decided advantage over the Dog in a race, during dry
or frosty weather. When hotly pursued. Hares most frequently
take to holes, hollowed trunks of trees, or secrete themselves
under brush heaps, old logs, or piles of stone, AVhen first
roused, the Hare dashes off in good style, and at a speed that
soon leaves its pursuers fiar in the wake, but, unfortunately, for
want of sagacity, puss exhausts her strength long before the scent
grows cold, or the hounds begin to tire, and if it were not for
their taking to holes, piles of logs or brush, they would soon
fall victims to almost any cur that has the bottom and perse-
verance to follow in their wake.
The construction and position of the eyes in the head are
such as to enable the Hare to encompass nearly a w^hole circle
in its glance, with scarcely any motion of the head; the eyelids
are never completely closed, not even in sleep. The ears also
are so contrived as to collect the slightest sound arising in any
quarter. With such endowments, it is seldom that a Hare is
come upon unawares, although he may spring up from beneath
our very feet, or from before the nose of our dogs ; he was well
aware, however, of our close proximity, and only trusted, as be
had often done before, that, owing to the striking semblance
between his color and that of the ground or surrounding herb-
age, he would escape unnoticed.
The Hare may be termed a nocturnal animal, " as it is com-
monly at the earliest dawn, while the dew-drops still glitter on
the herbage, or when the fresh verdure is concealed beneath a
THE AMERICAN HARE. 325
mantle of glistening frost, that the timorous Hare ventures
forth in quest of food, or courses undisturbed over the plains."
Although Sportsmen meet with Hares in considerable num-
bers at all hours of the day, it must be recollected that they
are not found feeding, but, on the contrary, are generally roused
from their forms, where perhaps they have been crouching for
hours in undisturbed repose.
"During the moonlight nights, the timorous Hare maybe
seen sporting with its companions in unrestrained gambols,
frisking with delighted eagerness around its mate, or busily
engaged in cropping its food."
THEIR FOOD.
The Hare is not a very dainty animal as to the choice of her
food ; everything produced upon a farm or cultivated in the
garden, is alike palatable to her, and she not unfrequently makes
great havoc with the Autumnal turnip and cabbage crops ; she
also frequents the cornfields to glean the scattered grains, and
visits the orchards in quest of the juicy apple. The partiality
on the part of the Hare for the last-mentioned fruit is turned to
fearful account against them by those who bait their traps and
snares with it, for the dainty morsel thus laid in their very
path seldom fails to entice an unwary Hare within its deceptive
clutches.
Later in the season, when food is scarce, and nothing more
palatable is at hand, Hares often become very destructive to the
young nurseries, by gnawing the tender bark from the fruit-
trees, which they greedily devour.
Hares are fond of every description of wild fruit and berries,
and it is not until after the commencement of the frost, when
all these various productions are ripe, that they become fit for
the table.
In the North, they depend for support during the long win-
ters, upon the buds and bark of the pine and fir, upon which
they grow fat. "The Indians in this quarter are said to eat the
contents of their stomach, notwithstanding the food is such as
we have just mentioned."
326 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
THEIR FLESH.
The flesh of the, American Hare, when cooked, is dark and
gamy, and if it were not for their great abundance, would be
highly esteemed as a delicacy for the table ; but as long as they
can be purchased in our markets at twelve and a half cents
a piece, the public will not think a great deal of them.
The Ilare is not in condition for the table until after several
severe frosts, when the meat will be found clean, delicate, juicy,
and tender, provided it is cooked in right style, and with the
proper condiments. In the Summer season, Hares are* not lit
for the table at all ; their flesh at this time is tough and stringy,
and, moreover, their bodies, more particularly about the head
and upper part of the neck, are infested with a species of oestrus,
that lays its eggs in its skin, and which, when hatched, grow
sometimes to an enormous size before leaving their nest ; we
have found them buried in the very flesh of the neck, as much
as an inch long, and as large as the point of the little finger.
Their presence must worry and torment the poor animal much,
as we have always found those with these worms in them very
lean, and to all appearance weak and sickly. We have shot
them as late as November with these worms in them, but they
generally fall out much earlier than this.
HUNTING HARES.
Instead of coursing Hares as they do in England and on the
Continent, we either take them in snares and traps, or rouse
them with a Dog, and shoot them as they make off. They are
easily killed, and it will require but a few pellets of Partridge
shot to bring a large one to bag.
They possess a strong scent, and bother the Dogs very much
when in pursuit of Partridges ; the best of Dogs can hardly re-
frain from running a Hare, after pointing it and seeing it jump
up and make off from before his very nose. They lie very
close, and it will be necessary oftentimes to kick them up from
their form Avhen the Dog points them ; we have done so re-
peatedly. This Hare affects marshy thickets, or rather the open
fields adjoining these thickets, as they retire to these situations
for refuge as soon as roused, and in fact remain there during
the greater portion of the day. They bound along with con-
siderable speed, and generally in a straight course, but when
hard pressed resort to the artifices of doubling, a manoeuvre
practised so constantly by the European variety. They will
also hide themselves away in the trunk of a holloAV tree, which
they ascend by pressing the feet and back against opposite
sides of the hollow.
828 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
The kind of Dogs most generally employed in the pursuit of
Hares in this country, is a small species of Beagle, the produc-
tion, we believe, of a cross and recross of the Fox-Hound and
Beagle. These animals, as well as most other mongrels found
on our farms, become very fond of the sport, and acquire con-
siderable sagacity and speed in the pursuit.
There are few Dogs that live in the country but will hunt
Rabbits, or more correctly speaking Hares; some of course are
far superior to others, according to their build and the intelli-
gence bequeathed them by their ancestors.
DOMESTICATED.
The American Hare has in some few instances been domesti-
cated, but when confined in inclosures, are ever making efforts
to escape — they will, however, breed in Warrens.
THEIR CRY.
" This species, like all the true Hares, has no note of recog-
nition ; and its voice is never heard, except when wounded, or
at the moment of its capture, when it utters a shrill, plaintive
cry, like that of a young child in pain ; in the Northern Hare,
this cry is louder, shriller, and of longer continuance."
ENEMIES.
It is not surprising that a timid, defenceless creature like
the Hare should have numerous, sanguinary enemies, and
among them, none are more destructive than the Weasel.
This formidable and courageous little animal is constantly on
the look out for Hares, and tracking them enters the holes,
hollow trees, or other places where they are secreted, and dis-
patches them with the greatest ferocity. -Skunks, Wild Cats,
Foxes, Hawks, Owls, Snakes, &c., all prey upon the Hare
whenever they can succeed in capturing him either by pursuit,
stealth, or stratagem.
THE AMERICAN HARE.
329
DIFFERENT VARIETIES.
There are several varieties of Hares distributed over different
sections of our extensive country. Their habits are generally
very analogous to those of the Lepus Sylvaticus.
Some varieties, however, are smaller, while others are larger,
and those inhabiting the more Northern latitudes change their
sombre summer pelage during the Winter months to a spotless
white. Their flesh at the proper season is generally esteemed,
and the timid creatures are consequently much persecuted by
the inhabitants of the districts wherever they are found.
MEMORANDA.
1. The American Hare is not a Rabbit, but a bona fide Hare,
both in appearance, flesh, and mode of life ; no Naturalist dis-
putes the point,
2. Different varieties of foreign Rabbits have been imported
into the country from time to time, but there is no species of
Rabbits a native of this continent as yet discovered.
3. The American Hare, as the European, lives singly above
ground, and never burrows ; they also breed far less often than
the Rabbit, and have fewer at each litter.
4. The English Rabbits live in communities, and form ex-
tensive excavations in the ground, termed burrows or ivarrcns,
where they mostly reside and deposit their young.
330 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
5. The young of the Lepus Sylvaticus, as the foreign Hare,
are covered with hair at birth, their eyes open, and their limbs
strong enough for immediate action.
6. The young of the true Rabbit are quite bare of hair;
when first brought forth, their eyes are closed, and their limbs
tender and weakly.
7. The American Hare is a lonely, timid creature ; the Rab-
bit, on the contrary, is a social, frolicsome, bold, or rather
pert little animal.
8. The hind legs of the Lepus Sylvaticus are very long, and
formed like those of the European Hare, and consequently
quite different from those of the Rabbit.
0. The Lepus Sylvaticus, when pursued by dogs, trusts in a
great measure to her speed for safety, and resorts to the same
devices to insure her escape (that is, doubling) as the English
varietv.
10. The Rabbit, on the contrary, takes to her burrow as ber
only safeguard.
11. The flesh of the Hare, when boiled, is dark; that of the
Rabbit white.
12. The Hare is almost entirely a nocturnal animal; the
Rabbit but little so.
CHAPTER XXVI,
THE SQUIRREL.
" From bough to bough the scampering Squirrels bound ;
But soon, in smoky thunders, bite the ground ;
Life's gushing streams their sable furs defile."
We hardly think it will be expected of us to include the
subject of Squirrel Shooting in this volume; however, as we
know something about the matter (perhaps nothing new),
picked up during our early school-days in a great Squirrel
country, it may not be amiss in us to devote a few pages to
these interesting little creatures, that enliven the solitude of
our deep forests with frolicsome gambols.
Our friend Porter, in his reprint of RaicJcer — by the by a
most excellent work in itself, and made still more so by the
valuable additions of the edito'r — 2:ives a most interestinsr ac-
count of Squirrel Slwotinrj.
If our readers would all peruse the articles referred to, in
the above publication, they would have nothing further to learn
on the subject, save a few hints as to the habits of the animal.
332 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
VARIETIES OF SQUIRRELS.
" There are no less than sixty or seventy varieties of this
genus described by Naturalists, of which twenty well-determined
species exist in North America."
HABITS, LOCALITY, AND GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.
The habits of the whole race of Squirrels are nearly akin ;
and their bodies are covered with long, soft, and beautiful fur,
and furnished with a long, wiry, and bushy tail, Avhich latter
appendage adds greatly to their graceful appearance, as they
are all alike remarkable for their beauty, sprightliness, and
agility.
Squirrels are, at all times, even in a state of captivity, of a
restless, active disposition. In their native wilds they are ever
frolicsome and gay, jumping from tree to tree. They pass
their time in joyousness -and unrestrained freedom in the midst
of the rich abundance of our forests. AVhen movins; on the
ground, the Squirrel seldom runs, but advances by a series of
jumps. They are of a sly, mercurial temperament, seldom re-
maining still for a moment, except when alarmed; then they
will stretch themselves out at full length, on the topmost
branch of a high tree, on the side opposite to the seat of dan-
ger, and thus remain perfectly motionless, as if a part or parcel
of the tree itself, until the cause of the alarm has moved off.
They generally build large nests formed of twigs, moss, and
leaves in the notches of the highest forest-trees, or take up
their abode in the hollow trunks, or burrow in the ground.
The whole race of Squirrels are very prolific, and some spe-
cies increase so rapidly, and to such a surprising extent in
some sections of country, that they actually become a severe
scourge to the farmer, who, with the assistance of all his family,
are not able to protect his hard-earned crops from the depre-
dations of these lawless little fellows, that swarm in the corn-
field at such times by hundreds, and even thousands, con-
suming all within their reach, and destroying still more by
throwing it down on the ground.
THE SQUIREEL. 333
When eating, or occupied in listening, they sit erect on their
hind legs, with their long bushy tail raised beautifully along
their back, as far as the shoulders, then falling in a graceful
curve near the extremity, hangs towards the ground. Their
food is always held in their fore-paws.
. The teeth of the whole race are remarkable for their sharp-
ness, power, and durability; they cut with ease, in an in-
credibly short time, through the hardest hickory-nut, and have
the sagacity to tell a withered or rotten nut from a good one by
the mere feel or smell; and no sooner do they pick up one of
these bad ones, than they turn it round in their nimble paws
and discard it. This fact we have again and again tested with
the common Gray Squirrel. The gullet of the Squirrel is said
to be very small, or rather contracted at one point, to prevent
the food from being disgorged when descending trees. We do
not know if such is the fact, and we have no Squirrel handy at
this present time to examine.
The whole race, with one or two exceptions, inhabit the thick
woods, living upon the profusion of seeds, acorns, hickory-nuts,
chestnuts, and various other nuts that are produced in our rich
and grand forests. Several varieties of Squirrels, more espe-
cially those at the North, are very provident and thoughtful of
the morrow, always collecting and laying up in secret store-
houses the surplus food, which they partake of during the
Winter season, when the nuts are all shaken by the cold blasts
from the trees, and perhaps covered up a foot or more in frozen
snow. These well-stocked granaries are generally in the neigh-
borhood of their nests, either in the hollow of a tree, in the
bottom of an old stump, or in the wide fissure of an overhanging
rock. The quantities of nuts thus stowed away by a single
Squirrel is sometimes enormous. We have seen as much as a
bushel of hickory-nuts, chestnuts, acorns, beech-nuts, chinque-
pins, &;c. &e., deposited in one of these spots. The whole, how-
ever, may not have been put there by one single individual;
the stock, perhaps, having been collected together by several,
who made this the general depot for all their contributions, each
one laboring for the general good, and each one, in turn, en-
titled to his full share of the booty. Each Squirrel, most
commonly, has several different storehouses, to which they re-
334 lewis' ameeican sportsman.
spectively resort, according to circumstances. The fact of these
industrious little animals providing themselves with more grana-
ries than one for the guarding of their treasures is a striking
example of that instinct which we so often see displayed in the
inferior works of creation, for their storehouses are often dis-
covered b}'- the keen -scented hog, and the whole devoured at a
single meal. Strange Squirrels, of a larger variety, will also
sometimes locate themselves near one of these deposits, and not
only rob it of all its provender, but even deny the anxious
owner the privilege of sharing in the general division; a drift
of snow, or some other mishap, will occasionally cover one up
for weeks at a time. In either of such emergencies as we have
described, the poor Squirrel would have but a slim chance to
get through the "Winter if he had not provided himself with
other secret stores.
Squirrels are all very cleanly and nice in their habits and
general appearance, and are seen frequently in the course of a
day rubbing their faces with their paws, as if on purpose to
wash them off".
THEIR ACTIVITY AND STRENGTH.
Squirrels are possessed of great muscular power, and leap
with surprising agility and precision from tree to tree; and,
Avhen hotly pursued and unable to reach the adjoining tree so
as to effect their escape, will not hesitate to drop themselves
from tremendous heights to the ground, and then make off with
rapid bounds to the next favorable cluster of trees that stand in
his path.
Audubon remarks "that the Squirrel is admirably adapted to
a residence on trees, for which nature has designed it. Its fin-
gers are long, slender, and deeply cleft, and its nails very acute
and greatly compressed ; it is enabled to leap from branch to
branch, and from tree to tree, clinging to the smallest twigs, and
seldom missing its hold. When this happens to be the case, it
has an instinctive habit of grasping in its descent at the first
object which may present itself; or, if about to fall to the earth,
it spreads out in the manner of the fl3'ing Squirrel, and thus,
by presenting a greater resistance to the air, is enabled to reach
THE SQUIEEEL. ddo
the ground without injury, and recover itself so instantaneously
that it often escapes the teeth of the Dog that watches its de-
scent, and stands ready to seize upon it at the moment of its
fall."
CAPTIVITY.
In captivity, the most of Squirrels are gay, lively, and mis-
chievous; they are easily tamed, and become very interesting
pets; the most docile, however, will bite at times if worried;
they are very destructive and troublesome if not perpetually
confined to their boxes, as when at liberty they try their long
and sharp teeth upon everything within their reach ; no article
of furniture can escape them. -
Squirrels, we have noticed, sleep very soundly, and are not
easily aroused from their slumbers ; they become attached to
their keepers, and some of them will allow no other person to
handle them. They are usually high-tempered, and are easily
irritated.
Great alarm or sensation of pain is expressed by Squirrels by
a sharp, piercing cry; that of pleasure by a soft rumbling noise,
somewhat like the purring of a cat ; when fretted or roused
from their slumbers, they give forth a loud and angry growl.
Although in a state of nature, nuts, seeds, insects, and grain of
various kinds form their principal food, they soon learn to par-
take of almost everything ; several that we have had partook
of bread and milk with the greatest relish.
They also become quite fond of sugar and all kinds of sweets,
as Avell as fruits of every description ; they are also very partial
to locusts, which they tear to pieces and devour with the great-
est zest.
"When wild. Squirrels are said never to resort to the streams
for water, but quench their thirst by sipping the dew and rain
that collects on the leaves or in the hollows of trees; when do-
mesticated, they drink freely and often ; this may be occasioned
by the difference in diet, as the sweets they eat in confinement
will produce a thirst in any animal.
336 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS.
"In tlie Spring the Squirrels shed their hair, which is replaced
bj a thinner and less furry coat; during Summer, their tails
are narrower and less feathery than in Autumn, when they
either receive an entirely new coat, or a very great accession of
fur; at this season, also, the outer surfaces of the ears are more
thickly and prominently clothed with fur than in the Spring
and Autumn."
Some species of Squirrels breed twice in the course of the
Spring and Summer months; they all have several at a litter.
In the Northern latitudes, where the earth is shrouded for
months in a chilling mantle of snow, the various species of
Squirrels indigenous to these inhospitable climes, retire to their
secure retreats, either in the ground, or in the fissures of rocks,
or hollows of trees, where, surrounded by their Winter store,
they pass the time in a state of sluggish and benumbed existence,
not very far removed from that dormancy observed in many
other quadrupeds. Some varieties, to a certain extent, live in
communities, more especially during the time they pass in their
Winter quarters. Several species have cheek-pouches, in which
they can stow away an incredible quantity of nuts and seeds.
THEIR ENEMIES.
The whole tribe of Squirrels, like the more timid and defence-
less Hare, has a host of enemies constantly on the lookout to
make them their prey.
The Fox, Weasel, Wild Cat, and Mink, are ever on the prowl,
and ready to pounce upon the active little Squirrel whenever
they can secure them by stratagem or pursuit ; the Weasel is
ever on the alert, and, following his victims into their otherwise
secure retreats, attacks them with the most sanguinary spirit,
and soon dispatches the anxious parent as well as her tender
and unconscious litter, impelled alone to such savage deeds by
an unquenchable thirst for blood, for they seldom partake of
but a small portion of that which they so wantonly destroy.
Several varieties of Hawks, Owls, and even Snakes, capture
Squirrels, and prey upon their young.
THE SQUIRREL. 337
SQUIRREL SHOOTING.
In sections of country where Squirrels are numerous and the
pursuit of tbem is followed as a sport, they are killed entirely
with a small-bored rifle. Our Squirrel Shooters become sur-
prisingly expert in the use of this weapon, and perform some
wonderful feats with it during the Squirrel season ; they always
aim for the head, so as not to injure the skin, which is valuable
to the Furriers if not perforated with a ball. It is seldom that
they miss a Squirrel, even when hiding in the topmost branches
of our tallest forest trees. In portions of country where they
are not so numerous, it is necessary to repair to the woods, at-
tended with a Squirrel-Dog, that is, any kind of a terrier, or
spaniel mongrel, that has been taught " to tree a Sqtiirrel,''^ or, in
other words, to rush about in the woods till they either see a
Squirrel run up a tree, or get upon the fresh scent of one that '
has just taken to a tree. The Dog stops at the foot, and, look- '
ing wishfully and knowingly up the tree, breaks forth into an
incessant and musical bark that resounds through the woods
and soon brings the Huntsman to his side. The next thing is
to find the Squirrel that, perhaps, is spread flat out on his belly,. '
on one of the topmost branches of the tree, the color of his fur
assimilating so closely to that of the bark that it is almost
impossible to discover him. In a few moments, however, the '
hawk-eyed Shooter catches a glance of his victim as he moves
for an instant to hide himself more securely from observation ;
the sharp report of the rifle is heard for a moment resounding
afar in the distance, and down tumbles the once frolicsome
little Squirrel a lifeless thing.
When pursued or watched. Squirrels instinctively dodge
around the opposite side of the tree occupied by the Sports-
man, and, by perseveringly pursuing this course, will often
baffle the Shooter, till his patience becomes entirely exhausted ;
it is, therefore, always better to go in company, when Squirrel-
Shooting is the sport, so that either yourself or companion
may contrive to get sight of every one that takes to a tree.
22
338
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
BARKING SQUIRRELS.
This original method of killing Squirrels is pursued as a
pastime by Shooters inhabiting districts of country where these
animals are numerous. The whole secret, or rather art of
harking Squirrels, is to strike with the bullet immediately under
that portion of the limb upon which the animal is stretched out,
in such a manner that the blow will shiver the bark, and, killing
the Squirrel by the concussion, sends it whirling in the air to
the ground, " as if it had been blown up by the explosion of a
powder magazine."
This is a very pretty way of killing Squirrels, and many of
our Pennsylvania Hunters are very expert at it ; the skin is not
injured, nor the flesh torn by this mode of shooting.
FLESH.
' The flesh of several varieties of Squirrels is most excellent.
They should be voided, and kept several days in cold weather.
. SCIURUS MIGRATORIUS— MIGRATORY GRAY SQUIRREL.
DIMENSIONS.
INCHES.
LINl
" An old male in winter pel
age.
Length of head and body .
. 12
6
" tail (vertebrae) .
. 11
0
" tail to end of hair
. 14
0
Height of ear .
. 0
7
" ear to end of fur
. 0
9
Heel to end of longest nail
. 2
6
Length of fur on the back
. 0
8
Weight 1 pound 6 ounces."-
—Audubon.
THE SQUIRREL. 339
LOCALITY,
This species is the common Gray Squirrel of the North ; it is
found in considerable abundance throughout the wild districts
of the Eastern States, and is very numerous in the mountainous
regions of Pennsylvania, but does not exist further South than
the Northern counties of Virginia.
HABITS.
The Gray Squirrel has few characteristics different from the
whole genus, as before described.
They are much sought after as pets by our youth, as they
bear confinement with great good-humor, and soon become
quite reconciled to a captive's life. Although mild and gentle,
they are rather uncertain in their disposition, and will, at times,
bite their keepers very severely. This species was formerly so
abundant in the agricultural districts of Pennsylvania that they
committed great depredations by invading the grain-fields ; to
such an extent was this havoc carried during the period of the
early settlements, that an ancient law existed, offering a reward
of six cents for every Squirrel destroyed; and, in the year
1749, Audubon informs us that the bounty paid out of the
treasury, in consequence of this enactment, was equivalent to
640,000 Squirrels. This circumstance alone will prove the
amazing numbers of these active little animals. Even at the
present time they are quite abundant in the less cultivated dis-
tricts of Pennsylvania, and it is no uncommon thing for a
Shooter to bring home a dozen or so, the result of a day's ram-
ble through the dense forests.
THEIR MIGRATIONS.
During some seasons, in particular localities. Squirrels, more
especially the Sciurus Migratorius, appear to be seized with an
extraordinary desire to ramble or migrate from one section of
country to another. Speaking of this peculiarity on the part
340 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAISr,
of this species, Audubon remarks: "It is stimulated either by
scarcity of food, or by some other inexplicable instinct, to leave
its native haunts, and seek for adventures or for food in some,
to it, unexplored portion of our land."
At such times, they collect together in multitudes, and move
oft" in immense droves; nothing can stop them in their progress
onwards, and they never hesitate to swim the widest rivers that
oppose their march. Great numbers are necessarily drowned
in these bold undertakings, as well as destroyed by their
enemies.
The circumstance of Squirrels crossing rivers during their
migration proves the indomitable energy of character that these
active little creatures possess, as they are not at all partial to
water in any form, and always keep within doors during a
storm ; and if they should accidentally wet or even soil their
feet, they immediately stop to dry them by passing them through
their bushy tails several times.
Godman remarks on this subject: "While travelling through
the State of Ohio, in the Autumn of 1822, we had an opportunity
of witnessing something of this sort. Parts of the country
appeared to swarm with Squirrels, which were so numerous
that, in travelling along the high road, they might be seen
scampering in every direction; the woods and fields might be
truly said, in the country phrase, to be ' alive with tJiemJ A
farmer who had a large field of Indian corn near the road, in-
formed us that, notwithstanding the continued exertions of him-
self and his two sons, he feared he should lose the greater part
of his crop, in addition to his time and the expense of ammu-
nition used in killing and scaring off the little robbers. This
man and his sons frequently took stations in difierent parts of
the field, and killed Squirrels until their guns became too dirty
longer to be used with safety ; yet they always found, on return-
ing, that the Squirrels had mustered as strongly as before."
The following extract, taken from Porter, will also give a
good idea of their numbers in Pennsylvania during a season of
plenty. " These pleasant little fellows are at some seasons as
scarce as specie; at other times they migrate in millions. A few
seasons since, they pervaded the Northern part of Pennsylvania
THE SQUIRREL. 841
to such an extent, and in such numbers, that they did serious
injury to the crops, and they were slaughtered as enemies, not
popped over humanely after the manner that we murder those
we love. The Squirrels were followed in due time by stately
droves of Turkeys, and, later in the season, the rear was brought
up by scores of very serious half-famished looking Bears. A
war of extirmination was declared against the Squirrels, and I
am sorry to say that many overt acts of violence and bloodshed
towards them preceded the formal declaration of hostility, A
party of twenty-four, twelve on either side, all expert with the
rifle, made a day's hunt, from sunrise to sunset. The van-
quished, that is, whichever side shot the fewer number of Squir-
rels, to pay the forfeit of the best supper the town would afford,
for all concerned; and they slaughtered fifteen hundred and
eighty-six ! merely carrying the scalps to count with. A few
days afterwards, a party of the same number went out, anxious
to rival or eclipse the trophies of the first day, after having
prepared themselves well, with clean guns, rifles of course, and
all munitions of war, their sights better regulated and their
barrels better browned than those of the party who reaped the
first day's victory ; and they brought in eighteen hundred and
nineteen ! making about seventy-five apiece. One of the party
in the last day's hunt shot one hundred and thirty-six, and that
under unfavorable circumstances, being delayed three hours,
during the day, in getting a bullet up which he could not ram
down."
Further on the writer remarks again : " We killed thirteen
off' one hickory-tree, and they were busily coming and going
to and from it all the time, perfectly regardless of what was
going on. All this immense importation of Squirrels were
either Gray or Black, and not one Single Fox Squirrel (which is
common in Eastern Pennsylvania), was to be seen. During the
whole afternoon, it was nothing but loading and firing until our
rifle barrels became so hot that we had to lay them down occa-
sionally to cool. The myriads of Squirrels that are to be found
on a few acres of favorable feeding-ground during the season
of plenty is almost incredible to those who have never witnessed
it. All the wholesale slaughter that was made during the
342
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
season did not sensibly diminish their numbers, for the rear of
their countless army poured in and filled up the places of the
slain faster than were closed the thinned ranks of Napoleon on
the field of Waterloo."
CHAPTEK XXVII,
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS.
USE OF GLOVES.
All those Sportsmen whose occupation or profession makes
it desirable that they should have white and smooth hands,
and there are but few gentlemen whose employments do not
require this, they ought, ex necessitate renim^ to wear Gloves
when shooting, as nothing, to our eyes, looks more outre^ if not
vulgar, than a coarse, scratched, and scarred hand. Not only
from time immemorial with the polished communities of the
old world, but even among the half-civilized inhabitants of
other less favored climes, a small, smooth, and delicate hand
was, and is even at the present day, considered a certain sign
of nobility ; or, at all events, regarded as one of the most
striking features or tests of gentle breeding, education, and re-
finement. This feeling, to a certain extent, exists even in our
country, and every intelligent Sportsman, therefore, will under-
stand our motives for calling his attention to that which may be
considered, by the mass, a very trite and silly matter. How-
344 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
ever, no one, we imagine, even among this class of fault-finders,
independent of the mere looks of the thing, could offer any-
particular objection to the protecting of his hands from the
rude contact of the piercing thorns and poisonous briers that
overrun our forests.
Old, half-worn Kid Gloves, that fit snugl}'-, but do not bind
the hand, are the kind best adapted to this purpose; if the
covering on the dexter-finger should interfere with the delicacy
of touch so necessary for pulling the trigger, a portion of it
should be removed. It will also, be necessary oftentimes to
relieve the stricture of the other fingers by making incisions
lengthwise into the Gloves.
GRASPING THE BARREL.
Guns are now made so light, and withal so beautifully
balanced, that there no longer remains any necessity, when
presenting the piece, of stretching the left hand up the barrel
to the extreme point of the stock; but it should rather be
grasped close to the guard, so that the hand may be protected
as much as possible, in the event of its bursting, from some of
those untoward accidents that occasionally occur even in the
hands of the most skilful. This mode of holding the Gun was
adopted some few years back by English Sportsmen, on ac-
count of the frequency of such accidents, owing entirely to the
inferior manufacture of the barrels for small arms. The burst-
ing of barrels in England, however, at the present time, is a
very unusual occurrence, owing to the improvements in the
arts, or perhaps more to the enactments of Parliament regulat-
ing these things ; still, there are a great many worthless instru-
ments imported into this country from abroad, and are con-
stantly falling into the hands of every schoolboy, whose first
lesson, therefore, in the use of the Gun, should be the proper
mode of presenting it, as there is no doubt but the hand is far
more secure in this position than in any other. We have heard
of several Guns bursting during the last year or two, more par-
ticularly during the Eeed-bird season, and several of the parties
escaped without the slightest injury, owing to this manner of
holding the piece. If the hand, however, had been extended
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 345
along the whole length of the stock, as formerly was the prac-
tice, we are satisfied, from actual examination of the shattered
weapons, two or three of them would have lost nearly the
whole hand ; and some of theni, perhaps, have died of tetanus,
brought on by the severity of their wounds.
This plan of holding the Gun cannot be so easily adopted by
Duck Shooters, as the length and weight of the barrels preclude
the feasibility of rightly balancing the piece with the proper
degree of steadiness without extending the hand further along
the barrel than the point of the guard.
This is rather unfortunate, as we know of no kind of shoot-
ing in our country that is attended with so many distressing
accidents as the pursuit of Wild Fowl ; and the most of these
casualties arise from this one circumstance — the bursting of the
barrels, owing to heavy charging. We would therefore caution
our friends against the use of a common Duck-gun, and would
also advise them to be particular in loading, as well as keeping
their person out of the bursting range of a suspicious weapon
in the hands of some one of their more reckless companions,
who perhaps prides himself on being knocked over at every
discharge of his piece. If the Gun is not already too heavy for
comfort, it may be rendered more manageable by loading the
butt with metal, so as to make it balance in the hands with
more ease.
COCKING THE GUN.
In most kinds of shooting, we are in favor of carrying the
Gun cocked in preference to half-cock, for the following reasons:
In Partridge-shooting, as before stated, the most of our hunting
is done in the thick coverts, and when the Birds are scattered
about it is impossible to tell where or when they will get up, as
the Dog is lost to view one-half of his time, and the first inti-
mation we have of his position, although within a few rods of
us, is the whirring of a Bird from under our very nose, and of
which we only catch a glimpse in the distance as it rushes
through the thick foliage or hanging vines. This opportune
moment must be instantly caught at by the Sportsman, or the
game escapes ; and we are convinced that no one, no matter
346 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
how expert or ready he may be, can find sufficient time to cock
his gun and fire in this short space of time. In Snipe and
Woodcock shooting, it is also better to carry the Gun cocked,
as the Game is so uncertain in its movements. And on the
score of prudence, we would apprehend more danger from a
companion cocking his Gun on the springing of a Bird behind
him than if he were to have the piece already prepared to fire,
as in the hurry and excitement of the moment he might not pull
the cock sufficiently far back to make it catch the tumbler, and
the consequence of this omission would be the discharge of the
piece on a level with one's head, or perhaps the death of a valu-
able Dog.
The Gun, however, as before stated, should always be held in
such a position that, no matter when or how exploded, its con-
tents can do no mischief save the killing of a Bird ; and we
would be loath to shoot in company a second time with any one
who seemed thoughtless or hardy upon this subject, as life is
too precious to be placed in jeopardy on every shooting excur-
sion.
WADDING.
Patent wadding, or rather patent wads, have come so gene-
rally into use, and are so well known to all our Shooters, that it
would seem a waste of time to say anything on the subject.
These wads are made of a species of thick, elastic, porous paste-
board, and are numbered from one to twenty, so as to fit the
bore of every description of Gan. They are put up in boxes
of one hundred to three hundred, are very convenient, compact,
and serviceable.
Those living at a distance from the city had better always be
provided with a "punch" for cutting wads, so that in case of
need, or for economy's sake, they can be cut out of an old hat
or stiff pasteboard or leather.
If the "punch" be of good metal, a thick heavy piece of lead
with a smooth surface can be used to cut the waddings on, with-
out injury to the instrument; a piece of hard-grained wood,
however, will answer the same purpose, and perhaps be easier
obtained. There is a species of metallic wads sold by the Gun-
smiths for the purpose of cleansing the Gun when clogged dur-
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 347
ing an excursion ; they are made large for the bore of the
barrel, for which they are intended to be employed, and as
they fit very tight, are rammed home with some degree of force.
As they are pushed down the barrel, they necessarily scrape
from the inside all the dirt and leading before them, which being
thus collected together in a mass on the top of the powder, is
expelled at the next discharge of the piece. These wads will
be found very useful under some circumstances, and will pre-
vent in some degree the barrels from becoming uncomfortably
clogged or leaded, although they cannot relieve the chambers
at al], which, by the by, is the most important point to be
cleansed. Nothing, however, will effectually do this, save the
free use of water.
There are various other kinds of wadding to be obtained at
the Gunsmith's, all of which, however, we consider inferior ; at
all events, no better than the common patent paper wads in
general use ; which are cheap, convenient, and safe.
The wadding over the powder should be forced down with
considerably more violence than the one placed over the shot,
so as to drive the powder into the chambers and nipple-hole and
mould it into a compact form. If the wadding over the shot
be forced down too hard, there will be a considerable recoil when
the piece is discharged ; this of itself will soon teach the novice
better. When loading one barrel, never put the ramrod into
the other, for if a shot or two by chance should slip down on
the side of the rod, it will be very apt to become wedged in
when we attempt to withdraw it. We have known this acci-
dent to happen more than once, and we can assure our friends
that if it should occur with them they will be bothered no little,
more particularly if they did not know the proper plan to be
pursued in the dilemma. As soon as we discover that a ramrod
is thus wedged in the barrel, we must arrest our efforts to draw
it out by main force, as this is impossible ; we should rather
turn the muzzle downwards and press the rod on the charge as
forcibly as possible, and the shot will disengage itself from the
sides of the barrel and roll out. This will not so easily take
place, provided we have been tugging and pulling at the rod
sufficiently long to mash the shot up into a flattened mass; but
even then it is the only plan to be pursued. It will be neces-
348 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
sary, in some cases, to give the ramrod a few gentle taps with a
small stick of wood to make it go down far enough to disengage
itself from the shot.
When one barrel is discharged, it will be more prudent when
loading again to try the ramrod on the wadding of the other
barrel, as the concussion of the first discharge is apt to loosen
if not move the wad a trifle from the shot ; and if this were the
case, there would be a greater tendency in the barrel to burst at
the next fire. We have never found that the concussion from
one single discharge was sufficient to loosen and throw the wad
off the shot of the other barrel far enough to do any injury, nor
do we think that such could be the case with a small fowling-
piece, although it might happen with a weapon of much larger
caliber — a Duck-gun, for example, particularly if slightly rammed
and heavily charged. We, however, for prudence sake, are in
the habit of sounding the loaded barrel after every discharge ;
provided the two are not fired in rapid succession.
I say that we are accustomed to sound the other barrel for
'prudence sahe^ and would recommend all our friends to do the
same, as it is well to accustom one's self to this practice ; other-
wise we may not think of it, even after firing the right hand
barrel four or five times before discharging the left, as all young
shots and even old shots are too apt to do ; and in this case, the
repeated concussion may have moved the wad up the barrel
several inches, and might endanger the bursting of the Gun
owing to the thinness of the barrel as it nears the muzzle. At
all events, as said before, an " ounce of prevention is Avorth a
pound of cure."
This accident, however, is much less liable to occur than one
might at first suppose, more particularly after the barrel has
been used a few times, as i\\Q fouling and loading of the Gun is
always greater just at the point, or rather a little above where
the wad is placed over the shot, and of course assists very mate-
rially in keeping the charge home.
' AVe have generally been in the habit of slightly anointing
our wads, before using, with sweet oil; it certainly prevents
the barrels from becoming so quickly foul, and may otherwise
be of service. The best plan to do this is to empty a portion
of the wads out of a full box, and then pour a few drops of oil
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 349
on tte remaining wads, and shake them np thoroughly for a
few moments, when their edges will be found pretty generally
anointed *
We were induced, this season, to make a trial of some French
wads, made of a species of coarse elastic /e?<, covered with a thin,
partially glazed white paper ; but were not pleased with them
for several reasons: Firstly. The felting was not sufficiently
stiff' to prevent the wad from turning occasionally in the barrel
while being pushed down. Secondly. The felt being of a coarse,
spongy, elastic consistency, and withal nearly a quarter of an
inch thick, it required some experience to decide exactly when
it was driven liome on top of the powder ; and we more than
once inadvertently rammed the powder entirely too tight, and
a smart recoil was the result. Thirdly. The paper that covers
each side of the wad, much to our astonishment, has a slight
coat of glazing on it, which rubs or peels off, and not only
dirties the Gun, but really scratches the surface of the barrels.
This paper, which adds considerably to the stiffness of the wad,
in fact, almost constitutes its whole firmness, is merely stuck on
the felt by a weak glue or paste, and the consequence is that
they get loose in the pocket and drop off, thereby rendering
the wad perfectly unmanageable. We might urge other ob-
jections, but we suppose the above will be sufficient to induce
our readers to avoid them.
The old style of paper wadding is entirely inadmissible in
this age of improvement, and in some sections of country, the
Farmers will not permit any one to shoot over their grounds
that makes use of paper wadding, for fear of setting fire to the
brushwood, or parched grass, during a drought.
PATENT WASHER, OR WASHING-ROD.
The patent washer, with all its various paraphernalia, is a
very useful article, and should never be omitted from the Sports-
man's catalogue. It is not only useful for washing the Gun, but
may be used often very advantageously in the field for cleaning
or rather unloading the barrels which have become clogged up
by repeated firing. The instrument to be attached to the washer
* Wads can be purchased with their edges already anointed.
850 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
for loosening the particles of lead adhering to the sides of the
barrels is called a brush, and being made of brass wire, or of
some other metal softer than that of the barrels, it may be used
with perfect freedom, without fear of injuring the barrels, as
some erroneously suppose, by scratching them. If the Sports-
man be accompanied to the field by a Marker, we would advise
by all means to send along with him a patent Washing-rod
and a wire brush ; in fact, the weight is so trifling, and the in-
convenience of carrying the instrument when separated into its
three distinct parts is so very inconsiderable, that we would
suggest that every Shooter who goes out for a regular day's
sport slip one into his pocket, and its opportune service some
time or another will amply repay him for all bis trouble.
POWDER-FLASKS.
It is useless to spend time in the consideration of all the
various kinds of Powder-flasks now and formerly in use, but
merely remark that those made of copper, zinc, or German sil-
ver, and so arranged that the portion of powder necessary for
a load is entirely cut off when being introduced into the barrel
from the mass of powder remaining in the flask, are the only
kind of instruments that are recognized at present, and very
properly so, as many terrible accidents have happened from the
use of those of inferior construction. The explosion of Powder-
flasks is not an unusual circumstance, but we may say a matter
of weekly occurrence during the season of Keed and Black-
birds in our neighborhood. These explosions are owing entirely
to the inferior quality of many of the flasks that are sold in our
city ; the springs soon get out of order, and the connection be-
tween the mass and the intended charge is no longer complete;
and, if the Gun be overheated, as is frequently the case in quick
shooting, or, what is more probable, if a particle of ignited wad
should remain in the Gun, an explosion is sure to take place,
and the flask be blown from the grasp into a thousand pieces,
perhaps carrying a finger or two along with it, and otherwise
disfiguring and dangerously mutilating the face. We have been
present at two accidents of this kind, and hope never to see the
like again ; in one case, two fingers and a portion of the thumb
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS.
351
were carried awaj, the side of the face laid open from the tem-
ple down to the corner of the mouth, and the right eye torn
almost entirely from its socket. In both instances, the flasks
were out of order, and the connection between the charger and
the body of the flask was very incomplete.
The flask we use is the one invented, we believe, by Mr.
Sykes, an Englishman, and is the only one we consider safe
beyond a doubt. It is a little more troublesome at first, per-
haps, but the hand will soon become expert in the management
of it, and then we are satisfied that no Sportsman would desire
to use any other kind, seeing the perfect safet};" and convenience
of the invention. As the construction of this flask will be better
understood from an engraving than by any description that we
can give of it, we have had one made as below.
This flask costs but a trifle, if any more, than the other kind,
and is the most perfect of all in its construction. It is hardly
necessary to describe the method of its operating, as every one,
at a glance of the drawing, will understand it. The neck of the
charger should be so formed that, by sliding upon itself, two or
three different quantities of powder can be measured out, to suit
the capacities of different Guns. The size of the flask must, of
course, be regulated by the amount of shooting to be done ;
the one we use will hold very nearly a pound of powder ; and
we doubt very much whether these flasks were ever made of a
larger size, except when particularly ordered for Wild Fowl
shooting, or other purposes of a like nature. We are, however,
in favor of small flasks, for convenience as well as safety, even
352 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
if we are forced to replenish it several times during a day's
shooting; we seldom or never more than half fill ours; but
when we have no Marker along to carry extra ammunition, and
hope to enjoy a fine day's sport, we are tempted to fill it to the
brim. The dampness, or rather the salt air of the Sea-shore, is
very apt to disarrange the spring or screw of these flasks, and
consequently require our particular attention; a little oil or
mercurial ointment applied to them will prevent the accumula-
tion of rust.
ONE BARREL USED MORE THAN THE OTHER.
The right barrel, in the hands of all Sportsmen, is used more
frequently than the left, and consequently in old Guns is gene-
rally found to be far thinner than the left. This habit ought to
be avoided as much as possible, and the novice should accustom
himself to pull the trigger of the left-hand barrel with the same
facility that he does the right.
SHOT-BAGS OR POUCHES.
The old style of Shot-bag, strung around the neck with its
brass charger attached, is entirely ruled out of the catalogue of
sporting apparatus, and is now seldom seen, except in the hands
of some old-fashioned country sporting friend, who still fondly
clings to the antiquated notions and prejudices of his forefathers.
This bag has given place to the more convenient and more
likely looking leather pouch, which can be stowed away in the
pocket, and, though containing several pounds of shot, lies so
snugly in its place as scarcely .to be felt about the person. The
charger attached to it is made of brass or steel ; the latter is
preferable, and we will explain in a moment our reasons for this
preference. The charger attached to the mouth of the pouch
has a spring handle to it, which governs the movements of the
two small sliding-doors that control the flow of shot from the
pouch into the Gun, or rather measures out the proper quantity
for a load. When this spring is pressed upon and the pouch
everted, with the mouth of the charger inserted into the muzzle
of the piece, the forward slide is raised up and the inner slide is
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 353
pressed down ; the shot consequently between these two slides
enter the gun ; the finger now being raised from the spring or
handle, the forward or upper slide resumes its position, and the
inner floodgate is open for the egress of the shot when the pouch
is everted.
The construction of this pouch is so simple and well known,
that we fear lest we have wasted time in the description. AVhat
Ave wished to say in reference to the superiority of the steel
charger over the brass one is, however, somewhat connected
with this description, and is nothing more nor less than that the
brass charger, being made of a much softer metal, is very apt to
get out of order from rough usage, or from catching in the
bushes and briers. AVe on one occasion were greatly annoyed
and inconvenienced by this very accident, and therefore are
particular in dwelling upon it. In getting over a fence in
somewhat of a hurry, the top of the charger struck against the
upper rail, and the handle became so bent from the violence
of the blow that neither of the slides would work, and we were
forced to pour the shot into our hand and guess at the proper
load during the balance of the day, greatly to our annoyance.
If the charger had been made of steel, this could not have
happened. •
The size or capacity of the shot-bag will of course correspond
to that of the powder. The slides attached to the charger are
so constructed that they can be adjusted so as to regulate the
flow of shot to any desired quantity. We on one occasion lost
our powder-flask from our pocket, when a long distance from
quarters and surrounded by Birds, and, to make the matter
more provoking, immediately after encountered a large Covey,
into which we determined to fire a raking cross shot, in hope of
killing several Birds, by way of making up our count, and thus
solacing ourselves under the afflicting loss ; but, strange to say,
after fixing ourselves in the very best position for a raking shot, .
we banged away and did not bring down a single Partridge.
Since this mishap, we have been in the habit of attaching by a
small green worsted cord both our powder-flask and shot-pouch
to our person. The buttonhole of the game pocket, on either
side, will be found the most convenient place to attach the cord
23
354 lewis' AMElilCAN SPORTSMAN.
to. When going through thick cover with our powder and
shot secured in this way, we feel perfectly easy about them, as
we know that if by any chance they should be pulled out of
their place, we would immediately feel them dangling to our
person long before the cord could be broken.
TERCUSSION CAPS.
Great quantities of French and German caps are consumed in
America, not because, however, they are superior to the English,
but on the score of cheapness. These caps are generally inferior
to the English, but they can be had of excellent quality by
paying a little extra for them, but even then they are not equal
to those made by the celebrated manufacturers of England.
The English caps, of approved make, are much larger and
stronger than the best French, and when exploded split with an
even and regular fracture without flying, as is often the case
with the highest-priced French caps. Nothing is more annoy-
ing, and even dangerous, than the use of caps made of metal so
thin and brittle, that, at every explosion, they are torn into
several small pieces, that fly about into the hands, and even cut
the face, or perhaps lodge in the eye. Several of our acquaint-
ances have had narrow escapes from losing their ej'es by the
use of theso miserable articles, and we ourself have had our
hands cut more than once when forced to use them.
The composition of fulminating powder now used in caps is
not as corrosive in its properties as formerly, and, therefore, less
objectionable. At first, large quantities of sulphur were used
in the manufacture of cap-powder, which of course made the
composition very corroding to every portion of the gun it came
in contact with ; at present, the tubes or chambers of the
fowling-piece suffer but little from this drug, as its use has been
almost entirely abandoned. When we say "abandoned," we do
not wish to be understood that this corrosive powder is no
longer employed in the manufacture of cheap caps, for such is
not the case; but, on the contrar}'', nearly all those caps that
come from the Continent, both German and French, are made
with a mixture of chlorate of potash, sulphur, and charcoal, and
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS, 355
therefore are hurtful to every portion of the gun thej come in
contact with. The filling of the caps with this kind of powder
is the principal reason why they can be sold so cheap. The
best English caps, and even those of a far inferior make, are
filled with fulminating powder made from the action of nitric
acid upon mercury. This composition is far more expensive
than the other, but is also far superior in many points. In the
first place, it does not corrode the fowling-pieces; in the next
place, it does not attract moisture like the other, and will explode
even after being in the water for several hours. It explodes
with more ease but greater force than the other, and is not
affected by a damp atmosphere.
Gold and silver, when exposed to the action of strong acids,
will also produce a powerful fulminating powder, but of course
would be too expensive for general use, even if that obtained
from mercury did not answer. Caps, no matter how good they
may be, should be kept free from moisture, for if once wet, or
even damp, if not of very superior make, they of course are
rendered more or less uncertain in their action. They should
fit the nipple exactly, for if they be too small, they will be apt
to fly off when the first barrel is discharged, or drop off while
carrying the piece; neither will they always explode on the
first blow of the hammer if they are not well down upon the
pivot.
Walker's caps are considered the best article imported for
general use. They are put up in small round tin boxes, and
numbered in accordance with their size. An English author
very justly remarks of these particular caps: "I have used
several thousands of them, and never found one fail." Such has
been our experience, and we recommend them above all others.
Percussion caps entirely water-proof can also be had. They
were introduced several years since ; and, for som.e kinds of
shooting, are very necessary and serviceable. These caps are
simply protected from the effects of moisture and even water
itself by a species of impermeable varnish ; those of superior
make can remain in water for many hours without being in
the least injured. For Wild Fowl shooting they possess incal-
culable advantages over the ordinary cap, and a stock of them
356 lewis' ameeican spoetsman.
should be laid in, in anticipation of a prolonged shooting excur-
sion in the wilds of the West.*
CAP-CHARGERS.
Cap-chargers are seldom or ever used by Sportsmen, it being
so much more convenient to carry the caps in a side pocket
appropriated to that purpose. These chargers, however, are
very ingenious and pretty instruments, and enable the Shooter
to tell at a glance how many shots he has fired in the course of
a day's excursion, which is often interesting and instructive.
There are several different kinds of Cap-Chargers in use,
some are made round, some long ; the former are the more pre-
ferable, as they are more convenient, not only to carry but
to handle. There is also a variety of Charger invented with a
dial-plate attached, the indicator of which exhibits at a glance
the number of shots fired.
THE NIPPLE, OR PIVOT.
The orifice of the nipple should be large and countersunk, so
that the contents of the cap, when exploded, may be easily driven
into the chamber of the gun ; when the pivot-hole or barrel
* A slip from tlic New York Spirit of the Times: —
SUBSTITUTE FOR PERCUSSION CAPS.
A London paper says : Mr. Pepper is lecturing at the Polj'tecbnic on a ncvr
composition recently discovered by Messrs. Winiwarter and Gerslieim, of Vienna,
"Patent Gun Primers," which claims to supersede the ordinary percussion cap.
The peculiar features of these "gun primers" arc, first, the absence of a me-
tallic coat or cover, and their uniform explosive power ; the materials being so
amalgamated that no residue is left behind after detonation. The materials are
composed of fulminating mercury, chlorate of potash, and sulphide of antimony ;
the dangerous properties of the ingredients being subdued or diminished bj' the
application of collodion, which is used as a cement. The primers are manufac-
tured in various shapes, and the composition is moulded into any required form,
dried, and then covered with a film of varnish and a bronze powder. Thus,
whatever may be the shape of the pellet, it is entirely formed of detonating ma-
terial, and the use of the ordinary copper cap is wholly dispensed with, Avhilst
the collodion acts as a water-proof varnish, and protects the component parts
from the action of moisture. The invention is one which must claim the atten-
tion of the military and naval authorities.
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 357
is full large, it is far less liable to foul or choke up, which is fre-
quently the case when very small. The exterior edge should be
rounded off, so that the cap, when struck by the hammer, may
be exploded without cutting. Pivots are made either plain or
with small rings running around them, somewhat similar to the
threading of a screw ; this arrangement is intended to hold the
cap more secure when placed upon it.
THE COCK, STRIKER, OR HAMMER.
It is of the utmost importance that the centre of the hammer
head should fall directly on the centre "of the nipple, and thus,
by an even, regular blow, explode the cap ; if slovenly made
in this respect, a second blow will be very often requisite before
an explosion takes place.
The head of the striker should always be made tubular, that
is, surrounded with a ?•««, guard^ or 920.se, and this nose should
never be made open in front, as is too often the case. This alien-
ing is of no kind of use whatever, save to allow particles of
caps to fly out into one's hands and eyes; whereas, if the nose
is perfectly uniform all around, the cap becomes entirely in-
closed when the explosion takes place, and it is utterly impos-
sible for a single fragment of the cap to escape.
It is very seldom that the recoil occasioned by the explosion
of a cap is sufficiently powerful to throw the hammer up ; if
such, however, should be the case, it has been proposed to have
the mainspring made adequately strong to prevent this accident.
As a still greater protection to the eyes from the fragments of
the shattered caps, the hammer is usually made with a circular
rim at the point where the «ose joins the hecid^ and the whole is
still further guarded by "a breeching ivall elevationP
CARTRIDGES.
Of late years, cartridges are very extensively used by Sports-
men, and have proved of immense advantage in many kinds of
shooting; in fact, some of our friends use them altogether on all
varieties of Game, and pronounce their general introduction the
most happy thought of the age. Cartridges are very simple in
358 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
their construction, and can be made by the Sportsman himself,
or any of the younger members of his family, or, what is better,
can be purchased for a trifle of the Gunsmith in any reason-
able quantity at a few hours' notice. The process for making
them is as follows : Having procured a round plug of wood
about four inches long, perfectly cylindrical, and two or three
sizes smaller than the bore of the gun, a few sheets of strong
pliable paper, together with a quantity of thin cut waddings and
a convenient measure for the shot, we commence operations as
follows: The paper is first cut into pieces of the proper dimen-
sions for holding the shot, which of course will be regulated by
the size of the gun and our previous experience; this being-
done, we place ourself before a table with everything conve-
nient around us; a wad is now grasped by the left index-finger
and thumb, and placed against the inner extremity of the cart-
ridge-roller, and there held by the finger and thumb of the right
hand ; one of the cartridge papers is now put under the roller
with sufficient of its surface extending beyond the roller, say
half an inch, that, when folded upon itself, as hereafter to be
described, it will make a tight cylinder. The paper, wad, and
roller, all being arranged as above described by a rapid and
dextrous movement of the hand, the roller is forced to turn in
an even and regular manner over the surface of the table, carry-
ing the paper along with it, and which is made to encircle the
roller as tightly as possible. The projecting portion of the
paper is now folded snugly upon the wadding at the end of the
roller, and the forming of the cylinder finished by raising the
roller and giving the end of it a smart tap or two on the table,
by way of pressing the folds more securely together. The next
movement is to withdraw the roller from the cylinder, leaving the
wadding at the bottom to strengthen it; the shot is then poured
into the cylinder from the measure already agreed upon, and
after being well shaken down, another wadding is placed over
it, and the projecting edges of the paper folded tightly over it.
By this process we will have the proper load of shot in a close,
compact, and convenient form, and which can be carried in the
pocket loosely, or in small packages of fives and tens. When
the fino-ers once become familiar with the handling of the im-
plements necessary for making cartridges, it is astonishing the
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 359
numbers that can be put up in the course of an hour by one
person. In making cartridges for Duck-guns, it will be neces-
sary to use stouter paper than that used for P'artridge-shooting ;
and, to make them hold the additional weight of shot more
securely, the edges of the paper, when being folded, down, may
be touched with a solution of gum-tragacanth.
Plaving given directions for the making of cartridges, it is now
the proper time to say something in reference to their merits,
or rather their claims over the ordinary way of loading.
In general shooting, there is no doubt in our minds but that
shot cartridges are a very useful invention, and that much
greater numbers of Birds can be killed with them than in the
ordinary style of pouring the shot into the gun. In the first
place, we can load with so much more facility that, in some kinds
of shooting, we have greatly the advantage. For example, in
Eail and Eeed Bird shooting, or even in Wild Fowl shooting,
when the Ducks are flying as fast perhaps as we can load, the one
that loads the fastest will of course get the greater number of
shots and the most Birds.
In the second place, the shot thrown from a cartridge will be
carried in a much more compact form to a distance of ten or
fifteen j^ards further than by the old method of loading. This
being the case, it is reasonable to conclude that a much larger
proportion of long shots will be successful than when the shot
is projected from the gun in a loose state, and consequently
when the game is wild will be of immense advantage. In close
shooting, cartridges have no advantage over the old style of
loading; in fact, are not so certain in their effect, as the shot,
being carried in a compact mass for a considerable distance, re-
quires the same deadly aim for a near object as if a ball was
to be fired out of a gun, and not a hundred pellets of shot ; and
even if the Bird should be struck at this distance, the proba-
bility is that it would be torn to pieces ; at all events, dread-
fully mangled. These are the only inconveniences arising from
the use of cartridges such as we have described; all of which,
however, may be entirely done away with by loading the one
barrel with loose shot and the other with a cartridge, or by
shooting deliberately, that is, waiting till the Bird gets at a pro-
360 lewis' AMERICAN SPOETSMAX,
per distance before firing ; either of these plans will supersede
all the difficulties.
In Pigeon-shooting matches, cartridges are far superior to loose
shot ; and one of the best Pigeon Shooters among our friends
informed us, no later than yesterday, that at a match shot by
him and some others of our acquaintance a few days since, the
only two Birds that he missed were those fired at with loose
shot. This experience certainly is very strong in favor of the
cartridges. In fact, so much superior are plain shot cartridges
considered to loose shot, that their use has been ruled out of
Pigeon matches pretty generally.
In Wild Fowl shooting, as before stated, shot cartridges
made of strong paper are of great advantage, and the distance
that Eley's patent wire cartridges will kill is almost incredible.
We have seen Canvass-Backs killed with a small Partridge-
gun loaded with Avire cartridges at a heiglit that would seem
to preclude the possibility of reaching them even with a large
Duck-gun.
Eley's patent cartridges are a most excellent invention; the
shot is inclosed in a thin sheet of wire gauze, which of course
will not burst so soon as the paper frame, and consequently will
carry its contents much further in a mass, and tlierefore for
general close shooting are more objectionable than our home-
made ones. In Wild Fowl, Squirrel, Deer, or even Grouse
shooting, wire cartridges will bo found to be of incalculable ad-
vantage; and the only objection to be urged against them in
these cases is their high cost.
When using paper cartridges, it is more necessary to examine
the state of the second barrel after the discharge of the first
than when using loose shot, as paper cartridges arc more apt
to loosen and move up the barrel than when loose shot has a
tight-fitting wadding put over it; this danger, however, may be
obviated by placing a wadding over the cartridge, and in this
way it will be doubly secure.
Paper cartridges are used very extensively in Eail-shooting,
owing to the facility of loading with them, and also from their
being less liable to lead the barrels than the loose shot.
Some persons are in the habit of pasting the edges of their
cartridges with a trifle of gum Arabic or trag;acanth. We do
o o o
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 861
not suppose this plan to be of any particular advantage, except
where very large shot are used for some particular kind of
shooting. Pasting Partridge or Rail-cartridges is worse than
useless, as the gum will make the barrels sticky after repeated
firing, and consequently they will become dirty much sooner
than if they were made without the paste ; and, to say the least
of it, making them in this way will give much additional labor,
without deriving the most trifling benefit from it.
SPRING- CRAMP.
It is well for Sportsmen to be provided with a spring-cramp
for the purpose of removing the mainspring of the lock if it
should become too weak, or, if broken, to replace it by another.
When using this instrument, care should be had not to cramp
the spring more than is absolutely necessary to place it in its
proper position, or its elasticity might be injured by the unusual
pressure. Before applying the cramp to the spring, it is neces-
sary to put the lock on full cock; then, if the hammer be let
down, the mainspring will fall out.
POWDER AND SHOT GAUGE.
This little affair is a very useful and simple contrivance, and
the possession of it will save the Sportsman, at times, much
trouble and speculation as to the correct loading of his gun.
We are somewhat at a loss how to describe this instrument,
lest we may perplex our readers without making the description
sufficiently lucid for their comprehension, when a single glance
at the gauge itself would clear up the whole difficulty. We
will, therefore, preface our remarks by stating that this instru-
ment is intended to proportion the charge of powder to a cei'-
tain measure or weig-ht of shot.
It is a general rule among Sportsmen to use the same bulk
of powder as shot ; that is, to have the charger of the powder-
flask so graded that it will just hold the usual charge of shot.
This, to be sure, is very easily arranged ; but then it is often
necessary, at all events very satisfactory, to know the exact
weight of both powder and shot that a gun shoots well with ;
362 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
all this, then, may be got at in a moment of time by the use of
this instrument.
The gauge is formed of two brass cylinders eleven-sixteenths
of an inch in diameter and three and three-quarter inches in
length, one fitting or sliding within the other ; the inner one
is solid at each end, and has a gauge of weights cut on its sur-
face somewhat similar to those seen on the glass measures used
by apothecaries. On one side, extending the whole length of the
cylinder, is the grading for weighing the shot from one-fourth
ounce to three ounces; on the other side is the grading for
determining the weight of like proportions of powder, from
one-fourth drachm to seven drachms.
When we wish to ascertain the weight of a certain propor-
tion of shot, all that is necessary is to lay hold of the rim that
encircles the end of the inner cylinder, and pull it (the cylin-
der) out sufficiently to leave space enough between the top of
the outer cylinder and the end of the inner cylinder, which is
now withdrawn within the outer one, so as to create the requi-
site vacuum for the shot to be measured or weighed.
This being accomplished, the divisions of the grading cut on
the cylinder will show not only the required weight of the shot,
but also the exact weight of the same bulk of powder.
This instrument is not of course as precise as a pair of fine
scales, but nevertheless is sufficiently correct for all ordinary
purposes. From the operations of this gauge, Ave have ascer-
tained that one ounce of shot will fill the same space as two
drachms and three-eighths of powder; one ounce and a half of
shot, within a fraction, of a space equal to three and a half
drachms; two ounces, within a fraction, equal to four' drachms
and three-quarters; three ounces, within a fraction, equal to
seven drachms ; and so on.
NIPPLE OR PIVOT-WRENCH.
This is a very useful and necessary instrument; indeed, no
Sportsman can consider himself properly equipped without one.
We have had several different kinds in the past few years, but
never had one till very lately that seemed to answer our pur-
pose in all respects. This wrench is made entirely of what is
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 363
termed " wrought-steel," aucl Laving a transverse handle to it
similar to a " metal gimlet," a powerful purchase can be had on
the shoulder of the nipple, insomuch that, when applied with
the requisite force, the nipple must come out^ or the shoulder
must yield and break off. On either end of the handle of the
wrench is a small brass cap, nicely fitted on and forming a con-
tinuation of the handle ; on being screwed off, an extra nipple
will be found in each ; on the top of the handle running down
into the body of the wrench is a neat brass-headed gun-picker.
These caps and picker not only give a handsome finish to the
wrench, but add very materially to its importance.
Wrenches made with wooden handles are not generally good
for much, as the nipples frequently get rusted in the gvm^ and it
then requires a very powerful force to start them, which cannot
be applied except with a wrench having a transverse metal
handle. We have suffered from this inconvenience more than
once, and have seen others in the same predicament. The
wooden handle is also liable to be cracked or broken; it also
takes up far more room than the metal one, which upon the
whole is smaller, stronger, and neater.
SPORTING-KNIFE.
There is nothing at times more useful than a sporting-knife,
which comprises all the requisites for probing, examining locks,
dividing luncheon, &c. &c. The knife should not be too large
or complicated, but only contain those instruments that may at
some time or another prove useful; for instance, it should not
be deficient in a probe, a pivot-picker, a nipple-wrench, a turn-
screw, a fleam for bleeding Dogs, and one, perhaps, for Horses
also, as this noble animal is so frequently a necessary accom-
paniment to a shooting trip, that we should be provided to pre-
serve his well-being in case of need; for instance, if he should
be attacked with a fit of blind staggers, or any other affection
requiring bleeding.
Such knives can be obtained at the Gunsmiths' or fancy
sporting stores. This knife should be as plain as possible in its
appearance, and be valuable for its intrinsic worth. If one-half
or two-thirds of the price of the instrument is expended upon
364 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the finisliing and carving of the handle or other fancy work,
we cannot expect to find good metal in the blades.
CARRYING GAME.
The old-foshioned cumbersome game-bag is now entirely out
of use, and all kinds of Game are carried in pockets appro-
priated to that purpose in the Shooting-coat, and of which we
will speak more particularly under another head.
Before putting Birds in the pocket, their feathers should be
smoothed down ; and if the Sportsman takes a pride in the ap-
pearance of his Game, the blood ought to be wiped from their
plumage before it becomes hard and congealed.
GUNNING CLOTHES.
Fustian undoubtedly makes the most serviceable coat for
field shooting in these latitudes, and although entirely of cotton
fabric, is quite warm enough for all kinds of sport, even in the
coldest weather, provided we are in motion.
A coat made of this material is rather warm and heavy for
late Snipe shooting, or Cock shooting, as the texture of the
cloth is so very close that it will hardly permit of the passage
of the insensible perspiration from the body. For this latter
kind of work, we prefer a brown linen coat.
A fustian coat has an important advantage over all kinds of
woollen articles, that it does not offer a harbor for moths during
the idle season; and, moreover, having very little or no nap, it
neither catches the briers so easily, or gets torn by the twigs or
thorns.
We never had but one woollen Shooting-coat, and that was
fairly torn to pieces in one season, and the remnants eaten up
the following Summer by the moths.
The pants and vest should all be made of the same material,
and have a sufficient quantity of pockets for all purposes. Our
suit contains sixteen pockets, and we find them all more or less
useful. The cap had likewise better be made of fustian ; it Avill
prove warm, strong, and in a measure water-proof; it should
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. " 365
have a large front to protect the eyes, and a back to put clown
at pleasure, to turn the rain off from the neck and shoulders.
A cap made after this style is called by the cap-makers the
Napoleon ca]).
The cap we use has no lining in it, and we find it quite warm
enough without it for most kinds of shooting ; if the weather,
however, is very cold and boisterous during "Wild Fowl shoot-
ing, we place a quilted lining in the crown, which makes it as
comfortable as need be. The fustian coat will not answer for
Wild Fowl shooting, as it is not sufficiently warm. Nothing
but wool will do for this purpose; to preserve which, in the
summer season, from the annoying attacks of the moths, is no
small affair ; however, we will try to put our readers in a way
to effectually defy the efforts of these little torments.
A bag sufficiently large to hold all the woollen shooting
clothes should be made of strong linen, and before putting the
clothing in it, it should be wrung out of turpentine, and hung
up to dry. The clothes, after being well beat and brushed, are
put into this bag with pieces of camphor distributed in the
pockets. The bag is then sewed up and put away in some dark
hole or another, and not opened until the return of the Ducking-
season, when all will be found right; without this precaution, a
whole suit will be riddled by these voracious little varmints in
the course of one Summer. Fustian, as before said, being
manufactured entirely of cotton, is not, of course, liable to the
attacks of moths.
IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN GUNS.
Sportsmen cannot be too particular in cleaning their guns,
to prevent the accumulation of anything like rust. It would
seem almost absurd for us to advise our readers never to put
their arms away without washing them out thoroughly, and
rubbing them perfectly dry with a good supply of that very
essential article vulgarly termed "elbow grease." ISTevertheless,
this recommendation is a necessary precaution, as we were in-
formed, a few days since, that one of our oldest and most expe-
rienced Sporting friends was in the habit of laying his gun by
at the conclusion of each shooting season without even so much
366 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
as swabbing it out ; and, to make the matter still worse, he
strongly recommends and insists upon this course as the proper
plan to prevent the engendering of rust. Whether or not he
also advised the standing of the barrels in a damp cellar for a
month or so, we did not ascertain, but might be led to infer
that he could not certainly object to this addition.
When a barrel is fired, the metal of course becomes heated,
and the natural consequence of the application of this heat is a
rapid condensation and accumulation of moisture upon the in-
side of the barrel — the same as we often see collected upon the
window-panes of our houses on a cool November morning.
This fact may be clearly ascertained, if any of my readers doubt
the assertion, by merely thrusting the little finger as far into
the muzzle as possible a minute or two after firing, and it will
be found that the inside of the barrel is covered with a certain
degree of dampness that increases the further he can reach.
This moisture, in connection with some of the ingredients used
in the manufacture of powder, soon creates a deposition of rust .
of a most corrosive character, and which, if allowed to remain
for several weeks, will materially injure the weapon.
When a rust spot or flaw is once made on the inside of a
barrel, it is very difficult to be got at ; and even after the most
cautious cleaning, a small particle of moisture will be found
clino-ino; to its uneven surface, which will continue to corrode
the barrel at this point, until, at last, a hole is actually eaten
through, provided the gun does not burst before this takes
place. A rust flaw upon a fine sword blade is a most difficult
thing to get rid of, although easily got at, and will often defy
the rubbing and polishing of the most persevering amateur.
How much more difficult, therefore, must it be to remove it
when entirely hidden from sight far down the barrel.
Some Shooters are in the habit of putting their guns away
loaded, and letting them remain in this condition for weeks at
a time, and then fearlessly firing them off, little dreaming of
the danger they run by this piece of negligence, owing to the
accumulation of rust around the powder and along the barrel.
That the corrosive action of rust is the frequent cause of those
terrible accidents that often occur among ignorant and careless
Shooters no one will for a moment question ; and all have no-
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 367
ticed that the bursting of guns is far more frequent with those
who reside in the neighborhood of the Sea-shore than in any
other part of the country, owing in a great measure to the fact
that the salt moisture of the atmosphere produces rust with so
much rapidity that it is almost impossible to keep the barrels
clear of it, even with the most persevering industry. Of this,
however, we will speak more fully under another head.
We are astonished that any sensible Sportsman could for a
moment entertain or endeavor to promulgate such a ridiculous
notion as j^i^dltng away a gun dirty to preserve it from rust ! In
fact, we cannot understand his motive, or conjure up one single
good reason for so doing ; but, on the other hand, we are satis-
fied that such a course would be attended with the most injuri-
ous results.
SHOOTING BOOTS.
• How frequently have we seen some one of our Sporting friends
victimized during a whole day's shooting by the tortures of a
pair of badly made and ill-constructed boots; and how often
have we sympathized with them in their misfortunes, as well as
laughed at their negligence in being caught in such an unsports-
manlike predicament.
Nothing adds more to the comfort and good-humor of a
Sportsman than a perfect fitting and well-modelled boot, and
nothing is more easily obtained, if recourse is had to a smart
workman. If walking boots are not made full, large, and easy,
no comfort can be expected from them, as they will be sure
either to cramp the feet, pinch the toes, gall the heel, skin the
instep, or arrest the free circulation of the blood, and fatigue the
wearer almost to death. It is no use, certainly, to enumerate
any more of the miseries attending a pair of bad-fitting shoot-
ing-boots, as many of our readers no doubt, some time in the
course of their lives, have had a practical demonstration of the
matter, and perhaps can speak more feelingly on the subject
than Ave can, as we have always been very particular in the
choice of these articles, and consequently have seldom been
caught in the fix alluded to. There are, however, some other
objections attending the ownership of a pair of tight boots, par-
868 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
ticularly when damp — that is, they are the very devil to get
on, and, we might say, worse than the very devil to pull off
And, moreover, nothing injures the stiffening of the heels so
much, and makes them perfectly good for nothing, as tugging
at them with a boot-jack, or working into them with the toe of
the other foot or over the crossbar of a chair; the stiff sole-
leather with which the heel is braced becomes perfectly soft, and
consequently will be sure to run over on the next trial. AYhat
is more ludicrous than to see a bad-tempered man, half bent,
dancing and prancing over a small bar-room, with one foot in a
slipper and the other stuck fast half-way down a tight boot,
striving in vain, with all the energies of his body, to force it on?
Such scenes are not uncommon among Sportsmen, and often
give rise to much merriment on the part of the "knowing ones."
A tight boot is very uncomfortable, no one will deny ; and a
boot made too large for the foot has likewise its inconveniences,
as it will be sure to ride up and down on the heel, and sooner
or later will rub the heel into blisters of the most painful cha-
racter. There is a happy medium between these two evils of
loose and tight boots, which every intelligent mechanic knows
how to hit without any directions from the Sportsman; "in a
word, the boot should be made to fit the foot, and not the foot
to fit the boot," as is too often the case.
Shooting-boots should be made of stout calfskin, of the very
best quality, with broad soles, square toes, wide, deep, and low
heels. If the heels be made too narrow and high, the stiffening
will soon give way when softened by the long application of
mud and water, in connection with tlie pressure of the heel of
the foot, Avliich will soon be carried entirely over the frame of
the sole; and we know of nothing more uncomfortable and
fatiguing than to be forced to walk all day long with a "run-
over boot." This accident, as bad as it is, can hardly be pre-
vented with any degree of caution in Snipe-shooting, as the
stiffening of the heel becomes so very soft while wading about
in the mud and mire, and the walking is so \ery uneven, that
the heel almost invariably pushes itself by degrees entirely over
the frame, and we have abandoned all hope of ever having a
decent-looking pair of boots for this kind of shooting. When,
however, they have run over, they may be l^raced up by having
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 369
heavy pieces of sole-leather sewed on the injured side, and the
heel itself slightly raised on the same side, so as to throw the
weight of the foot on the opposite side ; in this way they will
stand a great deal of hard work, and may, with a little manage-
ment, be made to last a long while. We have been so much
annoyed with our boots running over while Snipe-shooting, that
we proposed to our Bootmaker to put in a metallic plate of some
kind between the layers of leather generally used for making
the heel stiff, but he made so many objections to our proposition
that we were forced to abandon the idea for the. present; how-
ever, Ave intend to investigate the subject at some future time.
Some Sportsmen recommend the use of low laced boots for
Snipe-shooting, as they say it is impossible to keep your feet
dry, no matter how careful you may be, and therefore it is much
better not to worry yourself with long and heavy boots, war-
ranted to be icater-proof. We have tried both water-proof boots
and non-water-proof bootees, and have at times been equally
disgusted with one as the other ; giving the preference now to
one and now to the other, until we have at last nearly come to
the conclusion that an old pair of easy walking boots with holes
in them to let the w\ater run out as fast as it flows in is about as
comfortable a kind of boot for Snipe-shooting as one can wear,
as the feet will get wet at all hazards — at least our feet will ; for
if the boots be made high, even to reach far above the knee, we
are sure, some time in the course of a day, to get into a ditch
perhaps up to our middle; and as often as we have gone out
with the determination of not getting our feet wet, just so often
have we returned home with them soaking, and many a pang
of rheumatism have we suffered in consequence of our Avant of
care. We do not pretend to say that boots cannot be rendered
water-proof, for we know to the contrary, and purpose giving
some receipts for making even ordinary leather impervious to
water; but we Avish to say that, so far as Ave are concerned, Ave
haA^e never yet been Snipe-shooting Avithout Avetting our feet;
but, at the same time, must confess that Ave are not easily de-
terred from crossing a ditch, and neither are we a very expert
hand at Avalking a rickety fence-rail or a slippery log.
Shooting-boots should never be made too heavy: it is a mis-
taken idea to have them made of the stoutest leather and with
24
370 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the heaviest soles, weighing perhaps several pounds a piece,
independent of the mud which generally adheres to them. A
pair of boots of this description, hanging like lumps of lead to
one's feet, will tire and wear out any Sportsman, no matter how
strong he may be, in just half the time than if he had used a
pair of strong and light boots.
Some of our Sporting friends, however, who are as averse to
getting their feet wet as a cat is to moistening her paws, insist
upon water-proof boots with leggins of India rubber cloth at-
tached to the tops of them, and made to fasten half way up the
leg. This plan, with some caution in picking out our way over
the ditches and mud-holes generally, will no doubt succeed very
well; but when we follow Snipe, we seldom have either the
patience or time to hunt up good crossings, or sound every mud-
hole for a firm footing, and therefore take it pretty much rough-
and-tumble, just as it comes.
We have tried laced boots, but have discarded them entirely,
as we dislike to have our legs exposed by rolling our pants up,
and we have an equal aversion to have them dangling muddy
and wet around our feet; we have, however, never made use
of leggins, recommended in connection with laced boots for this
kind of shooting ; they no doubt would answer a very good
purpose.
DRESSING FOR SHOOTING BOOTS.
There are a great variety of receipts for making mixtures
calculated to render boots water-proof when dressed with them ;
we will give some of them for what they are worth, leaving our
friends to make a more thorough trial of their qualities than
we have had an inclination to do as yet, for we have never been
over anxious to preserve our feet dry, and, when we did think
worth while to make the effort, we have never found any prepa-
rations much superiorto a good greasing with dubbing the night
before going out, and stopping up the seams with a mixture of
beeswax and grease melted slowly over the fire, or with a tallow
candle at the moment of going out for the day. .
Porter's edition of Ilaivher furnishes us with all necessary
information on this subject, and we might pass the matter by
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 371
without any farther notice, if we were sure all our readers had
provided themselves with this valuable work ; in fact, we might
with perfect justice to ourselves pass this svibjectas well as many
others by without a comment, as they have already been largely
dwelt upon in Haivher : and if a Sportsman should read our
unpretending volume without providing himself with the other
far more valuable work, he does not deserve to be well posted
up in sporting afi'airs, as Hawker is considered the Prince of
Sportsmen in England, and his editor. Porter, is too well known
in this country to need any puffing from us.
The best kind of grease for dressing boots with is shoe-
maker's dubbing. "We have used it for years in preference to
all other mixtures ; it repels the water, and keeps the leather
soft and pliable. The boots should always be moistened before
applying it, and it should not be put on too frequently, or the
leather may be rendered too porous. Before grease of any kind
is applied to boots, they should be rubbed quite clean, and the
hard mud taken from the seams ; otherwise the leather, as well
as the thread, will rot much faster, and the boots repel the water
far less than if they were perfectly clean when the grease was
put on.
RECIPE.
Drying oil (linseed, we presume), one pint ;
Yellow wax, two ounces ;
Turpentine, two ounces ; ^
Burgundy pitch, one ounce.
Melt these over a slow fire, and then add a few drachms of
essential oil of lavender (or thyme), (to improve the odor, we
suppose) ; with this your boots are to be rubbed with a brush,
either in the sun or at some distance from the fire. The appli-
cation must be repeated as often as the boots become dry again
until they are fully saturated. — Haivher.
This mixture is an excellent dressing for boots generally ; it
will not render them water-proof, but it will cause them to repel
the rain extremely well.
An excellent dressing for shooting-boots, or anything else that
is exposed to foul weather, is a solution of Gum Caoutchouc, or
872 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
India rubber, as it is commonly called, in strong spirits of tur-
pentine or ether. It is made as follows : A piece of caoutchouc
the size of a walnut is cut into small pieces and put into a wide-
mouthed phial, with four ounces of turpentine or ether, and
allowed to remain two or three weeks, according to the strength
of the solvent, when it will becom.e of the consistence of a thick
varnish, and may be applied with a brush to every part of the
boot, inside as well as outside. If ether is employed to dissolve
it, it will require but a very short time to make this preparation.
The phial should be tightly corked, otherwise the ether will
lose all its strength, or in other words evaporate. This prepa-
ration, or one analogous to it, is the article sold for several years
past as an application to old harness and wagon covers to make
them flexible and water-proof.
Our friend Mr. Chandler sent us a quantity of water-proof
dressing for boots, which we used on several occasions, and
found to answer a most excellent purpose, so much so that we
requested him to furnish us with a receipt for making it, which
lie very kindly did, as will be seen from the following note, re-
ceived this morning : —
" Dear Doctor : I have had such an excellent opportunity
for testing the good qualities of my water-proof preparation
durins; a late shooting excursion, that I can recommend it still
more highly than before.
" The composition is as follows : one-quarter of a pound of
gum elastic (caoutchouc), with sufficient naphtha, oil of sassafras,
seneka, or any other solvent to completely dissolve it ; after this
is effected, a pound of tallow and three-quarters of a pound of
beeswax should be melted together, and in connection with the
dissolved gum should be kept over a slow fire until they arc
intimately commingled. When using the preparation, the boots
should be slightly wet and w^armed — if the mixture is then pro-
perly rubbed in, it is almost impossible for the water to pene-
trate. I generally, in addition to this, have the soles of my boots
soaked in copal varnish.
"This preparation, when used for common walking boots or
shoes, does not prevent a proper gloss from being produced by
blacking. I shall be glad if this is of any service to you, and
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 373
am confident that it needs but a single trial to convince of its
great efficacy.
" Yery truly, &c. &c. &c."
Another : —
"For new boots, half a pound of beeswax, one-quarter pound
of resin, and the like quantity of mutton suet or tallow ; boil
them together, and anoint the boots well with the preparation
lukewarm. If the boots have been used, beef suet to be substi-
tuted instead of mutton."
Mr. Chandler informs me that he has his shooting-boots made
straights — that is, not right and left — and finds them to wear
longer, and are far less liable to run over, as they can be changed
from one foot to the other as soon as they show a disposition to
run either to the right or left. The idea is an excellent one,
and we are somewhat surprised that we never adopted the plan,
particularly as we have had so much trouble with our boots in
this one particular.
Another : —
" A pint of boiled neatsfoot oil ;
Half a pound of mutton suet ;
Six ounces of beeswax ;
Four ounces of resin.
" These are to be melted together over a slow fire, as both
the upper-leather and soles of the boots and shoes, when quite
new and clean, are warmed and rubbed with this composition
till the leather is saturated."
Another : —
"^ A pint of boiled linseed oil ;
Beeswax, one ounce ;
Burgundy pitch, half an ounce ;
Spirit of turpentine, two ounces.
"Melt the first three ingredients in an earthen pot, then add
the turpentine ; to be rubbed in when the leather is tolerably
dry, before the fire."
374 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
SHOOTING STOCKINGS.
Woollen stockings are preferable for walking to any other
kind. They should be regular made, that is, wove without any
seam ; for if they be joined together at their heels or toes with
a needle, the irregularities of the seam are very apt to rub the
parts, and produce considerable uneasiness, and often blisters.
Do not suppose that any common made stockings, such as can
be bought for a few pennies the pair, will answer every pur-
pose for shooting in, and then can be thrown away at the termi-
nation of the trip ; the plan, in the first place, is not an econo-
mical one, neither is it a convenient one ; for with the addition
of a few more pennies an excellent article, that would last a
whole season, might be obtained ; and, by always having them
on hand, we would not, as is often the case when the stockings
are thrown away, find our Sporting wardrobe partiall}^, if not
entirely, deficient of these essential articles just on the point of
starting. These low-priced common stockings are never regu-
lar made, but are sewed together at the seams ; they are also
badly shaped, particularly at the heel, and generally very un-
comfortable to walk in, as well as very rotten, and in every
respect good for nothing.
We are now using a stocking sent to us by a Sporting friend
from England, and said to be very generally used there for ordi-
nary shooting ; the soles, toes, and heels are made of the finest
wool (that is, the finest ever employed for a good walking-stock-
ing) ; the other parts of the stocking are formed of soft and stout
cotton.
We have given several pairs of these stockings very hard
service, and find them to answer admirably ; in mild weather
they certainly are preferable to stockings made wholl}'" of wool,
as they heat the feet less, absorb far less water, and get dry
much sooner.
If our shooting-boots be too large, the difiiculty will often be
removed by wearing two pairs of stockings.
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 377
a gun leads quickly and a great deal, it is certain evidence that
it is imperfect in its bore, and will give the Sportsman much
trouble in rapid shooting, owing to the difficulty he will have
in loading his piece.
The wire brush we have before spoken of is an excellent
instrument to free the barrels of the leading, and is the only
instrument that will do it effectually ; not even washing will
relieve the barrels when they are very rough, as common guns
most generally are.
TO PREVENT EUSTING.
A great many different modes have been resorted to to keep
gun-barrels free from rust when put away for a season, more
particvilarly by Gunners living near the Sea-shore, where the
atmosphere at all times is strongly tainted with the oxidizing
components. In our climate, under ordinary circumstances,
away from the Sea-shore, there is little danger of rust collecting
on the barrels in sufiicient quantities to be of any particular
injury to the metal, if proper care be taken to clean and oil
them before putting away. The barrels should be rubbed per-
fectly dry inside and outside, and, as has been recommended by
Blain, a piece of iron a little smaller in diameter than the bore
of the piece may be heated to a fraction short of red-heat, and
by means of a string (to which Ave suppose is attached a hook),
it is to be let down into the barrels and moved up and down
two or three times, so as effectually to dispel every particle of
moisture that might be lingering to the interior of the barrels.
This being accomplished to our satisfaction, the gun may be
oiled very slightly, inside and outside, and the muzzles stopped
up with a Avoollen cloth. Neatsfoot oil is esteemed the best kind
for this purpose. There should not, of course, be a particle of
salt in any grease that is used to protect metal of any descrip-
tion from rust, for reasons before stated. The nipples should
be covered over with a particle of shoemakers' wax. This done,
the gun is now to be laid away in a dry place, otherwise all our
preventive treatment will prove abortive.
If, however, the reader should reside near the Sea-shore, it
will be necessary to use some further precautions to protect his
374: lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
SHOOTING STOCKINGS.
Woollen stockings arc preferable for walking to any other
kind. They should be regular 77iade, that is, wove without any
seam ; for if they be joined together at their heels or toes with
a needle, the irregularities of the seam are very apt to rub the
parts, and produce considerable uneasiness, and often blisters.
Do not suppose that any common made stockings, such as can
be bought for a few pennies the pair, Avill answer every pur-
pose for shooting in, and then can be thrown away at the termi-
nation of the trip ; the plan, in the first place, is not an econo-
mical one, neither is it a convenient one ; for with the addition
of a few more pennies an excellent article, that would last a
whole season, might be obtained ; and, by always having them
on hand, we would not, as is often the case when the stockings
are thrown away, find our Sporting wardrobe partiall}'', if not
entirely, deficient of these essential articles just on the point of
starting. These low-priced common stockings are never o'egu-
lar made, but are sewed together at the seams ; they are also
badly shaped, particularly at the heel, and generally very un-
comfortable to walk in, as well as very rotten, and in every
respect good for nothing.
We are now using a stocking sent to us by a Sporting friend
from England, and said to be very generally used there for ordi-
nary shooting ; the soles, toes, and heels are made of the finest
Avool (that is, the finest ever employed for a good walking-^stock-
ing) ; the other parts of the stocking arc formed of soft and stout
cotton.
We have given several pairs of these stockings very hard
service, and find them to answer admirably ; in mild weather
they certainly are preferable to stockings made wholly of wool,
as they heat the feet less, absorb far less water, and get dry
much sooner.
If our shooting-boots be too large, the difficulty will often be
removed by wearing two pairs of stockings.
*.
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS, 377
a gun leads quickly and a great deal, it is certain evidence that
it is imperfect in its bore, and will give the Sportsman much
trouble in rapid shooting, owing to the difficulty he will have
in loading his piece.
The wire brush we have before spoken of is an excellent
instrument to free the barrels of the leading, and is the only
instrument that will do it effectually ; not even washing will
relieve the barrels when they are very rough, as common guns
most generally are.
TO TREVENT RUSTING.
A great many different modes have been resorted to to keep
gun-barrels free from rust when put away for a season, more
particularly by Gunners living near the Sea-shore, where the
atmosphere at all times is strongly tainted with the oxidizing
components. In our climate, under ordinary circumstances,
away from the Sea-shore, there is little danger of rust collecting
on the barrels in suflicient quantities to be of any particular
injury to the metal, if proper care be taken to clean and oil
them before putting away. The barrels should be rubbed per-
fectly dry inside and outside, and, as has been recommended by
Blain, a piece of iron a little smaller in diameter than the bore
of the piece may be heated to a fraction short of red-heat, and
by means of a string (to which we suppose is attached a hook),
it is to be let down into the barrels and moved up and down
two or three times, so as effectually to dispel every particle of
moisture that mio;ht be lingering to the interior of the barrels.
This being accomplished to our satisfaction, the gun may be
oiled very slightly, inside and outside, and the muzzles stopped
up with a woollen cloth. Neatsfoot oil is esteemed the best kind
for this purpose. There should not, of course, be a particle of
salt in any grease that is used to protect metal of any descrip-
tion from rust, for reasons before stated. The nipples should
be covered over with a particle of shoemakers' wax. This done,
the gun is now to be laid away in a dry place, otherwise all our
preventive treatment will prove abortive.
If, however, the reader should reside near the Sea-shore, it
will be necessary to use some further precautions to protect his
Q
78 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
gun during the idle season, and we know of no better plan than
melting pure mutton suet, and filling the barrels with it, and
also giving the outside a coating of the same, which may be
easily done by pouring or smearing it over the barrels when in
a semi-liquid state; this plan, to be sure, is not a very nice one,
but nevertheless it is a very effectual one.
Another plan, and perhaps a more agreeable method to many,
is to give the barrels a light coating of simple varnish, which
will protect them equally as well from the action of the air.
If, however, the operation of filling the barrels with mutton
suet be not convenient or agreeable, they may be oiled and
filled with a rod covered over with a woollen cloth of some kind,
and made so as to exactly fill the caliber of the gun, and by
this means exclude every particle of air from them. The
breeches should be removed for examination, and oiled before
being put away.
Neatsfoot oil is the only kind of oil admissible for these pur-
poses. This oil, however, is hardly pure, or thin enough to be
put on the machinery of the lock. Mercurial ointment is
highly recommended by Hawker for Duck-guns, as also the fol-
lowing compound, taken from Daniels' Rural Sports. We
have tried both, and found them equally efl&cacious in prevent-
mg rust.
RECEIPT.
Three ounces of black-lead, half a pound of hogs' lard, one
quarter of an ounce of camphor, boiled upon a slow fire; the
gun-barrels to be rubbed with this, and, after three days, wiped
off with a linen cloth. Twice in a Winter will keep off the
rust, which the salt water is otherwise sure to be continually
bringing out from the iron.
In spite, however, of all these precautions, or perhaps owing
to the negligence of the Sportsman, rust will sometimes accu-
mulate on the surface as well as the interior of the barrels,
which not only renders them unsightly, but is really very detri-
mental to the metal; therefore we are constrained to give in
this place some instructions for the removal of this troublesome
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 379
deposit and the restoration of tlie barrels to their original
beauty.
We do not thiiik that we could better accomplish this end, or
do more justice to our readers, than by transcribing the direc-
tions given under this head by the talented Blain : —
"Have an ashen rod turned a few inches longer than the
barrel, and so nearly of the size of the bore as to allow of the
following process: Let one end of the rod be cut lengthwise
so as to make a slit of six inches long, into which slit enter as
much fine emery paper as will completely fill up the bore of
the barrel, taking care in folding the paper tightly round the
wood that the emery surface is outward. Force it into the
barrels by screwing it downwards from the top to the bottom ;
repeat this process until the barrel is as clean and as polished
as when it left the maker's hands. It is needless to remark,
after the cautions we have given against using sand or any
coarse matter that can abrade the surface of the barrel, that it is
only the finest emery that should be used, from which, if judi-
ciously employed on only one or two such occasions as these, no
injurious effects can be apprehended. "We need not inform the
observant reader that iron or steel well polished will not attract
rusl so readily as when, being slightly abraded, it offers small
indentations, by which the minute aqueous particles are de-
tained. It may be asked, after all this — Would it not be better
to send the gun to be repolished by the Gunmaker? It would
save trouble, we grant ; but will he not overdo the matter, and
thus weaken the barrel ?"
THE SHAPE OF THE GUN-STOCK.
Until a few years the gun-stock was made rather short, with
a considerable bend or curvature in it ; now we have gone to the
other extreme, and every one is striving for a long and straight
stock. This general desire for long stocks is not altogether
judicious or reasonable, for what suits one Sportsman in this
respect will not necessarily suit all; but, on the other hand,
each one should be guided by the "peculiar build of his own
person" when ordering a gun stocked.
To exemplify what we mean, we may here state that the
880 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Gunsmiths of England have arrived at sucli perfection in their
profession that they actually measure their customers with as
much precision as a flash Tailor does a Dandy, for the purpose
of ascertaining the style of stock best suited to their handling;
the length of the arms, neck, height and general carriage of the
body are all noted, and the stock is made in accordance with
the measurement. A clever Gunsmith, who understands his
business thoroughly, will also observe his customer's mode of
raising and presenting the gun, his manner of holding his head
while taking aim, and many other little indescribable etceteras
which are always overlooked by a common workman, but are
sources of much information to a shrewd mechanic.
All Sportsmen know the advantage of using a gun that
"comes up to the shoulder right;" they also know the incon-
venience as well as difficulty of shooting with a weapon, the
stock of which is formed different from that which thev have
been accustomed to use.
It is natural to conclude that a tall, long-limbed man will
require a longer stock than a shorter person, also that a straight
stock will answer better for a short-necked, high-shouldered
man, than for a long-necked, low-shouldered person.
A stock rather long is decidedly better than one too short,
and we would prefer a stock rather crooked to one too straight.
A straight stock is much more suitable for a short-necked,
high-shouldered person, than a bent one, for the simple reason
that, in fast-shooting, the point of sight at the end of the gun
would come up to the range of the eye before the butt could be
placed full against the shoulder, and the consequence would be
that the piece, not being held firmly against the person, would
unpleasantly recoil at every discharge.
Moreover, the gun not being held on a perfect level, but the
point of the muzzle actually higher than the stock, the conse-
quence will be that the load will be likely to be carried over
the object. All this can be fully ascertained by a few trials ;
and, moreover, that with an over-straight stock, it will be
difficult to bring the head down to its proper level, even in
deliberate shooting.
The present fashion of having the stocks made straight and
rather short, is very much opposed to good shooting with the
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 381
generality of Sportsmen, and we beg to warn our friends against
this error; they may rely upon our experience in this particular,
as we have given the subject much attention, and are thoroughly
convinced that reasonably high-mounted guns are far preferable
to the " low-mounted."
By the term high-mounted.^ we mean those guns that have
long and considerably bent stocks; by low-moimted, we designate
those pieces that have short and straight stocks.
Every Sportsman, before deciding definitely upon the pur-
chase of a gun, should, if possible, give the weapon a fair trial,
which can be done very easily by firing at a mark — not only
to ascertain the force with which the barrels shoot, but more
particularly to satisfy himself as to the mounting as above
explained.
If, for example, the Shooter looks steadily at some object
placed at a convenient distance from him, and throws the wea-
pon up to the proper range of his eye and fires at the very
moment that he catches the sight, he will most undoubtedly
strike the target, provided the gun is mounted to suit him. If
such, however, should not be the case, the shot will be thrown
most probably either above or beloio the mark. If the former
should be the case, he will know at once that the stock is too
straight and too shorty or, as we have before observed, the gun is
too low-mounted for his handling. If, on the other hand, the
shot should fall beloiu the target, the stock may be too crooked,
or, artistically speaking, the piece is too high-mounted.
A long stock, as above remarked, is generally preferable to
a short stock in the hands of most Sportsmen, for sundry
reasons, one of which we have not yet named, and that is, those
having long stocks throw their fire with more power, from the
circumstance that the butt is always better pressed against the
shoulder of the Shooter. Moreover, there is far less recoil to be
apprehended from a long stock than a short one, more particu-
larly if the stock should be rather crooked as well as long.
The old habit of shaving off, or rather scooping out the butt
on one side, to allow the face to come immediately behind the
line of the barrel, is perfectly unnecessary; in fact, is opposed
to good shooting, as we cannot but think that this shaping of
the stock will cause the Sportsman to shoot crooked.
882 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
GUN-LOCKS.
Wifbout a good locic, a stub and twist barrel of the finest
worlvmansbip will be of little avail, and the oiie is quite as
difficult to be obtained as the other.
Since the introduction of detonators, however, Sportsmen pay
far less attention to the workmanship of their gun-locks than
they did when flint guns were alone in vogue, for then it was
absolutely necessary to have the finest finished and best
tempered locks that could be manufactured by experienced
artists, to insure that rapidity and quickness in shooting that
was so desirable.
This quickness could not of course be attained with the old-
fashioned flint or steel lock, without the various portions of the
lock were of the most perfect construction, and put together in
the most artist-like manner. This, however, is not the case
with the detonator ; a far inferior lock to those that were then
manufactured with so much care and skill, will answer an
equally good purpose. Nevertheless, they require a consider-
able deal of care in their construction to make them agreeable
and serviceable to the Sportsman.
Gun-locks should be manufactured from the hardest metal,
and all their parts filed and fitted in the most beautiful manner,
with springs of the best construction and suitable strength ;
every portion of the machinery should work in perfect unison,
and, when set in motion, should glide over each other with the
same smoothness and evenness observable in the most elaborate
pieces of mechanism.
Greener remarks on the subject in the following words, and
we are sure that every Sportsman will heartily respond to such
sentiments : —
"I have always felt as great pleasure in handling a gun with
a pair of good locks as some would experience in listening to
the musical productions of the great Handel. There is to me a
superior music in the tack of the scear on the tumbler, and the
fine elasticity of the mainsprings, moving with a sort of fine,
oily feel, though light, as sharp as the lightning playing in the
heavens,"
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 383
Good locks can only be obtained from the best artisans, and,
to insure their quality, should be made to order by those only
in whom we have the utmost confidence. There is no part of
the gun that requires so much care and skill as the manufac-
turing of the lock, and consequently there is no part in which
there is more deception practised. It is impossible to judge of
the quality of a lock by a mere examination of its structure, as
the spring, swivel, or some other portion of it may soon grow
weak, or give way entirely after a few days' shooting, if the
metal used in its manufacture is not of the very best kind, and
put together with that skill so well understood by an expe-
rienced and honest Gunsmith. The attachment of the swivel
and arrangement of the hole for the scear-pin are the two most
important points in the putting of a lock together, as the one
controls the movements of the mainspring, while the other im-
parts the proper play of the scear on the tumbler, and produces
that agreeable click which every Sportsman delights to catch
upon his ear when handling a good gun.
Locks can be purchased in England from a shilling to four
pounds a pair. Great numbers of inferior locks are imported
by our Hardware men.
GUNPOWDER— ORIGIN, ETC.
The discovery of this powerful compound, although gene-
rally attributed to a German named Schwarz, a student well
skilled in Alchemy, is nevertheless conceded by most inquirers
into the subject to have been well known to some of the more
enlightened nations of the Ancients, and more particularly, at a
very early period, to the ingenious inhabitants of the Celestial
Empire, as we have stated in another place.
Some investigators of the subject assert that it was in use by
the Chinese about or a short time after the commencement of
the Christian era, and this curious people themselves even claim
its invention and general use for ages prior to this period.
Whether this be so or not, we believe that it is granted by all
hands that Berthold Schwarz's discovery of the compound was
perfectly original in himself, and therefore should not be shorn
of the immortal celebrity that is, and will ever be, attached to
384 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
bis name. The ingredients used in the manufacture of gun-
powder are pretty generally the same all over the world, each
maker having, of course, his own ideas regarding the propor-
tions of the three articles — nitre, charcoal, and sulphur — to be
employed.
English sporting powder is not so powerful as the American,
but is of very superior quality. The average proportion of in-
gredients composing the English powder, put up in small tin
canisters or wrapped in cartridge-paper for the use of Sports-
men, is as follows : nitre 78 parts, charcoal 12, sulphur 10.
Dupont's powder, we believe, is more generally used by Sports-
men throughout our country than any other ; it is much more
powerful than the English powder, and contains larger propor-
tions of nitre.
This powder is put up in small tin canisters of a pound each,
and in this way is entirely protected from the moisture that is
so hurtful to it. Of its quality we need say nothing, as its long
celebrity is a sufficient guarantee of its worth.
When put up in this way expressly for the use of Sportsmen,
Dupont's powder costs nearly double what it does when pur-
chased in small six-pound kegs; but the universal satisfaction
it affords, and the convenience and safety of carriage, give it a
decided preference in the eyes of most Sportsmen, notwith-
standing the additional price asked for it.
VARIETIES OF GUNPOWDER.
The principal and most appreciable difference in the manu-
facture of gunpowder is its division into coarse and fine-grained,
glazed and unglazed.
The first variety — the coarse-grained powder — is used prin-
cipally for all species of large fire-arms, and undoubtedly is the
most powerful of the two kinds ; at all events, we have arrived
at this conclusion from experiments tried while Duck-shooting,
and we are supported in our observations by many respectable
authorities ; that is, we wish to be understood that an ounce of
coarse-grained powder is more powerful than an ounce of fine-
grained powder, both of the same manufacture and of equal
proportions. The superior strength or projectile force of the
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 385
coarse-grained has been accounted for on principles which, to
our mind, are both reasonable and convincing, and may be
explained by the perusal of the following extract taken from
Greener's work on this subject: " I have always thought and
am quite convinced that powder is made too small in the grain.
For what purpose it is made so, except to please the Gunmakers,
I never could imagine. 1 have no hesitation in asserting that,
if you obtain powder of fine grain and powder composed of
the same qualitj^ of ingredients coarser grained, the latter will
be found to be stronger than the former. This I have tried in
various waj's, both by the rifle and the musket, and the same
quantity of the coarser invariabhT" gives the longer range. It
is owing, in my opinion, to each grain containing wdthin itself
greater force. When one is ignited, its effect is greater than
that of several small ones. Four times the quantity of small-
grained has to be ignited to generate the same force as is
required of the larger grained. Again, the small grain is gene-
rally coated with a sort of varnish, which must be injurious to
its quickness. Another advantage the larger grain possesses
is, that from its size it is less liable to be completely compressed
into a solid state, and from the largeness of the interstices
around them more atmospheric air is contained in a body,
which must greatly benefit it in igniting, as without question
(though it is possible to fire powder in vacuo) it will burn better
with the assistance of atmospheric air."
The Duck-shooters of our country, without an exception, use
the coarse-grained powder, not only because they know it to be
stronger, but that it attracts, or rather absorbs, a much less
quantity of atmospheric moisture than the fine. We recollect
on one occasion, when shooting Canvass-Backs from one of the
points at the Shesutia Narrows, by some unfortunate mishap both
barrels of our gun became suddenly disabled, one from the flying
off of the pivot, and the other from some trifling derangement
in the machinery of the lock. The morning was a very fine
one for the flight of Ducks, and they were passing over our
heads, ever and anon, in countless numbers, and at a fair shoot-
ing distance. Unhappily for us, however, we were forced, nolens
volens, to be a silent spectator, and not an active participator,
in the scenes around us, as we were wont to do. One of our
25
386 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
sporting companions, a thorough blood in this line, and we
might term him a "Duck-Shooter by profession," as well as a
"Duck-Shooter by education," as he had done little else but de-
stroy Ducks ever since he was big enough to shoulder his father's
old musket and take sight over a "blind." As we were going
to say, this friend of ours, having painfully injured the thumb
of his right hand, we, having nothing better to do, volunteered
to load his gun for him on condition of a fair proportion of the
spoils. Having our patent powder-jQask with us, and being ac-
customed to its use as well as satisfied with its safety, we very
naturally commenced loading from its contents, and continued
so to do for some considerable time, while our friend was bang-
ing away at every moment, but, strange to say, without bring-
ing down scarcely a single victim, although those around us
were heaping up piles about them ; and so did our partner till
we commenced loading for him. The old coon could not account
for his bad shooting, and attributed every miss to some new
cause, first one thing and then another, cursed the gun, damned
the Ducks, and finally gave up in despair. AYe, of course, were
equally as much surprised at his want of success, and even took
the gun from his hands and essayed a few shots, but without
much effect. The morning had now fully broke, and upon
closer inquiry into the cause of his bad shooting, our partner
discovered, to his no small horror, that we had been loading
all the time with fine-grained canister powder, instead of the
coarse-grained article that all Duckers pi'efer; in fact, they won't
use any thin fj else.
The indignation of our friend was great when he made this
discover}^, and liis vanity of shooting well, which had been on
the wane for the previous half hour, was now fully appeased, as
he declared that ^^svch staff]''^ meaning the fine powder, was not
fit to make a squib of, let alone bring down a savory Canvass-
Back.
This powder, however, wediad been using the day before on
Partridges, and had succeeded in killing five brace with it with-
out much difficulty. This anecdote certainly goes to prove
how strong the prejudice is among Duck-Shooters in favor of
the coarse powder, and, at the same time, proves conclusively
that though it would kill Partridges at a reasonable distance, it
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 387
had not force enougli to carry heavy shot as strongly as the
common coarse-grained powder, such as is sold in the small
country shops, from which source our friend always procured
his supply, for as soon as he loaded with it the Ducks came
tumbling down right and left.
GLAZED rOWDER.
Some powder is glazed and some not. The comparative
strength of the two kinds is not much affected by the process
which it undergoes in glazing, as the grains are nothing more
(we believe) than triturated Avith black lead to give them the
glossy appearance which they exhibit ; however, their quickness
of ignition may be somewhat retarded by this partial coating of
lead which they receive.
TESTS FOR POWDER.
Fine English powder, when good, is found to impart scarcely
any color to the hand when crushed in the palm with the thumb.
American powder, to be perfect, should be equally free from all
charcoal appearances. There is a simple method of ascertaining
the quality of powder, which in some measure may be relied
on. If a small quantity be placed upon a sheet of white paper
and exploded, it should burn with a sudden white smoke, ac-
companied with a peculiar sharp report, or rather phiz^ that
the ear soon becomes familiar with and easily detects. There
should be nothing left on the paper after the explosion if the
powder be superior ; if, however, there be a blackish matter
left behind, the probability is that there is too much carbon in
the powder ; if the paper should exhibit a dotted appearance,
with little black splotches over it, we would be led to suppose
that the sulphur or nitre was inferior in quality and badly in-
corporated.
THE EPREUVETTE, OR POAVDER PROVER.
It is not an easy matter to ascertain the real strength of
powder, even by subjecting it to the test of the Epreuvette, an
388 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
instrument in common use in England, but scarcely known
in this country, and on this account important that Ave should
speak of it in this place.
The Epreuvette, though the most perfect of all instruments
yet invented for the purpose of testing the strength of gunpow-
der, if not used properly, will often give very unsatisfactory
results. The construction of the Epreuvette should be perfect
in all its parts, more particularly in the spring which controls
the movements of the Avhcel on which the gradations are
marked. The mouth-piece, or rather the piece which closes
the muzzle of the Epreuvette and is attached to the grading-
wheel, should fit closely in its place, so as not to allow any
space to be seen between the two surfaces when held up to the
light.
One trial is not sufficient to test the quality of the powder ; it
will be better to make several, and then take the average of the
whole. The chamber should be nicely cleaned after each fire,
provided we wish to obtain a close analysis.
rOWDER PRESERVED FROM MOISTURE.
Powder should be kept dry and never exposed to a humid
atmosphere, as it has a great tendency to imbibe moisture, and
will soon become unfit for service. If by any mishap it should
become damp, it can be dried before the fii^e, or in the sun on a
metal dish — a coal fire is the proper kind of fire to dry it be-
fore ; a wood fire is rather dangerous, owing to the chance of
sparks flying out, as they most frequently do, more particularly
if the wood be wet or gre6n. We have dried our powder more
than once by putting the dish which contained it on top of a
brick placed on a stove.
The fact of the tendency of powder to absorb moisture may
be very fairly and satisfiictorily demonstrated by accurately
weighing a certain proportion of this article, and placing it in a
damp situation for a few hours, when it will be found that it has
increased very perceptibly in weight, owing to the absorption
of the damp, or rather the moisture. The projectile force of
powder is considerably diminished by dampness, because its
combustion being much slower, a large proportion must neces-
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 389
sarily be driven out of the gun before the whole mass is
entirely consumed, and the explosion must necessarily be
weakened, as the phenomena attending the explosion of gun-
powder is accounted for by the sudden and rapid generation of
an elastic fluid, which of course will not be properly produced
by the slow and unequal combustion of a damp compound.
If the nitre used in the manufacture of the powder is not
perfectly pure, and thoroughly embodied with the other ingre-
dients, it will not burn with the rapidity so necessary for the
generation of that projectile force so inherent in this compound,
when all its constituents are properly incorporated.
The mere circumstance of powder absorbing moisture, when
exposed to its effects, with more than ordinary rapidity, is a
positive proof of its inferiority, and is a sure sign that the nitre
is not pure, and that it contains some portion of muriate of
soda (common table salt), which substance is generally found in
combination with it, in its natural state, and which every one of
the least observation is perfectly aware attracts moisture with
singular facility. If the powder is moist, besides losing a consi-
derable portion of its strength, it soon fouls the gun, the grains
become caked together, and will not enter the nipple-hole, &c.
For these reasons, the Sportsman will be convinced that he can-
not be too careful of his powder, and will take every necessary
precaution to prevent the subtle compound from imbibing the
particles of moisture that the air is loaded with during damp
weather, more particularly on the bay shore, when in quest of
Water-fowl. It should always be kept in tin canisters, and
never trusted to paper, which of itself has a tendency to absorb
dampness, to say nothing of the danger of having packages of
powder carelessly wrapped in old newspaper, and laying about.
A package of this kind, containing nearly half a pound of
poAvder, we know of having been thrown into the fire by a
thrifty housewife, who mistook it for a bundle of rubbish that
she had collected up in a similar paper, a few moments before,
for the purpose of thus consigning to the flames. The con-
sequences of this unpardonable carelessness on the part of the
Sportsman might have proved very serious to us all, had not
the accident been observed by a brother chum, sitting close
by, who, with admirable courage and presence of mind, seized
390 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
the burning package with the tongs, and, rushing with it to
the window, which had been opened a few moments before
for the purpose of taking an observation of the weather, threw it
out, where, in a moment or two, it exploded with a tremendous
noise — but fortunately doing no mischief.
It is almost useless for us to warn the Sportsman to be care-
ful, when drying powder, to expose as little as possible at a
time to the fire, or he may blow the roof off the house, and
perhaps blow himself out of the window. With proper caution,
there is no more danger in drying powder than there would be
in drying so much sand ; but in the hands of a careless or
reckless person, the process would be rather hazardous.
TROPERLY LOADING THE GUN.
The art of rightly proportioning the charge for our piece is
not so easy a matter as many suppose, but, on the contrary, it
requires some considerable judgment and experience to ascer-
tain the exact quantity of powder and shot that a piece will
best shoot. If we wish to ascertain this fact conclusively, a
series of experiments should begone through with immediately
after the purchase of our gun; in fact, every Sportsman should
settle this important fact in his own mind at once, as we can
assure him that much of his success in shooting depends upon
the proper loading of his piece. If the gun be overloaded, as
is much too often the case both with powder and shot, the
whole charge will be carried out of the barrel with an un-
natural, unequal, unstead}^, and wild impetuosity (if we may be
allowed so to speak), far at variance with that regular, easy, and
determined motion we see imparted to it by a proper propor-
tion of each. The gun, no matter how tightly grasped, if
overloaded, will spring from the hand, and a recoil more or
less severe will be felt at the shoulder ; this should never occur
in small fire-arms. In large Duck-guns, a slight recoil is excusa-
ble; but even in these pieces, proper loading will almost inva-
riably remedy the evil if the gun is properly constructed ; and
if after proper management it still proves incorrigible, the
weapon had better be sold for luant of itse^ or placed in the
hands of some one who cares but little for a bruised arm and a
sore shoulder.
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 391
As before said, a series of experiments sliould be instituted
to find out the exact charge that suits your gun best; that is,
what proportion of powder and what proportion of shot will
kill the farthest with the most certainty. This can be accom-
plished by firing at sheets of paper at a distance of forty yards
with different sized loads, and marking down the result of each
discharge.
To make this chapter more complete, we cannot do better
than introduce a few paragraphs from Greener on this subject,
and at the same time remark that every Sportsman will derive
abundance of information appertaining to the gun by the peru-
sal of this highly instructive work.
"I have repeatedly stated that all guns will burn a certain
quantity of powder; you must, therefore, ascertain what that
quantity is, which can only be done by practice. Suppose you
begin with two drachms, and vary the charge one-eighth of a
drachm each shot up to three drachms and a half, or as may be
required, according to the length and bore of the gun ; and for
precision, taking three shots with each charge at a sufficient
number of sheets of paper; whichever 3^ou find strongest, with
the least quantity of powder, that is the best charge, as very
likely the two next additions of powder will shoot equally
strong, and yet not stronger, because more of it remains un-
burnt. Therefore, the least quantity that shoots equally strong
is the proper charge, which, having once ascertained, never
change for an}'' person's plan.
" Next, as to the charge of shot. All guns, according to
their bore and length, will shoot a certain weight and a certain
size of shot best. A great deal of shot in a small bore lies too
far up the barrel, and creates an unnecessary friction ; and the
shot, by the compression at the moment of explosion, becomes
all shapes, a circumstance which materially affects its flight. If
of too great a weight, the powder has not power to drive it
with that speed and force required to be efficacious, because the
weight is too great in proportion. Those who reason with
mathematical calculation will object to this doctrine. Say they,
the greater the weight the greater the effect. No doubt it is so,
if thrown with a proportionate force ; but that cannot be ob-
tained with a small gun. We must adapt the weight of projectile
392 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
force to the poAver we are in possession of; and, from many
experiments, I am inclined to think that a fourteen gauge, two
feet eio'ht barrel, should never be loaded with above an ounce
and a half of shot (No. 6 will suit her best), and the utmost
powder she will burn. A fifteen gauge will not require more
than one ounce and one-fourth ; and no doubt No. 7 would be
thrown by her quite as strong as No. 6 by the fourteen gauge
gun, and do as much execution at forty yards with less recoil ;
and setting aside all other reasons, I should, on this account,
prefer the fifteen gauge gun, if both be of a length, finding I
can do as much execution at the same distance with the one as
with the other. To render a fourteen gauge barrel superior, I
think Colonel Hawker is right in stating that it should never
be under thirty-four inches, which description of barrel I very
much approve.""" /
The sheets of paper for our target should not be less than a
dozen in number, and the charge that fires the strongest and
keeps the shot in the most compact round form, is the one best
adapted for the gun. A most erroneous idea exists among
young Sportsmen as regards loading : many suppose that by
increasing the quantity of shot they also increase the chances
of killing, because, as they say, there is a much greater num-
ber of pellets to be driven against the object fired at. This,
however, is not the case, as the shot, in the first place, being
too heavy for the charge of powder, does not receive the same
degree of projectile force from its explosion as it would have
done if both were properly proportioned ; and, moreover, the
quantity of shot being too great, the pellets strike against each
other in their course, and become disarranged ; the recoil is also
considerably increased, and the gun may be bursted.
If, on the other hand, too much powder is used, it flies wildly
out of the barrel unconsumed, as may be seen by firing at a
sheet of paper at a distance of fifteen yards or so, when the
grains of powder will be found forced into the paper instead of
being consumed by the explosion.
In fact, the whole theory of loading and overloading guns
may be summed up in a few words. Every gun should be
* A drachm of Dupont's sporting canister powder Avill be sufficient to com-
mence these experiments.
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 393
loaded in accordance with its bore and Aveiglit, and the greater
nicety that the Shooter displays in arriving at these proportions
the more beautiful will be his shooting ; for it is well ascertained
by the numerous experiments of those well versed in the sub-
ject, and may be laid down as an hypothesis, or rather an axiom,
that if the quantity of shot be too great, the elastic force of the
discharge is diminished and the recoil considerably increased;
and if the charge of powder be also increased in the same ratio
with the shot, the recoil will be doubly increased, perhaps to
the bursting of the barrels, and the pellets of shot will be ex-
pelled from the piece helter-skelter, in any direction but a
direct course.
The larger the charge of powder, the more will the shot be
scattered, and we have but one alternative in making long shots,
and that is, load with the usual quantity of powder, but make
use of larger-sized shot, as rest assured that no advantage is
gained by increasing the charge of powder beyond the proper
measure.
BURSTING OF GUNS. COM. STOCKTON'S EXPERIMENTS.
RECOIL, ETC.*
, There are innumerable causes that tend to the bursting of
gun-barrels, even those of the most approved workmanship; it
is not astonishing, therefore, that those manufactured of inferior
metal and put together by second rate artists should frequently
be torn to pieces while under the management of reckless and
ignorant Shooters. Although there are immense numbers of
guns imported into this countrj^, both from England and Ger-
many, that could not stand the test of the Proof-house, still they
are made of sufl&ciently good metal to bear the explosion of
powder to a certain extent, and if handled with caution might
perform many years of good service without endangering the
lives of their owners. We do not, however, Avish our readers
to construe this concession of ours in reference to these trash
of guns into a favorable notice of them, as we consider the use
of weapons of a doubtful character, such as these are, as rather
* This article was first published in the " Spirit of the Times."
894 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN
too hazardous for any one of our Sporting friends to make
use of.
We will now endeavor to point out some of the causes that
are calculated to produce bursting not only in barrels manufac-
tured of inferior metal, but even in those forged out of the most
superior iron, and wrought with the greatest care.
The first grand cause of bursting springs from the forge, as
before stated, and every one knows full well that many Manu-
facturers of guns use metal of the most inferior description ; and
when the bars are being welded into barrels, the workmen them-
selves are guilty of the most culpable negligence and reckless-
ness, little heeding the limbs lost and lives sacrificed by their
bad workmanship.
If a barrel be either welded, bored, or filed badly, even if it
be made of good metal, it may nevertheless burst under the
management of the most careful Sportsman. If the thickness
of the barrel is not uniform throughout its entire length, but
weaker at one point than at another, owing to a flaw in the
metal, over filing, or rude boring, it will most probably burst,
if overcharged, as the expansive force of the powder acts with
increased power upon these weak points, owing to the resistance
it meets with from the stronger portions of the tube.
If the subtile fluid generated by the inflammation of gun-
powder be suddenly compressed or checked by a contraction in
the caliber of the barrel, an undue proportion of the expansive
force is exerted upon this point, and the result will be the burst-
ing of the instrument; this fact will of itself show the folly of
attempting to increase the shooting powers of the gun by un-
equal boring of the barrel, or rather the contracting of the diameter
of the caliber at some given point in its length, as has been prac-
tised by some Gunsmiths. We cannot imagine any cause better
calculated to burst a gun than the contraction of its regular
caliber from this erroneous method of boring, and would rather
trust ourselves with a straight-bored barrel made of far inferior
metal than with one of these ill-shapen instruments forged of the
very best stub and twist. If the muzzle of the gun becomes
stopped up with dirt or snow while in the act of springing over
a ditch, or from a fall, and is of a consistency sufficiently hard
to offer any considerable degree of resistance to the expulsive
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 395
force of the powder, the barrel will be bursted without fail near
its mouth; and the same accident will more readily occur if the
mouth of the piece be sunk a few inches below the surface of
the water, as the resistance offered by this fluid to the passage
of the load under such circumstances is far more powerful than
that offered by the thin sides of the barrel, and the weaker power
must necessarily give way to the more strong. That a gun will
burst very readily if the muzzle be sunk a few inches under the
water, we have not the least doubt ; and an accident which hap-
pened to an acquaintance of ours, some years since, confirms us
in the opinion.
A gun may also burst from bad loading ; we don't mean en-
tirely from overloading, but sometimes from the want of proper
precaution in ramming down the shot on the powder, or the
moving of the Avad of one barrel by the jar communicated to it
by the explosion of the other. Bursting from this latter cause
is occasioned by the sudden condensation and accumulation of
the elastic fluid behind the object, offering a stout resistance or
rather sudden check to its steady exit from the barrel
A ball thus impacted in the barrel of a small gun, musket,
or rifle, will be most likely to burst the piece, if fired; such, at
least, is the generally received opinion.
This belief, however, like many other vulgar errors that have
descended by repetition from one to another without any detail
of experiments entered into, necessary to establish the facts
upon a certain and indisputable basis, may he incorrect.
Commodore Stockton, in his paper containing experiments
on ordnance, instituted by permission of the Navy Department,
and lately read before the American Philosophical Society,
opposes this long-received doctrine of explosion, and proves
very conclusively, in some description of large guns^ at least, that
they invariably burst with a smaller charge when the ball was
nearer the powder, than when it was at a distance ; and, also,
that the bursting took place with the shot at the shortest dis-
tance from the powder, after sustaining the same charges at a
longer distance.
These experiments and their results certainly go to prove
that such is the case in large guns of equal caliber and size
throughout their ivhole extent, but they prove nothing, in our
896 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
judgment, in reference to small fire-arms of unequal strength
and weight of metal.
Commodore Stockton also shows most conclusively that the
greatest internal pressure at the moment of the discharge, is at
that part of the gun occupied by the powder.
Although the facts elicited from these interesting and highly
instructive experiments are very conclusive, so far as they have
reference to large guns of 100 lbs. weight or more, and of lilce di-
mensions throughout their entire length, they do not certainly prove
anything, as before remarked, either pro or con, as to the old
theory respecting small fire-arms; we are consequently forced
to adhere to the old doctrine of explosion, and still believe that
a shot-gun is more apt to burst with a wad or a ball far up the
barrel, than if pushed home upon the shot or powder. This
phenomenon we can account for in a way quite satisfactory, at
least to our mind, by supposing that when the powder is ignited,
and the expansive fluid generated by this inflammation is set in
motion, and, striving to overcome the resistance offered by the
sides of the barrel that inclose it, rushes forwards up the barrel
with a certain degree of impetuosity inherent within itself, and
without having any positive obstruction in its way to arrest its
onward course, till it meets with the barrier opposed to its exit,
in the shape of a wad, ball, mud, snow, or some other article
that might be lodged in the barrel either by design or accident;
this sudden check to its wild career creates a momentary but
yet a partial pause in its course, and consequently gives rise to
an increased lateral pressure at this point in the barrels, which
are much thinner the further we go towards the muzzle, and
consequently unlike the heavy breech are unable to withstand
this unequal and sudden shock, and therefore must give way.
And thus we may say — that bursting under these circumstances
arises from the sudden condensation and accumulation of the
elastic fluid behind the object offering the resistance, and pre-
venting the free exit of the charge from the gun.
Why the same result was not obtained in the case of larger
fire-arms, and why the experiments of Commodore Stockton
should be diametrically opposed to this theory, we can't per-
haps satisfactorily explain, as we have no opportunities of
making any practical observations upon the subject; we there-
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 397
fore leave it for the investigation of others, venturing, howeverj
the followino; remarks: —
If, for experiment, the dimensions of the guns (as Commodore
Stoclcton's all were) be of the same size Ihroiighout^ and of a caliber
sufficiently strong to withstand the shock of the powder used in
the experiment, except at the very spot where the internal pres-
sure was greatest, that is, at the hreech encl^ and the metal no
stronger there than at any other point along the barrel, it is
evident to every one of the least thousfht that a certain charge
of powder would have a very different effect upon a gun of this
kind than one constructed upon the principle of an ordinary
fowling-piece, which has the metal of the breech proportionally
thick to the length and size of the weapon.
The experiments cannot, therefore, hold true in the one case
as in the other — because, when the powder is exploded in the
large gun (such as used by Commodore Stockton), the greatest
pressure, as before stated, in this, as well as all other fire-arms,
is at the point of ignition, the breeches. Well, now, the breeches^
or that portion of the barrel surrounding the chambers in the
experimental giois, were exactly of the same size as the other
parts of the barrel, and, consequently, if the gun contained at
any time sufficient powder to burst it, it would necessarily be
bursted at the point where the greatest ^^ressure icas exerted^ and
that of course would be at the breech, as already admitted. Well,
again, when the ball is rammed home and the powder exploded,
the force of the explosion would of course be more confined
to the breech than if the ball was far up the barrels; and, more-
over, this force would be greater than if the ball was not directly
on the charge, for the ample reason that in the latter case there
would be less positive pressure for the powder to overcome, and
the power of the explosion would also be somewhat expended,
or rather extended, along the space intervening between the
ball and the charge, and where the propelling fluid encountered
the ball up the barrel, which we grant would give a sudden
check to its further progress — this check, however, would not
produce, possibly, a shock equal to that generated at the first
impulse of the burning powder, and, therefore, could not burst
the barrel at this point, if it did not do it at the point of igni-
tion, where the metal in the experimental guns was no stronger,
and the force applied we assume to be much greater.
398 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
This position being true, the Gun would not be so readily
bursted from an explosion under these circumstances, as it
would if the whole force was exerted upon the one pointy as is
the case when the ball is rammed home upon the charge — and
consequently it would require a larger proportion of powder to
generate the same degree of force, without the immediate pres-
sure of the ball, as would be generated if the ball was rammed
tight upon the charge.
This, however, would not be the case with a fowling-piece,
for the reason that the barrel being of unequal thickness, and
the breech four or five times as heavy as the muzzle, and in a
proportionate degree heavier than all other parts of the barrel,
as you advance towards the mouth ; if a ball therefore become
impacted in it, and should offer considerable resistance to the
escape of the powder, the lateral pressure created by this shock
might be over-sufficient to rend the gun in pieces at this point,
when three times the same force would have no effect upon the
hreecli end.
From the foregoing remarks, therefore, it appears evident to
us that it would require far more powder to burst a small gun
with a regular home charge than it would to burst it if, when
set in motion, it should meet with a sudden or powerful resist-
ance any distance up the barrel, either in the shape of a wad,
ball, or any other accidental obstruction such as before men-
tioned.
Although the internal pressure first produced at the moment
of ignition be not sufficient to burst the barrel asunder at the
breech, the sudden shock occasioned by the resistance of tlie
obstruction, although not equal to the first force generated at
the breech end, might be, however, quite sufficient to tear the
barrel all to pieces at the point of contact.
RECOIL.
The recoil — or, as it is vulgarly called, '■'the Icicle of a (jioi^ —
may be produced by several causes, all of which, however, have
their primary origin in the projectile force of the powder, or
rather in the resistance offered to the expansive fluid generated
by the ignition or explosion of a mass of powder. In all fire-
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS, 399
arms of perfect construction, the recoil is in proportion to the
weight or resistance offered during the exit of the shot along
the barrels ; and it is only when this resistance, or rather the
consequence of this resistance — the recoil — becomes disagreeable
to the Shooter, that we look for the cause and the remedy, as
there must, of course, under all and every circumstance, be some
recoil in fire arms, no matter how perfect the barrels may be in
their construction.
Imperfections in the manufacture of the barrels are fruitful
sources of recoiling in shot-guns, and, if they are not perfectly
symmetrical in their bore and smooth throughout their entire
surface, the piece will recoil more or less severe at every dis-
charge, no matter how small a quantity of powder ma}' be used.
If the barrel be wider at one point than at another — although
this difference may not be perceptible to the eye— the recoil
will be greatly increased ; as, the shot being somewhat arrested
in its progress through the barrel, the impelling force of the
powder exerts itself so much the more to overcome the barrier,
and thus creates a back-action, which spends itself upon the
breech, A recoil produced from such a cause is of a most dan-
gerous character, and will eventually burst the gun, as it is im-
possible for barrels of any ordinary thickness to withstand the
oft-repeated and violent efforts of the powder to force its way
through the contracted point. For the same reason, a leaded
or foul gun, by offering a certain degree of resistance to the exit
of the charge, will produce a recoil in proportion to the increased
friction ; and which, even in the best-constructed guns, will often
be very severe from such a cause. If the shot be too tightly
rammed, or an over quantity be used, the recoil, of course, will
be increased in proportion to the resistance offered by the metal,
A straight stock will feel the effects of a recoil, or rather trans-
mit those effects to the person of the Shooter, much more severely
than a crooked stock, as the latter, by receiving the force of the
recoil in an oblique direction, breaks the shock before it reaches
the extremity. Bad powder, more particularly damp powder,
adds greatly to the recoil, and no doubt some of our readers
have before this remarked that there is always more recoil on
a wet day than on a clear one ; this is owing, to be sure, in
part, to the barrels getting dirty much sooner, but principally
400 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
to the dampness of the powder, which impedes the immediate
ignition of the whole mass, and consequently retards the exit
of the shot, which moves before the propelling force with a kind
of jerking motion.
It has been asserted b^-- some writers that the position of the
touch-hole regulates in a great measure the power of the recoil.
Suppose, for example, that the touch-hole communicates with
the centre of the mass of powder, it is contended that at the
moment of ignition the expansive force of the generated fluid
is exerted as strongly backwards upon the breech as it is for-
wards or upon the sides of the barrel ; but, on the other hand,
if the powder is ignited from the base of the mass, the whole
expulsive force will be directed forwards upon the shot, and the
recoil, consequently, be much lighter. The less a gun recoils,
the more certain and effective will be the delivery of its shot ;
as it is v/ell ascertained that a piece made perfectly stationary
in its bed will throw a ball much further, and consequently with
much more force, than one that is allowed to rebound at every
discharge. A kicking gun, when grasped tightly and held firmly
to the shoulder, will recoil far less than if lightly placed against
it; it will also throw the shot much further, and with greater
certainty. This fact may be very easily ascertained by a simple
experiment.
Suspend, for example, a fowling-piece by two cords from a
suitable frame, or from the limb of a tree, in such a manner as
to permit an unrestrained recoil, having first charged it with
the ordinary load of powder and shot ; now fire the gun at a
target properly arranged, take especial note of the result ; then
load the piece as before, and secure it tightly so that no recoil
can take place, move the target some distance further off, and
note the result of this discharge. It will be observed that the
last fire will be far more effective than the first, both as regards
the strength and range^ although the distance of the target was
considerably increased.
Eegarding the old hypothesis respecting small fire-arms, we
hardly know what to advance in support of it; although we
have not made any experiments to establish the position, still
we feel quite sure that the old received opinion is perfectly
correct — that is, that there iciJl he a greater recoil ivith the same
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS. 401
amount of powder if there he some obstruction up the barrel^ than if
the charge teas properly rammed hoine.
This opinion, however, is quite contrary to the results ob-
tained by Commodore Stockton, for he asserts that the recoil^ as
indicated by the motion of the timber to which the guns were fastened,
luas less when the ball was at a distance from the powder than when
it ivas rammed home. This, certainly, is very much at variance
with the popular belief.
If a gun be fired with an ordinary charge of powder, and be
perfect in its construction, there will not be any retrograde
motion of the piece, or in other words recoil felt at the shoulder,
or if there be any, it will be of such a trifling nature that it is
not worth noticing.
There is, however, a recoil, and this recoil, as before observed,
is deadened in proportion to the weight of metal in the breech,
the shape and build of the stock, as well as in some measure
by the mode of holding the weapon.
If, however, the charge in its exit from the gun should meet
with any obstruction far up the barrel, where the metal is thin
and the gun only lightly balanced in the hand by a grasp of the
stock near the guard, the sudden shock given to it by the resist-
ance of the obstacle encountered will communicate a jar or
quick jerk to the weapon, which will be felt at the shoulder,
and not expended, as in the other case, upon the breech or
stock.
The reason of this, we presume, is that the recoil imparted
to a shot-gun by a regular charge of powder and shot is not a
jumping, jerking recoil, but a regular and steady recoil, as it
were confined to the thick chambers of the gun, and lost upon
the stock before it reaches the shoulder of the Shooter ; but,
in the other case, the motion imparted to the gun is a jumping
or jerking recoil, which has not the heavy breech to break its
immediate effects upon, and is consequently transmitted without
interruption along the outside of the barrel directly to the
person of the Sportsman.
This action will be quite different in the case of Commodore
Stockton's guns, as will be seen from our previous observa-
tions, for there was neither a heavy breech nor long stock to
ward off or receive the recoil in those guns, and the whole force
26
402 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
of the explosion consequently was transmitted immediately to
the timber to which they were all attached, and consequently
occasioned the result arrived at by Commodore Stockton.
Commodore Stockton's little pamphlet, the result of much
care and ingenuity on his part, in the prosecution of these
highly interesting experiments, requires no notice from us — it
speaks for itself; but we may be permitted to state that we
were led to this partial review of some of its points fi'om the
interest we felt in the subject, and from the circumstance of a
copy having been sent to us by a sporting friend, who requested
our views on the novel as well as rather startling results.
In conclusion, we beg to remind our readers that we have
not denied, nor have we attempted to disprove any of the
results arrived at by the Commodore ; we have only endea-
vored to explain some of these results, and to show that they
do not, in our judgment, (^{ffect the operations of sporting guns,
nor are they sufficiently conclusive to change our old-fashioned
views on this subject. As fiir as the experiments go, they are
quite satisfactory, and they certainly have developed some
rather strange phenomena, at all events have given rise to
some very new ideas in reference to the matter, and which we
doubt not will prove hereafter of much practical utility in
" gunnery."
CHAPTEK XXYIII.
DISCOVERY AND INTRODUCTION OF GUNPOWDER.
Some writers assert that the use of gunpowder, as well as
ordnance, was well known to some of the ancients, even as far
back as the year of our Lord eighty-five ; and in support of
this hypothesis, the following remarks of Uflfano, on the autho-
rity of Robert Norton, the author of a work entitled The Gun-
ner^ printed in London in 1664, are often quoted, viz: "That
the invention and use, as well of ordnance as of gunpowder,
was in the eighty-fifth yeare of our Lord made known and
practised in the great and ingenious Kingdom of China ; and
that in the maretyme provinces thereof there yet remain cer-
taine peaces of ordnance, both of iron and brasse, with the
memory of their yeares of founding engraved upon them, and
the armes of King Vitney, who, he saith, was the inventor."
Another passage from Philostratus, the historian of Appol-
lonius Tyaneeus, about the commencement of the third century,
has also been referred to by some writers in favor of the anti-
quity of this invention. In speaking of a people of India
404: lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
called Oxydracae, this ancient authority remarks : " These truly
wise men dwelt between the rivers Hyphasis and Ganges ;
their country Alexander the Great never entered, deterred, not
by fear of the inhabitants, but, as I suppose, by religious consi-
derations ; for, had he passed the Hyphasis, he might doubtless
have made himself master of the country all around them ; but
their cities he never could have taken, though he had led a
thousand as brave as Achilles or three thousand such as Ajax,
to the assault, for they come not out into the field to fight
those who attack them, but these holy men, beloved by the
Gods, overthrow their enemies by tempests and thunderbolts
shot from the walls. It is said that the Egyptian Hercules and
Bacchus, when they overran India, avoided this people also,
and having prepared warlike engines, attempted to conquer
them. They made no show of resistance, but upon the ene-
my's near approach to their cities, they were repulsed with
storms of lightning and thunderbolts hurled upon them from
above."
In the Opus Majus of Friar Bacon, who died about 1294, may
be found a particular description of the effects of a certain com-
pound composed of saltpetre and other ingredients, which, when
ignited, gave results analogous to those of thunder and light-
nino- ; and, furthermore, it is stated that when these elements
are rightly amalgamated and properly applied, the force of the
explosion would be sufficiently powerful to destroy not only an
army, but even overturn an entire city.
These remarks, together with some others even still more
perspicuous on this head, have led most inquirers to conclude
that the learned Friar was at least well acquainted with the
components and effects, if not well versed in the precise com-
position and application of gunpowder.
This information, it may very justly be presumed, was not
orio-inal with himself, but rather that he obtained a knowledge
of it from the others of his brotherhood, the Monks, who had
learned of its existence among the Chinese, as well as seen its
operations during theii- missions in those far distant regions,
from whence they had then lately returned.
Some writers go so far as to suppose that the pious but wily
Monk was well acquainted with the composition of gunpowder,
DISCOVERY AND INTRODUCTION OF GUNPOWDER. 405
as well as its terrible effects, but at the same time assert that he
was fearful of betraying the wonderful secret, knowing full well
that its introduction into the world would be attended with the
most calamitous consequences; and, for humanity's sake alone,
if not from other ulterior motives, he determined to keep the
secret as long from the knowledge of man as possible.
However, be all this as it may, there is no doubt but that
Berthold Schwarz, a German Monk of the Order of St. Francis,
was the first person who made the composition of this wondrous
substance generally known to the world, and that the discovery,
though ancient it might he, was nevertheless altogether original
with himself.
The circumstances of the discovery are these: Berthold
Schwarz, a native of Freiburg, in the Grand Duchy of Baden,
during his relaxation from monastic duties, occupied much of
his time in the enticing and absorbing pursuit of Chemistry.
During some of his manipulations, having pounded in a mortar
an accidental mixture of charcoal, sulphur, and nitre, he was
amazed and wildly astounded by its sudden and fearful explo-
sion on the hap-hazard application of a spark of fire.
This terrible, but still more novel, exhibition of power in a
simple compound like this very naturally aroused in the mind
of the zealous student a spirit of investigation, and the result
of further experiment was the discovery of that still mysterious
composition known as gunpowder; a discovery that has not
only immortalized the otherwise obscure Monk, but, since its
general introduction and application to the use of fire-arras, has
actually given rise to a new era in the workings of man ; in
fact, has been the chief and all-powerful instrument of not only
shaping the mighty affairs of great nations, but, at the same
time, governing, and will ever continue to control the more ex-
tended destinies of a vast and ever-changing world.
All this happened about the year 1340; and the city of Frei-
burg has lately very properly commemorated the wonderful
event by the erection of a handsome fountain, emblazoned with
suitable inscriptions, and surmounted by a statue of the eminent
discoverer.
406 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
CANNON.
Notwithstanding the reputed antiquity of cannon, they were
little known iu England before the fourteenth century, and
were first employed as an engine of war by Edward III, At
this early period of their introduction into military service, they
were of rude construction and cumbersome proportions, and so
continued with little or no improvement till the reign of Henry
VIII. This Monarch soon undertook the manufacture of ord-
nance, which was continued with spirit and energy by his
persevering successor, Queen Elizabeth, and, during her reign,
vast improvements were made in their construction. The
"hand-goune" was next invented, an instrument sufficiently
rude in its construction when compared with the guns of the
present day; but still, as a first effort in this branch of manu-
facture, was a very serviceable weapon of attack as well as de-
fence. This "goune" w^as made light enough to be carried about
by one person, and was fired by the application of a match.
The stocked gun was the next improvement, which also was
fired by the application of a lighted match to the priming, either
through the medium of a match-lock or the direct interposition
of the hand.
The "wheel-lock" was the next invention, and approximated
closely in principle if not in construction to the flint-lock of the-
present day, a spark of fire being produced and communicated
to the priming by the friction of a notched wheel passing rapidly
over the edge of a flint stone. The flintdock of the present
day was the next step in order, and the percussion-lock, in its
approved form, was the last and best of all.
THE GUN AND ITS VARIOUS PARTS.
The gun being the principal instrument by means of which
the Sportsman destroys his game, it seems proper that it should
now claim our particular attention, as the proper knowledge of
its parts and uses, as well as its perfections and imperfections
should be thoroughly understood by the tyro before entering
upon the sports of the field. Without imparting this informa-
THE GUN AND ITS VARIOUS PARTS. 407
tioD, "\vc cannot expect our sporting friends to be competent to
provide themselves with such fowling-pieces as will come up to
our ideal of beauty, or answer the good purposes that we design
to exhibit in a superior gun. Many of our readers will smile
in anticipation of a long and tedious dissertation upon a subject
that they can take but little interest in beyond the mere out-
ward examination of an instrument, the skilful making and
putting together of which has occupied the minds of many of
the most intelligent and ingenious spirits of the old world as
well as the new. Many of our Sportsmen are content to go to
the field with a second or third rate gun, feeling well satisfied
of its goodness, provided it kills occasionally at long distances
and does not burst when overcharged ; the nipples, to be sure,
will sometimes fly out, and the locks now and then get out of
order, but these trifling inconveniences can soon be rectified by
application to the gunsmith, village blacksmith, or perhaps by
the Shooter's own ready genius. Notwithstanding these occa-
sional mishaps, the gun is pronounced a " good one," and no
thought is had of anything superior, although many a fine day's
sport has been interrupted by these "little annoyances" that
cannot be helped. The luxury of a superior gun, if we may so
speak, is never dreamed of by these people, and they cannot
conceive the possibility of shooting for years with the same
fowling-piece without once seeing it the least out of order. A
weapon so dangerous as a gun, even in the hands of the most
careful, should certainly be of excellent quality, and all its parts
made of such materials as to insure its safety at all times, under
judicious management, and leave no room for those melancholy
accidents that so often occur from the bursting and going off
of inferior guns when least expected, owing to the impurity of
its metal, the structure of its locks, or other portions of its
machinery.
We do not intend to occupy, or rather hore^ the reader with
a long scientific or rather mechanical dissertation upon gun-
making, but merely wish to direct his attention to the subject
in such a way that he will gain in a few pages all the practical
information in reference to a gun that will be necessary to
make him familiar with its history, manufacture, and con-
struction. '
408 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Before the introduction of guns into England, tlie longbow
and crossbow were the weapons mostly employed in war, as
well as for the chase. The latter instrument was most in favor
with Sportsmen, owing to the greater strength and certainty
with which it threw its arrows. Although the use of fire-arms,
as before stated, was somewhat known during the reign of
Elizabeth as well as that of her predecessor, Henry the Eiglith,
and even as far back as Edward the Third (1327), who is said
to have first used a species of mortar for the purpose of ejecting
larsre stones aorainst the Scots, when bombarding them in their
native fastnesses, still, these rude weapons were of so unwieldy
a character that it was not thought of introducing them into the
chase. Even in the reign of Elizabeth, the muskets made under
her directions for the use of the army were so large and heavy
that it was impossible for the soldier to travel any great distance
with them, or to hold them out at arm's length for the purpose
of firing, but each one was obliged to carry a staff with him,
which he stuck in the ground to rest the instrument upon while
taking aim at his adversary. It was not till the reign of Charles
the First (1625) that small-arms were made of such proportions
as adapted them to the use of Sportsmen; and even at this late
period — nearly three hundred years after the introduction of
gunpowder — the small-arms, though vastly improved, were still
rude and cumbersome instruments, and suitable only for the
pursuit of large animals, as they could not be handled or dis
charged with sufficient ease to enable the bearer to kill a Bird
on the wing. These weapons, like many other articles, have
gone through a regular series of improvements, until at last they
have in the present age arrived at a state of perfection beyond
which it is difficult to conceive anything superior, unless the
general introduction of the explosive cotton, or some other com-
pound, should originate something new. Notwithstanding the
manufacture of guns has arrived at its present state of perfec-
tion, there are thousands of miserable guns thrown into the
markets of this country, and very few really good ones are to
be obtained, except from those who import directly from some
one of the celebrated makers of England, or by applying only
to some two or three of our own Gunsmiths either in New York
or Philadelphia; and then it is no easy matter to get exactly
THE GUN AND ITS VARIOUS PARTS. 409
what the Sportsman wishes, if he be not able to describe
minutely and superintend in a measure the building of it him-
self. The reason of this is that our mechanics have so many
tastes and fancies to please, owing most generally to the ignor-
ance of those who order guns, that they have adopted no gene-
rally acknowledged standard or style to guide them in the
getting up of guns suitable for certain kinds of sport.
We wish our readers to acquire a certain degree of information
on these points, so that they may find themselves qualified to
sit at home in their easy chairs and give an order for a gun to
be made in some distant city, using all the terms and techni-
calities appertaining to the instrument in such a businesslike
manner that their descriptions may be perfectly comprehended
not only by thetnselves but also by the Gunsmith, and which
will prevent the occurrence of any mistakes on the part of the
mechanic, or disappointments to the Sportsman. All this in-
formation can be obtained by a few hours of reading and ex-
amination of the various parts of the gun. The first thing to
be acquired is a knowledge of the terms used by Gunsmiths when
speaking of a gun ; and we will therefore commence our lesson
by an alphabetical list of these terms, with which every Sports-
man should be familiar.
Bolts. — Pieces of iron which fasten the barrel to the stock.
Bridle. — The polished piece of steel which caps the tumbler ;
it is secured by two screws, and also to the scear screw.
CajJ. — The covering for the worm of the ramrod. The
metal finish at the extreme point of the stock.
Chain or Swivel. — A little catch attached to the neck of the
tumbler, which receives the end of the mainspring.
Chamber. — Centre tube in breeching. Antechamber, in the
smaller tube, leading from this to the touch-hole.
Cock-screw. — That which fastens the flint.
Cup. — The concave at the top of the improved breeching.
Escutcheons {ornamental). — Pieces of silver to prevent bolts
from wearing the stock ; and also the shield on which the crest
and cipher are engraved.
Face of the Hammer. — The part which, by coming in contact
with the flint, strikes fire.
False Breeching. — The part where the nose of the breechings
hooks in before the barrels can be laid in the stock.
410 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
False Br etching-screw. — Passes through the stock into tlie
trigger-plate, and secures them together.
i^ence.— The part between cock and pan, on which is received
the solid cock.
Guard. — Curved plate to defend the triggers.
Hammer-spring. — That on which the hammer is moved.
Hammer-bridle. — A part which the tail of the hammer works
in.
Heel-plate. — The plate with which the bolt is tipped.
Jam. — Lips of the cock, to hold the flint in.
Loclc-plate. — Plate to which all the lock is secured.
Loops. — Eyes to receive the bolts that fasten the barrel to the
stock.
Mainspring. — That spring by which the tumbler is worked
with the cock.
Nipple^ Pivot., or Tube. — The iron pillar on which the copper
cap of a detonating gun is placed.
Pi2')es. — Tubes to receive the ramrod.
Rib. — Piece of iron which strengthens the barrel, and on
which the ramrod rests.
Scroll-guard. — An extension from the guard to steady the
hand.
Scear. — That which catches the tumbler for whole or half
cock, and which, being pushed up by the trigger, lets the cock
fall.
Scear-spring. — The spring which holds the scear in the notches
of the tumbler, at half or whole cock.
Side-nail. — A screw which fastens on the locks.
Sight. — The piece of metal attached to the end of a gun-
barrel to assist the eye in taking aim at an object.
Spring-cramp. — A small instrument for dissecting locks.
Tail. — The shoulder of a hammer.
Top-piece. — Elevated rib, along which is directed the line of
aim.
Tfigger-plcde^ Sight-plate, or Rim. — Plate in which the triggers
■work.
Trigger-springs. — Small springs to keep the triggers constantly
pressing close to scear.
Tumbler. — The movable centre-piece of a lock which falls
with the cock.
GUNS MADE TO ORDER. 411
Tumbler-screiv. — The screw which fastens on the cock.
Vent-Jwie. — A small hole at the side of the breeching in
detonating guns to let out the gas and lessen the recoil.
Worm. — Screw at the end of the ramrod. — Field Book.
GUNS MADE TO ORDER.
Guns are made to order in this country at a much less price
than they can be imported from England : that is, if they are
purchased of celebrated makers, who of course charge consider-
ably for their reputation.
Westley Richards, one of the most noted Gunmakers of
England, who perhaps turns out more good guns than any
other manufacturer in that country, is, we believe, very gene-
rally known by reputation to all American Sportsmen, many
of whom pride themselves in the possession of his fowling-
pieces. The following memorandum contains the dimensions
and make of two Partridge guns, a single and double barrel,
made to order, and imported by a friend of the author. We
have also added a copy of the bill of the double-barrel as ren-
dered by the maker. The price paid, no doubt, will seem very
exorbitant to many of our Sportsmen, who are contented with
guns at half or a third of the price ; but when the workman-
ship and superior quality of the article are duly considered,
we cannot but be satisfied with the price, as high as it may
appear.
DIMENSIONS OF SINGLE-BARREL.
Whole length of stock, from butt to cap, two feet two
inches.
Length or depth of butt five and a half inches, with a very
trifling concave surface; width of same two inches.
From axis of the cock to cap eleven inches.
Width of stock before the guard one inch and three-eighths,
and made square.
Length of barrel, including chambers, too feet eight inches.
Weight of barrel three pounds.
Whole weight of gun six pounds.
Whole length of gun, from butt to point of barrel, four feet.
Bore No. 12.
412 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
This gun has a safety-guard attached to it, Avhich, however,
is quite useless, and has been taken off by the owner, it being
rather in the way than otherwise.
DOUBLE-BARREL.
Whole length of stock, from butt to cap, two feet one inch.
Length or depth of butt five and a half inches, with a slightly
concave surface two inches in width.
From axis of cock to cap ten and a quarter inches.
Width of stock before the guard one inch and three-quarters,
and made square.
Length of barrels, including chambers, two feet six inches.
Weight of barrels four pounds.
Whole weight of gun seven pounds.
Whole length of gun, from butt to point of barrels, three
feet ten inches.
Bore No. 14.
Load, one and a quarter ounces shot, ivfth same hulk ofpoicder.
V
BILL.
82 High Street, Birmingham.
Westley Richards, Gun jManufacturer to liis Royal Highness Prince Albert.
Agent in London, VVm. Bishop, No. 170 New Bond Street.
Best double-barrel gun, 14 gauge, No. 5,723 . . £31 10 0
Mahogany case complete ;* best leather cover, 36s;
2,000 caps, 20s ; box of wads, 8.9. . . . 3 4 0
£34 14 0
Add to the foregoing bill the following charges, and we will
have the exact cost of the piece : —
Exchange, 10 per cent. .... £3 9 3
Shipping charges, frieght, insurance . 10 0
Duty, 30 per cent 11 11 4 £16 0 7
£50 14 7
or
$225 46
* Containing powder-flask, shot-bag, liquor-flask, and implements for cleaning,
extra ramrod, &c.
GUNS MADE TO ORDER. 413
We have shot with both of these guns repeatedly, and must
acknowledge that they certainly exceed anything we have ever
seen manufactured of the same caliber on this side of the water,
either as to the strength with which they throw the shot, or
the distance to which they propel it, killing with more certainty
and ease than any gun we ever possessed or recollect seeing in
the hands of any of our friends. In our humble opinion, we
consider them both the sine qua non of guns, and therefore will
not detain the reader by a longer description of what a gun for
general sporting purposes should be. The single-barrel, though
light, if loaded Avith Ely's patent cartridge, will kill a Duck at
eighty to a hundred yards. The safety -guard we do not think
much of, as before stated, and is only suitable for an old minc-
ing potterer ; in every other respect, the guns are perfection,
and we offer them as guides to others when ordering guns in
this country or from the maker himself, in England, who, by
the by, always keeps a large stock of such instruments on hand,
ready to supply the steady demand he has for them, both at
home and from abroad. Sportsmen should not hesitate between
a doubtful and a superior gun on account of a trifling expendi-
ture, as it is a purchase that is made only once or twice in a
lifetime ; and there is a certain degree of comfort and pleasure
in going to the field for a day's amusement with the assurance
of handling a weapon that no ordinary usage can injure, and
that we have nothing to fear from accidents, which feeling of
confidence richly repays us for all the unusual outlay.
The saving of a few dollars in the purchase of a gun would
ill repay a Shooter for the loss of a hand by an explosion, or
perhaps the maiming of a friend or the death of a valuable Dog
by the going off of his gun, owing to poorly-made locks. There
are few or no guns made out and out in this country ; the bar-
rels and locks are most generally imported from England.
When about being made up by respectable Gunsmiths, they are
subjected to a proof test, although they may already have the
proof mark on them.
If the Sportsman is forced from circumstances to be particu-
lar in his expenditures, we see no reason why some such plan
as the following might not be adopted to insure the possession
of a superior instrument at a cost far below that which he would
41-i lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
be compelled to stand if he ordered a fowling-piece directly from
the manufactory of Westley Richards or others of the celebrated
makers of England. Might not a pair of barrels in their finished
state, as well as a pair of superior locks from one of these Gun-
smiths, purchased by a friend visiting the other side, be stocked
in this country? By this arrangement, a considerable outlay
may be avoided, not onl}'- on the manufacturer's bill, but in the
shipping charges, duty, &c. ; and we could thus possess a first
quality gun at perhaps a fourth or a third less than we would
be forced to pay for one finished entirely in England.
GUNSMITHS.
We have in our country several most deserving and ingenious
mechanics who have devoted many years to the manufacture of
fire-arms almost exclusively for sporting purposes; and if they
had met with half the liberality and encouragement that are so
freely bestowed by the English gentry upon the same class of
operatives in the old country, we no doubt should now be able
to boast of men in this branch of business who could vie in
everything with those of England.
Our Sportsmen, however, are too much in the habit of trusting
their lives, as well as those of their friends, to the use of one of
the many cheap guns that are either imported into this country
from England, or, what is still worse, from Germany. This
being the case, we cannot be surprised at the frequent occur-
rence of accidents of a serious character, in everj^ section of our
country, during the shooting season.
There are several Gunmakers in New York, all of whom are
said to be clever in their profession. Each and every one of
them have their patrons always ready to extol them and their
works to the skies. We are not, however, personally acquainted
with any of them, and therefore only state that which we have
learned from others respecting these men. AYe have examined
some of their work, and certainly have no fault to find with the
greater portion of that Avhich has come under our notice as
"crack jobs," although their ordinary every-day work is far in-
ferior to much of the same kind turned out of the second-rate
gunshops of England.
GUNSMITHS. 415
In Philadelpliia, we also have several respectable Gunmakers
entitled to notice. All of these mechanics are about on a par
with those of New York, although they claim for themselves a
superiority over those of the latter city; with what truth, how-
ever, we know not, as their work all seems about the same in
appearance and quality, and their guns, we are satisfied, shoot
no further or stronger, so far as we are able to judge. In what
their superiority consists, we are at a loss to say, except it be in
the fact that they turn out work at a much less cost than they
do in New York, which, of course, is some recommendation to
every one, provided it is equally good ; and this one circum-
stance is perhaps sufficient to account for the many orders that
the Philadelphia Gunsmiths receive from New York Sportsmen.
We have handled many fine guns, fresh from the hands of
the Gunmakers of our city, and no doubt there are many per-
sons ready to say they have seen as many bad ones. In this
particular, the respectable mechanics of America differ from
those of England. With us, they turn out good, bad, and in-
different work every day, calculated to suit the requirements of
trade, or rather the tastes and purses of their customers ; whereas
those of the old country — we mean those of some reputation —
have but one style of doing business, and that is, all that comes
from their shops is as perfect as it can be made, and the sending
forth of one bad piece of workmanship would not unfrequently
be attended with heavy loss, if not perhaps professional ruin.
In matters of sporting, the English are extremely particular,
and consequently are less disposed to forgive or forget a piece
of negligence on the part of a Gunsmith than any other me-
chanic, as such negligence or slighting of work is often attended
with serious results, in the maiming or perhaps untimely death
of some one of their number, perhaps from among a large circle of
influential Sporting friends, whose patronage alone is sufficient
to make a fortune, at all events quite strong enough to create
or thwart the professional reputation of any Gunsmith in the
country, whose character as a mechanic is not already well
and deservedly established.
416 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
WELDING BARRELS.
The process for making common gun-barrels is very simple,
and is clone in the following manner : A bar of iron is heated
and hammered out into a thin flexible rod, resembling a good-
sized hoop, of a length and thickness proportionate to the size
and weight of the intended barrel. This rod is beat thinner at
the muzzle end than it is at the end intended for the breech.
This being arranged, the hoop is heated and turned round a
mandrel (a rod of tempered iron, much smaller than the intended
bore of the barrel), with the edges overlapping each other the
half of an inch or so, and when welded together have the ap-
pearance of being manufactured or bored from a solid rod of
iron. After being turned round the mandrel, the overlapping
joints of the hoop are welded together by heating three or four
inches of the tube at a time, and beating upon an anvil furnished
with several semicircular furrows suitable for the various-sized
barrels that are manufactured. This is the modus operandi
adopted for forging common barrels, such as are used for ex-
portation, and of which trash, immense quantities come to this
country through the hands of our Ilardwaremen.
The foro^insf of stub-twist barrels, and other barrels of a better
description, is quite a different operation, and requires far more
labor and skill. The rod of iron is first heated to a red heat, a
few inches at a time, and, one end being made stationary in a
vice or other suitable contrivance, the other is seized by an in-
strument with a handle similar to an auger, by means of which
it is twisted round a bar of iron (the mandrel) much smaller
than the intended bore. By this operation the fibres of the
metal are twisted in a spiral direction, wduch is known to resist
the explosive force of powder much more than when they all
run longitudinally. The hoops or rods of the best stub-twist
are generally about half an inch or less in width, and conse-
quently there will be over two spirals in every inch of barrel,
when the twisting process is complete, as the joints are not made
to overlap each other, but are forced to unite by a process termed
jumping, after the bar is entirely twisted. The greater number
of spirals to an inch, the more labored and perfect is the manu-
BORING. 417
facture of the barrel, and the more expensive is the getting of
it up. The rods for wire-twist barrels are extremely narrow,
only three-eighths of an inch or less in width, and the quantity
of spirals is consequently increased.
After the hoops have been twisted round the rods, the spirals
are joined together by heating the unclosed cylinder to a welding
heat, and striking the end against the anvil, which springs them
together so forcibly that, with a little hammering, the whole
cylinder becomes welded as if formed of only one continuous
piece. After the spirals are joined, the barrel is hammered in
the grooves of the anvil to make it perfectly round.
It requires two, three, or four spiral cylinders, according to
the length of the piece, to make one barrel; and great nicety and
dexterity are necessary to join them together, so that the barrel
may appear to have been made out of one rod only. In common
barrels, this union of the rods may be distinctly seen upon ex-
amination before they are stained, and indeed very often after
they come from the stainer's hands.
The next process in the manufacture of barrels is what \k
termed hammer-hardening, which is accomplished by beating
the metal for a considerable time in the grooves of the anvil
with light hammers, for the purpose of closing the pores, in-
creasing the density and elasticity, and rendering the texture
more firm, flexible, and solid. This labor is not often bestowed
upon ordinary barrels, got up merely for the home or foreign
trade, but on ordered or show guns only.
BORING.
The barrels are now submitted to the boring mill for the pur-
pose of giving them their proper caliber. This end is accom-
plished with the assistance of steam. The barrel being properly
arranged on a frame, the boring-bit is introduced into the muz-
zle, and, by the application of the necessary power, is made to
traverse the whole extent of the barrel, a stream of water play-
ing upon the metal during the whole process, for the purpose of
keeping down the heat that is engendered by the severe friction
of the bit, and which, if allowed to increase to its full extent,
might injure the quality of the metal.
27
418 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN",
The first or rough boring being finished, a bit of still larger
size is now introduced, and the same process gone through
with, until the barrel is entirely freed of all unevenness, and
its whole internal surface reduced to a perfect mirror in. ap-
pearance.
If the barrels, after repeated borings, should still exhibit an
uneven surface and present flaws and depressions, they are
rejected, and the metal returned to the forge, as it would be
unsafe to bore them still thinner, when the metal is so soft and
frangible.
Some Gunsmiths bore barrels by hand, and a good workman
will make a beautiful instrument in this way, altliough it will
take treble the time to finish it. The utmost nicety is requisite
in the boring of barrels, as they should be perfect cylinders,
and of exact caliber throughout their entire length. When
they have passed the inspection of the lynx-eyed workman to
whom this important process is confided, the barrels are handed
over to the grinders to be ground, turned, and polished.
GRINDING.
The barrels being bored, the grinder submits them to the
friction of a revolving stone, for the purpose of freeing them
from all the scales and roughness which cover them when they
come from the hands of the welder.
TURNING.
A smooth surface being obtained by the application of the
stone by the grinder, the barrels are next handed over to be
turned, which is accomplished either with a common turning-
lathe or a self-acting machine.
A mandrel, exactly fitting the size of the barrel, is first
introduced, the barrel is then placed in the lathe and the
machine set going, and the whole process completed in a very
short time, without any further interference on the part of the
workman.
Turning by steam is far cheaper and even much superior to
handwork, as the process of turning with a common hand-lathe
PROVING BARRELS. . 419
is laborious in the extreme, and quite uncertain, except in the
hands of very superior and skilful mechanics.
The process of turning by a simple lathe is as follows : The
barrel beinsj fixed in the lathe, an inch or so of the surface,
both at the breech and muzzle end, is turned to the proper
diameter; the rest is then removed to a distance of four or five
inches from these points, and another inch or so of the surface
at either end is removed, and so on, having great care, however,
at each operation, to make the depth of the turning correspond
with the size and caliber of the barrel. This part of the
process being accomplished, the next step is to file away, by
means of an instrument termed a float, the projecting surfaces
of the barrel intervening between the parts cut out by the lathe ;
the barrels are now readv for breeching and the tests of the
proof-house.
BRAZING AND BREECHING.
The barrels for double guns are now filed away at the breech
and muzzle, to make them lie against each other snugly, bound
together, and then brazed with hard solder or brass for several
inches. This latter practice of brazing is highly censured by
Greener, who asserts that, in common barrels, their strength is
injured twelve and a half per cent,, and, in hammer-hardened
barrels, even to a much greater extent. His ideas on the sub-
ject are doubtless very correct, as the heating of the metal
afresh to a white heat, for the purpose of brazing, must of
necessity diminish a portion of that tenacity or strength which
it had already acquired by the process of hammer-hardening.
This being finished, the barrels are now tapped or turned out,
ready for the reception of the breeches, and are then sent to the
proof-house.
PROVING BARRELS
There is no department in the manufacture of a gun in which
there is more deception than that of the proving-house ; we do
not wish to be understood that frauds upon the public actually
take place under the eye, and with the full cognizance of the
420 • lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
companies to whom this important duty is confided ; but we
wish to inform our readers that large quantities of barrels are
palmed off" on the public, and particularly on the American
public, having all the insignia of the London and Birmingham
proof-houses, that never at any time were across the threshold
of either establishment.
This is accomplished by forging the marks of these com-
panies, and the deception is carried on to a very great extent;
and our readers, therefore, will see at once how much reliance
can be placed on these marks when pointed out to them by the
regular dealers, as tests of the goodness of suspicious-looking
guns.
The proving of gun-barrels was first introduced, according
to writers, about the twelfth century, and originated with the
company of Gun-makers themselves; the enactments respecting
the department, however, after a while became null and void,
from a want of adequate means and a proper disposition on the
part of the manufacturers to enforce them. Public attention,
however, vras again aroused to the importance of this matter
early in the present century, owing to the discredit that had
fallen on all English hand-arms, insomuch that Sportsmen were
obliged to seek their guns in other quarters than their own
country, and considerable numbers were purchased in Spain
and France for their use. In 1815, further legislation upon
this subject made it obligatory upon all manufacturers to send
their gun-barrels either to the London or Birmingham proof-
houses to be tested, under a penalty of £20 for every infraction
of this ordinance; and the same fine was attached to the forging
of the proof-marks of these companies. Previous to these
enactments, thousands of guns were manufactured for the foreign
trade, that were perfectly good for nothing, and the dealers them-
selves in these "sham-guns, sham-dam, park-palings," as they
were termed, knew full well that they would most likely burst
under the first explosion of a moderate-sized charge of powder
and shot. Large numbers of these dangerous weapons were
sent to this country, but tliey were furnished in far greater
numbers to the slave-dealers for their nefarious and inhuman
traffic on the coast of Africa. One of these worthless instru-
ments, costing but a few shillings, was the usual price at that
STAINING BARRELS. 421
time of a human being, and what made the transaction still
more unholy was, the full knowledge, on the part of the traders,
that the io;norant and degraded barterer in his own flesh and
blood, would soon pay the penalty of his wickedness in the loss
of a portion of his hand, if not his life, by the bursting of his
ill-gotten prize.
Notwithstanding the parliamentary enactments for the govern-
ment of this important department, great frauds, as before stated,
still continue to be practised upon the public, and more par-
ticularly upon the foreign consumers.
If all the gun-barrels that come to our country were properly
tested on the other side, we would not so often hear of the
bursting of guns and the distressing accidents consequent upon
these mishaps. The fact is, the London and Birmingham
proof-marks are not only forged in England, but they are even
imitated in Germany; and large quantities of the latter trash,
even f^ir worse than the worst English, is imported into our
country, and may be bought at almost any price ranging from
five to fifteen dollars, for a double-barrelled gun of quite respect-
able appearance, and warranted in good faith by the ignorant
dealers a regular stub-twist.
Greener gives a proof scale of charges by which every bar-
rel should be tested at the established proof-houses, and also
furnishes a complete description of the whole business, all of
which is quite interesting and instructive. All the respectable
Gun-makers of America test their gun-barrels themselves, be-
fore they make them up for their customers.
The London proof-house requires that double-barrelled guns
be joined together and breeched before testing, so that the Gun-
smith may be prevented from making them weaker by filing
and brazing after the proof is stamped on them.
STAINING BARRELS.
There are a great many recipes for the staining of gun-bar-
rels ; the basis of all, however, is the action of acids on the
metal. The following is given by Greener as au excellent mix-
ture for this purpose. We have not tried it, but doubt not
that it will give entire satisfaction : —
422 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
"Muriatic tincture of steel si;
Spirits of wine oi ;
Muriate of mercury 3ii ;
Nitric acid (strong) 5ij ;
Blue stone 3i 5
Water Oii.
"These ingredients, being thoroughly incorporated, are al-
lowed to stand a month before using; the barrels are then
freed of all oil or grease by the aid of lime, and tlie mixture
laid on lightly with a sponge every two hours, and scratched
off with a steel wire brush every morning until the barrels are
dark enough, and then the acid is destroyed by pouring on the
barrels boiling hot water, and continuing to rub them until
nearly cold."
The above method is the plan recommended by Greener for
staining the best barrels; but inferior weapons are also stained,
by cunning artists, to make them resemble as far as possible
those of a superior qualit}^, and in most instances they succeed
to perfection in deceiving those that are unacquainted with the
tricks of the trade.
The only kind of staining in which there is no deception, and
of which there is no counterfeiting, is that termed "smoke
brown," as no barrel forged of common metal can receive this
peculiar stain, owing to the chemical affinities that exist, or are
brought into action during the process.
Under this head, Greener remarks: "The only method in
which there is no deception, is the smoke brown or stain; and,
plainly speaking, this and no other is the reason the Gunmakers
condemn it. As the acid is decidedly weaker, and of course
least liable to impart injury to the iron, by it no barrel can be
browned to look well and line but the best; or, in other words,
none save those possessing steel in their composition. Persons
so much in the habit of using or passing off as stub-twist, char-
coal iron barrels, of course find by it a complete stop put to their
impositions; hence their eagerness to cry it down. But let
Sportsmen only insist on having no other, and they will do more
to improve the make of guns than all I can write.
" The method of staining is this : The barrels are anointed
STAINING BAREELS, 423
with a little vitriolic acid to cause the iron to receive the effect
of the gas more readily; it is then washed off" and the barrels
rubbed dry. The forge tire must then be lighted, and blown
up with coal possessing as much hydrogen gas and as little sul-
phur as possible. When the coals are burnt till they give out
a clear white flame with no black smoke around it, pass the
barrels gradually through that flame backward and forward,
until the whole are covered with a black sooty covering. Place
them in as damp and cool a cellar as you cart procure; allow
them to stand for eighteen hours, and, at that period, if the place
is sufficiently damp, you will lind the iron parts covered with a
red rust, while the particles of steel still retain the original sooty
coat. Scratch them off* with a steel brush, the same as by any
other method of staining; take a piece of linen cloth, and wash
or polish them with water, and a little washed emery, and you
will find the steel its original bright color, and the iron a shade
darker, with the outlines of both distinctly preserved. Rub them
dry, and again pass them through the flame precisely as before ;
but, above all things, be careful not to allow them to remain in
the flame till they become hot enough to melt the solder. When
you have once passed them through, do not be in a hurry to
pass them again, but in both be guided by moderation ; neither
allow them, after the first time, to stand to rust more than twelve
hours each time; polish them as before, and you will find them
a shade darker every smoking.
" Thus persevere until they become as dark as you wish to
have them. The utmost you can obtain is a fine purple-black
color on the iron ; the steel inclined to a copper color ; but if
you pay proper attention to the polishing, it will not change
much from its original color. Be careful not to use emery of a
coarser nature than what is termed washing emerj', viz: the
very finest. If you cannot obtain it by buying, you may wash
it yourself. Procure what is termed flower-emery, mix it with
a bowl of water, and stir it well around ; let it settle a minute,
then pour off' the water, and the fine will go with it, the coarse
having settled at the bottom. Let it stand until it also falls to
the bottom; a short time after pour off' the water, and the sedi-
ment is what you want.
42-i lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
"The principle of this stain is, simply the hydrogen gas con-
tained in the coal acting on the iron. From being of a softer
nature than the steel, which it does not affect, the flame also
possessing a quantity of tar, it is imperceptibly embodied by the
iron during the action of the oxide, and, when finished by filling
up the spaces created, it becomes decidedly more impervious
to damps or wet than the other stain, wdiich is entirely composed
of the oxide of iron."
Barrels were formerly colored by exposing them to a degree
of heat sufficient to produce a beautiful blue tinge, but this plan
was abandoned on account of the injury sustained by the calci-
nation of the inside surface of the barrels, as well as the impair-
ing of the strength and ductility of the metal by the application
of such an intense heat.
If the Sportsman wishes to stain his barrels himself, we know
of no easier method than the following, which we have tried with
satisfactory results. Free the barrels of all greasiness by polish-
ing them with fine sand-paper and emery, then throw a small
quantity of powdered brimstone over a charcoal furnace, pass
the barrel repeatedly through the thick smoke that rises up,
until it is completely colored throughout its whole extent; then
put the barrels in a damp cellar, or, what is better, a moist
provision vault, let them remain several hours, and upon ex-
amination they will be found covered with a fine rust. This
rust must be spread evenly over the barrel with the finger, and
allowed to remain twenty-four hours, and then polished with
fine emery and oil.
Great numbers of inferior barrels, as before said, are colored
to resemble those of a superior quality, and to an inexperienced
eye these deceptions are very difficult to discover ; a plain
welded barrel, for example, may be made to resemble a twisted
article by wetting a thread with dilute acid, and winding it
round the barrel so as to make spiral lines, running all along
its surface; for, wherever the thread touches, a slight coating
of rust will be formed, and when the whole length of the barrel
is treated in this way a second or a third time with dilute acid,
the spiral windings of the thread exhibit fine dark lines that
very closely resemble the twisted or ribbon barrels, as they are
termed.
STUB-TWIST BARRELS. 425
The only true method of ascertaining if a barrel be real stub-
and-twist, is to file away a small space from the surface of the
barrel, under the stock, and apply a little aquafortis to the spot,
and if it be stub-and-tvvist, the fibres of the metal will be ob-
served running in a spiral direction up the barrel. We do not,
however, wish to generally recommend this mode of convincing
ourselves as to the genuineness of our reputed stub-and-twists,
without at the same time cautioning our readers as to the bad
effects both of the filing and the application of the acid, when in
the hands of a careless person, who might materially injure
his weapon.
Be this as it mav, we know of no other method to ascertain
positively this important fact.
THE METAL USED IX THE MANUFACTURE OF GUNS.
But few Sportsmen are acquainted with the peculiar kinds of
iron used in the manufacture of gun-barrels ; although they
frequently make use of the terms "stub-and-twist," " wire-twist,"
"Damascus barrels," &c., they are generally quite ignorant of
the real meaning of these terms, and know nothing of their
import, origin, or application; in truth, they palaver often like
Parrots, without understanding the very phrases they make use
of. This being the case, we shall endeavor to enlighten them
on the subject in as short a space as possible, as we have so
many other topics to treat of, that we fear lest we make our
work rather too voluminous for our sporting friends to wade
throu2;h.
STUB-TWIST BARRELS.
These barrels are very scarce — that is, the real genuine stuh-
iiuist — owing to the great difficulty of collecting the materials
from which they are manufactured, the cost of working, &;c.
This may at first sight seem a strange assertion to some of our
readers, many of whom, no doubt, are under the impression
tiiat most of tiie guns in the possession of their friends, as well
as those they have themselves, styled '"'■ stuh-ticist^'^ are really and
truly as genuine specimens as could be produced in any part of
426 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the world. Stop a moment, however, my incredulous friends,
till you have learned of what a stub-and-twist barrel is com-
pounded, and how it is wrought into a gun, and then tell me if
you can expect to purchase one of these ^^rare gems''' (as we may
term them) on this side of the water, let alone on the other side,
for the paltry sum of twenty-five or thirty dollars, lock and
stock included.
Old horse-nail stubs have, for a great number of years, been
considered the best kind of scraps for the purpose of making the
most superior gun-barrels. Numerous attempts have been made
to find a composition of scraps to equal it, but as yet without
success. When the practice of using old stubs was adopted, we
have no certain date. From the appearance of the oldest bar-
rels, I should venture to say tliat it was coeval with their in-
vention. It requires, however, no gift of prophecy to sa}^ that
their use will not long continue, from the difficulty of obtaining
them good, being only now to be procured from the Continent,
and that with increasing difficult\\
Before proceeding to manufacture them into iron, Avomen were
employed to sort and examine each stub, to see that no malleal)le
cast-iron nails or other impurities are mixed with them. They
are then taken and put into a drum, resembling a barrel-churn,
through the centre of which passes a shaft that is attached to
the steam-engine, which works the rolling-mill, bellows, &c.
When tlie machine is set agoing, the stubs are rolled and tum-
bled over each other to such a degree that the friction com-
pletely cleanses them of all rust, and they come forth with the
brightness of silver. The steel with which they are mixed
(being generally coach-springs), after being separated and soft-
ened, is clipped into small pieces, corresponding in size to the
stubs, by a pair of large shears, working hy steam. These
pieces are then, like the stubs, put into a drum, in order to be
divested of any rust they may retain, and are subsequently
weighed out in the proportion of twenty-five pounds of stubs
to fifteen of stoel, in quantities of forty-two pounds.
After being properly mixed together, they are put into an
air-furnace and heated to a state of fusion, in which state they
are stirred up by a bar of the same mixture of iron and steel,
STUB-TWIST BARRELS. 427
until, by their adhesion, the}' form a ball of apparently melting
metal. Daring this process, the bar has become sufficiently
heated to attach itself to the burning mass, technically called a
bloom of iron, and by its aid the whole is removed from the
furnace to the forge-hammer, by which it is reduced down to a
bar of iron now about forty pounds, the weight lost being
wasted in the process of welding and hammering. From the
forge it passes to the rolling-mill, where it is reduced to the size
wanted. By this mode of manufticturing, the iron and steel are
so intimately united and blended that the peculiar properties of
each are imparted to every portion of the mass, and the whole
receives the degree of hardness and softness required. The pro-
cess is admirable, and the mixture is calculated to produce a
metal the best fitted, under the circumstances, to answer the pur-
pose of manufiicturing gun-barrels of the best description. (See
Greener^ Spanish barrels, manufactured of the stubs of the nails
used in putting on the shoes of the mules and horses of that
country, formerly had a great and deserved reputation among
English Sportsmen — in fact, commanding prices far beyond any
guns produced in England, So great was the demand for these
far-famed barrels, and so eager was every one to possess them,
that it was not uncommon, so Blain informs us, for purchasers
to be found at twenty, thirty, and even forty pounds for a single
barrel.
The labor bestowed upon the manufacture of these barrels was
exceeded alone by the operatives on Damascus arms, and to
such an extent was the hammering of the lusty smith carried,
that it was not unusual for a mass of stubs, weighing from forty
to fifty pounds, to be reduced by repeated beatings to a rod suffi-
cient only to make a single barrel. By this long and arduous
process the utmost ductility, tenacity, and purity were acquired,
which rendered these guns superior for safety and shooting-
powers to all other manufactures. Spanish barrels are no
longer sought after with the same eagerness as in former times,
owing to many circumstances that have operated to prejudice
the public against them, as well as the present, superior charac-
ter of the stub-twist manufactured by English artists, and which,
we imagine, cannot be excelled by any barrels coming either
from Spain or the East.
428 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN",
Great deception was practised in the getting up and sale of
Spanish barrels as soon as it was known that there was such a
demand for them in England, a demand in truth that could not
be supplied in the ordinary course of trade, as there was not
sufficient genuine stub-metal in all Spain to make these barrels
fast enough for their foreign, let alone their home consumption.
Inferior barrels consequently were imported from Spain, having
the names of the most celebrated makers of Madrid engraved
on them ; this was not the only deception practised upon the
public, for Spanish barrels were actually counterfeited in the
manufactories of Germany, and the country consequently soon
became flooded with the most worthless and spurious trash
imaginable, all purporting to be of real Spanish origin.
There is considerable difference between a stub-twist and a
wire-twist, or a stub-twist and a plain-twist. All twists are not
stub-twists, neither is it necessary for all stub-barrels to be
twisted-barrels. Notwithstanding there is a wide difference
between all these terms, it is very usual for our dealers in guns,
as well as Sportsmen, to make little or no distinction in their
application. We do not, however, wish to find fault with our
Hardwaremen for the exhibition of such ignorance, when real,
as they have but few, if any, sources from which they can
obtain such information as would set them right on these
subjects. There are, nevertheless, some importers as well as
traders in guns among us who do know better than to impose
upon their ignorant customers in the shameful manner in which
they do, as they are well aware of the difference in cost, work-
manship, and quality, between a genuine stub-twist and a wire-
twist, and they should not boldly assert the one to be as good
as the other, when they know what they say is false in every
particular. Such conduct is very culpable, and more so when
they are fully aware that the weapons they are selling are im-
perfect and often really dangerous to use.
WIRE-TWIST IRON.
This is the next quality of iron used in the manufacture of
gun-barrels, and the mode of making the bar of wire-twist is
thus described by Greener : " Alternate bars of iron and steel
DAMASCUS BARRELS. 429
are placed on each other in numbers of six each; tliey are then
forged into one body or bar ; after which, if for the making of
wire-twist barrels, they are rolled down into rods of threc-
eightlis of an inch in breadth, and varying in thickness accord-
ing to the size of the barrel for which they are wanted ; if for
Damascus, invariably three-eighths of an inch square. When
about to be twisted into spirals for barrels, care must be taken
that the edges of the steel and iron shall he outermost, so that,
when the barrel is finished and browned, it shall have the
appearance of being welded of pieces the size of wires, the wdiole
length of the barrel." A little further on, our author remarks :
" The objection made to the wire-twist is that, owing to the iron
and steel being perfectly separate bodies, running through the
whole thickness of the barrel, there is a difficulty in welding
them perfectly, and of course there is a danger of its breaking
across at any trifling imperfection. This objection is certainly
well-grounded, as many barrels break in the proving. I have
myself seen a very strong barrel indeed broken across the knee
without the slightest difficulty, while to all appearances it was
perfectly sound. This is the reason why the manufacturers have
ceased to make them, except for the American trade.''^
It is a well-ascertained fact that every description of gun-
barrel made in England, that is deemed of a very inferior
quality, in fact too dangerous to be manufiictured into a gun at
home, is shipped to our country for sale. The knowledge of
this circumstance should make all Sportsmen rather chary in
the purchase of guns from the hands of those who, from igno-
rance or leant of principle, are ready to palm upon them any
kind of a weapon, no matter how inferior, no matter how dan-
gerous.
DAMASCUS BARRELS
" Are pretty to look at, but they possess no advantage over
the wire-twist barrels; if anything, they are inferior in strength
and tenacity. The twisting which the barrels go through be-
fore they are welded together, for the purpose of forming into
a barrel, instead of adding strength to the body of the metal,
rather loosens the texture, by tearing asunder the parallel
430 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
fibres, the close adhesion of which constitutes the power and
strength of the metaL"
These barrels are made as follows : " When about to be con-
verted into Damascus, the rod is lieated the whole length, and
the two square ends put into the heads (one of which is a fix-
ture) of a description of lathe, which is worked by a handle
similar to a winch. It is then twisted like a rope, or, as
Colonel Hawker says, wrung as wet clothes are, until it has
from twelve to fourteen complete turns in the inch. By this
severe twisting, the rod of six feet is shortened to three,
doubled in thickness, and made perfectly round. Three of
these rods are then placed together, with the inclinations of the
twists running in opposite directions. They are then welded
into one, and rolled down to a rod eleven-sixteenths of an inch
in breadth." — Greener.
CHARCOAL IRON.
This species of iron, we believe, is the kind of metal from
which most of the guns imported into our country by Hardware-
men are manufactured ; when we say most of the guns, we
mean most of the hest guns, as there are thousands of guns
made of still more inferior metal tlian charcoal iron^ expressly
for the American trade. These barrels are generally palmed off
upon the ignorant as the real stab-twist; they are, however, far
inferior to the genuine article. The metal is composed entirely
of old iron without any admixture of steel, and therefore is
greatly deficient in the strength or elasticity of either the stub
or wire-twist.
OTHER KINDS OF METALS.
There are several other varieties of metals or compounds
from which gun-barrels are manufactured /or /ore?V/?2 tj-ade; they
are generally far inferior even to charcoal iron, and are want-
ing not only in strength, but also in that tenacity and ductility
so necessary for the making of an instrument which is intended
to hold within bounds so dangerous and powerful a composition
as gunpowder. Great quantities of this miserable trash find
their way to this country, and hundreds of individuals are
WOOD FOR STOCKING. 431
crippled Avith tliem in the course of a year. A full description
of all these metals will be found in Greener, as also a general
expose of all the deceptions carried on in the gun trade.
AVOOD FOR STOCKING.
Walnut is universally preferred in America for stocking; it
is abundant, strong, durable, and handsome, and therefore com-
bines many, if not all, the qualities calculated to recommend
it to the Gunsmith. Its natural beauty is very much improved
by staining, and many useful points under this head may be
learned from llawker. The following method, however, we
meet with in Greener's work, and as we have tested its merits,
we feel no hesitation in recommending it to our readers: "After
having got them (the stocks) dressed and sand-papered as fine
as you possibly can for walnut, take a composition of unboiled
linseed oil and alkanet root, in the proportion of four ounces of
the latter to half a pint of oil. These, after being amalgamated
for a week, will be a beautiful crimson color, and will not fail
to make walnut a handsome brown, on beino" laid on three or
four times with a sponge."
Bird's-eye maple is also used for stocking, and is preferred
by some to walnut on account of the greater beauty of its grain ;
we, however, and most other Sportsmen, consider it far inferior
to walnut. Greener remarks, that maple possesses less "con-
ducting principle" than any other kind of wood, and therefore
is well calculated to lessen the recoil, and on this account it is
best calculated for eun-stocks. This arsrument, however, we
think very lightl}'- of, for the reason that no Partridge gun
properly loaded should recoil sufficiently strong to be unplea-
sant, whether the stock be made of walnut, maple, or any other
kind of suitable wood.
The following method for staining maple, taken from the
same source as the above, we have also used — not on a gun-
stock, however, as we have no gun stocked with this descrip-
tion of wood ; but we tried it on some articles of furniture, and
found it to answer a most excellent purpose ; in fact, imparting
a beautiful and elegant appearance to the wood.
" Mix an ounce and a half of nitrous acid with about the
432 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
same quantity of iron turnings or filings. After the gas has
evaporated which is created by the mixture, take a piece of
rag and dip it in the liquid left, and wet all parts of the stock
you wish to stain. Let it stand until it is quite dry, then lay on
a slight coat of the oil and alkanet root. Take a quantity of
joiners' shavings, set fire to them, and pass the stock through
the flame until it becomes quite black, or the oil is quite burnt
off. Ee-sandpaper it, and you Avill find it, if possessing any
fio-ure, a beautiful mottle. Add a few more coats of oil; it is
then ready for varnishing, or any other way you ma}^ fancy to
have it finished."
Maple stained in this way looks very beautiful, but we do
not consider it either so handsome or so suitable for stocking
as walnut ; it is much more brittle and knotty, and is liable to
break if roughly handled.
CHAPTER XXIX
THE ART OF COOKING GAME,
'• God sends meat" — who sends cooks ?
"Nequaquam satis in re una consumere curam:
Ut si quis solum hoc, mala ne sint vina, laborct,
Quali perfundat pisces securus olivo."
Do not imagine, brother Sportsman, that we are going to
dive into all the mysteries and complicated paraphernalia of a
cookery book, or, as a scientific Gormand, that we are about to
extol alone the pleasures, the delights, the joys of a well-spread
table. In extenuation, or rather in support, of our trifling
efforts to promote the happiness of our sporting friends, when
assembled around the convivial board with appetites made
vigorous by the manly labors of the field, we beg to call their
attention, for a moment, to the sage remarks of the philosophic
Rumford, when speaking on this subject : " The enjoyments
which fall to the lot of the bulk of mankind are not so nume-
rous as to render an attempt to increase them superfluous. And
even in regard to those who have it in their power to gratify
their appetites to the utmost extent of their wishes, it is surely
28
434 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
rendering them a very important service to show them how
they may increase their pleasures without destroying their
health."— ^S'ee Chap. II., Essay III.
Who, among our readers, will not bow in humble submis-
sion to such sentiments, emanating from so great a source?
Who among them will not acknowledge, in the fulness of his
heart, " that a good dinner is one of the greatest enjoyments of
human life ?" Who ever knew of a Philosopher refusing to
participate in the festivities of a banquet? And who ever
encountered the still stranger sight of a Physician living up to
the dietetic precepts laid down for the guidance of his refrac-
tory patients.
Look around you on every side, ye carping Cynics and
snarling Bigots, and see how many men of the greatest talents
and rarest virtues, whether of the present day, or of ages past,
have sought pleasure in the innocent enjoyments of the table,
and thus convince yourselves that these indulgences are not
"incompatible with intellectual pursuits or mental superiority."
Doctor Johnson, with all his wonderful attainments, did not
consider a good dinner, or a recherche supper, beneath his atten-
tion ; for, we are informed by Boswell, his biographer, that "he
never knew a man who relished good eating more than he did ;
and when at table, he was wholly absorbed in the business of
the moment." The Doctor himself says, in his usual quaint
and philosophic style : " Some people have a foolish way of not
minding, or pretending not to mind, what they eat; for my part,
I mind my belly very studiously and very carefully, and I look
upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will hardly mind
anything else."
How perfectly correct and natural do these remarks appear
to us, when we reflect for a moment on the intimate sympathy
and peculiarly direct communication existing between the head,
and the stomach! If the least irregularity in the natural func-
tions of the bowels takes place, with what rapidity is it followed
by a proportional degree of malaise at the very centre of life,
the brain!
In fact, the healthy operation of the whole natural economy
is dependent in a great measure upon the state of the stomach ;
but the brain watches the actions of this organ with a most
THE ART OF COOKING GAME. 435
jealous eye, and in most persons is the very first to strike the
alarm at the presence of gross or badly-cooked food ; and it has
been most justly remarked that "he that would have a clear head
must have a clean stomach^
If such be the foct, and no one certainly will dispute it, how
necessary is it that we should not only regard the quality of our
food, but that we should have an eye to the proper preparation
of it by the Cook, before receiving it into so important an organ
as the stomach. AVe do not now address our remarks to those
whose health is so robust, and whose habits and associations in
life have been such, as to force them to remain happy and con-
tented with the coarsest fare, and whose stomachs consequently
have attained the vigor of an Ostrich or the capacity of an Ana-
conda ; for such individuals, we know full well, would naturally
accuse us of over-refinement and ridiculous nicety. Neither do
we wish to encourage or uphold in their effeminate opinions
those delicate and Epicurean dandies who cannot enjoy a meal
beyond the vile precincts of an eating-house, or the luxurious
saloons of a club-room, or whose pampered stomachs are never
sated, save when tempted with all the niceties that the markets
can produce, artistically concocted into savory steics^ outlandish
fncandeaux, greasy ragoCds^ high-sounding fricassees^ and gamy
salmis.
Such fellows as these latter, whose brains, what little they
may possess, as well as their hearts, are located in their bellies,
are objects rather of our commiseration, and wholly beneath the
notice of any sensible man, save that, like Peacocks at the Grand
congregation of the feathered race, they serve the purpose, occa-
sionally, of adorning a dinner table, of amusing the good-natured
host by their senseless friponnerie^ or perhaps, by the staleness
of their wit and the dulness of their speech, of setting off' the
more cultivated ye?<a: d'' esprit of some favored hon compagnon.
In fact, we have an utter abhorrence for a man in good health
who cannot "rough and tumble it," in perfect good-humor, for a
few days, when circumstances seem to require it, whether it be
to repose one's wearied limbs even upon a shaggy buffalo robe,
under the wide canopy of a starless heaven, or to stretch them
on the soft and downy feathers of a luxurious bed, surrounded
by all the gaudy trappings of an ambitious Upholsterer; whether
436 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
it be to sit down to a mess of cold pork and brown bread, or
to a round of juicy roast-beef. But, at the same time, we must
acknowledge, on the other hand, that we equally despise an ig-
norant, low-minded fellow, who affects to prefer salt pork to
savory venison, or a Barn-yard Duck to a Chesapeake Canvass-
Back, or Eot-gut whisky to sparkling lieidsick. Such a savage
as this is more fit for the negro-quarter than the banquet-room
of the polished and refined.
The rational gratification of a natural appetite with such
dainties as a kind Providence, in his infinite sroodness, has g-iven
us in this world cannot justly be called gluttony ; nor can a pro-
per attention or nice discrimination in serving them up be
termed sensuality^ as both the one and the other are the actual
gifts of the Almighty ; the different varieties of viands on the
one hand to tempt our palates, and the exquisite sense of taste
on the other to enable us to appreciate them when laid before
us. We have frequently observed that those among our ac-
quaintances who most often speak discouragingly of the plea-
sures of the table, and most vociferously disclaim all pretensions
to what they significantly term good eating — which, in truth,
means nothing more nor less than having go9d food cooked in
a wholesome and sensible manner ; these same individuals, we
say, when seated at the festive board, are the very foremost to
find fault if the dishes are not served up in becoming style, or
rather in accordance with their own peculiar, and sometimes
outlandish, notions.
What gluttony, forsooth, or sensuality either, is there in pre-
ferring a plain roasted potato to a boiled one ? And pray
inform us what gluttony or sensuality is there in preferring rich
venison-soup to thin mutton-broth, or a larded Partridge to a
3^oung Squab, or mellow wine to tart cider ?
Such differences as these are mere matters of habit or educa-
tion ; and a Cannibal may with equal propriety be termed a
sensualist, when greedily devouring the tender flesh of a young
infant, as a refined Epicure when warmly extolling the gamy
flavor of the leg of a Grouse.
We do not profess to be a good Cook, either practically, sci-
entifically, or theoretically, nor do we aspire to so enviable a
distinction, although the Magnus Coquus of princely establish-
THE ART OF COOKING GAME. 437
ments has always been an officer of considerable dignity ; and
so highly was the profession esteemed among the luxurious
ancients that a good Cook, we are informed, was termed Flomi-
num Servatorem — the preserver of mankind *
Notwithstanding all this high appreciation of culinary talents,
we, like many others, would greatly prefer leaving the branch,
with all its honors and practical operations, in the hands of
those who have made the Scientia Popince their particular study
and pursuit, though we cannot refrain from venturing a few
remarks in reference to the art, so far as it concerns the comfort
of the Sportsman. We do not, however, consider the subject
of cookery (as some foolish persons would affect) beneath our
notice ; but, on the other hand, regret exceedingly that our
"unavoidable ignorance on this score will confine our observa-
tions within a very limited sphere.
Nothing is more annoying, at least to us, and no doubt gene-
rally to our friends, than to toil after Game all day, although
this toil be our pleasure, and then have it totally ruined by the
carelessness or ignorance of the Cook, and, what is worse than
all, perhaps disappoint a score of anxious guests, whom, in the
goodness of ourjbeart, we have asked to be partakers of our
feast.
We are not a Cook, brother Sportsman, nor are we a Glutton ;
but we may, however, be a Gormand, or, in other words, an Epi-
cure, in all that relates to the cooking and serving-up of Game.
There is, however, a wide distinction between these two chai'ac-
ters. The Epicure, by the acuteness of his palate in the exer-
cise of that sense bestowed upon him by his Creator, is able to
distinguish the good from the bad. The other regards not the
delicacy or the quality of the food set before him, but rejoices
alone at the quantity which he may be permitted to stow away
in his capacious, ever-craving maw.
If a greedy, gormandizing fellow, unaccustomed to good living
and moderate drinking, chooses to overload his stomach at a
dinner-table, surelj* such beastly conduct is no argument against
the rational enjoyment of eating in moderation, or against the
seductions consequent upon good cookery and highly-seasoned
food; for it is a well-known fact, as stated by Accum, "that
* See the Cook's Oracle.
438 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
Savciges, whose cookery is in the rudest state, are more apt to
overeat themselves than the veriest Glutton of a luxurious and
refined people ; a fact which, of itself, is sufficient to prove that
it is not cookery which is the cause of gluttony and surfeiting.
The Savage, indeed, suffers less from his gluttony than the
sedentary and refined Gormand; for, after sleeping sometimes
for a whole day after gorging himself with food, hunger again
drives him forth to the chase, in which he soon gets rid of the
ill effects of his overloaded stomach. Surely, cookery is not to
blame for the effects of gluttony, indolence, and sedentary occu-
pations ; yet it (Joes appear that all its eflects are erroneously
charged to the account of the refined art of cookery."
Although we may be willing to acknowledge ourselves in
some respects a Gormand^ still we do not think that our love of
the good things of this world could ever induce us, like Apicius,
to offer our guests a ragoCd composed exclusively of the tongues
of "Peacocks and Nightingales," or even of "Partridges and
Eeed Birds;" nor would we desire, like Vitellus, to serve up for
our brother, no matter how much beloved, a feast composed of
two thousand dishes of fish and seven thousand of poultry.
Neither is our taste so cultivated or refined as to hanker after
the delicate flesh of young asses, as served up on the festive
boards of the luxurious Romans, or relish the leg of a young
puppv, as greedily devoured by the curious inhabitants of the
Celestial Empire ; nor is our palate so distorted that we could
ever fancy, as some of our friends affect to do, the trail of a
roasted Woodcock, or the contents of a Snipe's stomach.
Nevertheless, if put upon short allowance, we might be glad
to partake of any one of the above dishes, as well as rattlesnake-
soup, whale-blubber, and train-oil, without at the same time
meriting the ignoble stigma of a Glutton, as ^^necessitas nan halet
kgeyny
What, my delicate reader, would you think of a man that
ate, at one meal,
4 pounds of raw cow's udder,
10 " " raw beef,
2 " " tallow candles,
Total 16
EULES FOR SELECTING GAME. 439
and washing the whole down with five bottles of porter? You
would naturally, and very justly, remark: "What a Hog! what
a Glutton!" Strange as it may appear, however, such was the
meal of Charles Domery, when a prisoner of war at Liverpool ;
and, although allowed the daily rations of ten men, he was not
satisfied.
It was not necessary that the science of culinary chemistry
should be brought into action to provoke an artificial appetite
in this individual — he was a Glutton de facto. Nature made him
such ; and nothing but the strongest food could satisfy his in-
ordinate cravings.
In fine, with the sentiments of Kitchener, and in the words
of Accum, "the pleasures of the table have always been highly
appreciated and sedulously cultivated among civilized people
of every age and nation ; and, in spite of the Stoic^ it must be
admitted that they are the first which we enjoy, the last we
abandon, and those of which we most frequently partake."
"Cookery is the soul of festivity at all times and in all ages.
How many marriages have been the consequence of meeting at
dinner ? How much good fortune has been the result of a good
supper ? At what moment of our existence are we happier
than at table? There hatred and animosity are lulled to sleep,
and pleasure alone reigns," These are the words, and such
are the sentiments of the illustrious Louis Eustache Ude, than
whom no more accomplished Maitre de cuisine has ever lived.
TO SELECT GAxME.
The Sportsman will often find it to his advantage to know
how to select game as well as to shoot it or cook it. We will,
therefore, before entering more fully into the culinary depart-
ment, give him a few hints upon this subject, which he may turn
to good account as soon as a favorable opportunity presents
"itself.
There are three important points to be observed in the choice
of game ; namely, the weight or size of the Bird, the age of the
Bird, and the time of its being killed.
Those Birds which are plump and heavy are, of course, pre-
ferable to those that are slim and light ; a little practice will soon
440 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
teacli the Sportsman to ascertain the comparative weight of
Birds by poising, or rather weighing, them on the first joint of
his index finger.
Young Birds are much better than old ones; their skin is far
more soft, and tears easily; their bills pliable; their legs and
feet smooth, and of a light color; their plumage is also lighter;
the Hen Bird is generally preferable to the Cock Bird, being
more juicy and tender.
"When recently killed, the eyes are full and natural ; the inside
of the mouth, tongue, and throat looks fresh ; the skin white,
and the whole body smells sweet.
If, on the contrary, the Birds be old, they will be more tough
and far less palatable; their bills hard, horny, and worn off;
their legs rough and scaly ; their feet ragged, and their nails
short and blunt. If killed some days, the eyes will be sunk,
their fulness gone; the inside of the bill, the tongue, and the
throat slimy and fetid; the vent soft and of a dark-bluish color;
the legs and feet dry and husky to the touch.
So far as our experience teaches us, no kind of Game-Bird
improves by keeping over two or three days, although in cold
weather they may not be injured by it. Old and tough Grouse
(Pheasants) may certainly become more tender by age, and per-
haps may eat more palatably when in a state of half decompo-
sition than when perfectly fresh ; but this argues nothing, as
the flesh was not good in the first place, and any change in its
structure might, therefore, be for the better.
We do not, however, say that Game should be eaten as soon
after being killed as possible, for that would be wrong, except
in the case of some Water-Fowl ; however, we are satisfied that
Snipe, Woodcock, Plover, Eail, and Reed Birds can be eaten
with as much relish on the day that they are shot as at any
subsequent period, and perhaps never are so good on the third
day as they are on the first ; at least, such is our notion on the
subject, and perhaps we will be borne out in this opinion by
some of our friends. We have no fancy for putting into our
stomach half-decomposed substances of any kind; much less
have we so distorted, so depraved a taste as to desire to partake
of tainted, par-rotten game, or to chew up the half-digested
RULES FOR SELECTING GAME. 441
leeches, worms, and bugs often to be found in their stomachs.
Away with such mock refinement, such silly affectation!
In cold weather. Partridges will keep better than any other
kind of game, provided they are hung separate, and shielded
from the rain and sun ; those that are to be kept for any time
should be as free from shot wounds as possible. It is not neces-
sary to draw them or pick them ; if picked, there will be much
more evaporation from the bodies of the Birds, and they will
consequently be far drier; a pinch of charcoal, put into their
mouths, will assist much in keeping them sweet.
If frozen hard, game will keep for an indefinite period, but
should be eaten as soon as convenient after being thawed ; the
best plan to thaw it for cooking is to hang it for a short time
in the kitchen ; no kind of meat should be put to cook before
it is thoroughly thawed, otherwise it will take double the time
to cook, and at best will be tough, stringy, and tasteless.
The preservative effect of frost on dead animal matter is very
remarkable, and is taken advantage of by the inhabitants of the
far Northern countries on a very extensive scale, as may be
learned from the following extract from Accum's Culinary
Chemistry : " There is annually held at St. Petersburgh and
Moscow what is called the frozen, or winter market, for the sale
of provisions solidified by frost. In a vast open square the
bodies of many thousand animals are seen on all sides, piled in
pyramidal and quadrangular masses ; fish, fowl, butter, eggs,
hogs, sheep, deer, oxen, all rendered solid by frost. The dif-
ferent species of fish are strikingly beautiful ; they possess th^
lustre and brilliancy of color which characterize the different
species in a living state. Most of the larger kinds of quadru-
peds are skinned and classed according to their species; groups
of many hundreds are piled upon their hind-legs, one against
another, as if each were making an effort to climb over the back
of his neighbor. The motionless, yet apparent animation of
their seemingly struggling attitudes (as if they had died a sud-
den death) gives a horrid life to this singular scene of death.
The solidity of the frozen creatures is such that the natives chop
and saw them up, for the accommodation of the purchasers, like
wood."
442 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
COOKING GAME.
The more plainly and simply Game Birds of all kinds are
cooked the better, save those of a sedgy or fishy nature. For
these latter we shall give especial directions for disguising their
disagreeable flavor.
No great art of culinary chemistry, in our humble opinion,
can improve a plain roasted Partridge, Woodcock, or Grouse.
Nevertheless, to please the fancy or tickle the gustatory nerves
of some of our dainty guests, it may be necessary to resort to
some other more recherche method of serving them up.
To enumerate all the various modes of presenting game on
the table, as practised by those versed in cooking, either for
the ambitious purpose of exhibiting their skill in this branch,
or of whetting the appetite of some sickly Epicure ever in
search of novelty, would be at variance with the design of this
chapter. We wish rather to confine ourselves alone to those
simpler methods within the scope of every "family cook,"
discarding all useless and complicated dishes — such, in fact,
as are within the comprehension alone of a Maitre de Cuisine^
and which, by the by, need be served up but once in a life-
time.
TO ROAST GAME.
To roast a Partridge, Grouse, or any other Bird of the galli-
naceous order, is as simple a process of cookery as can be
attempted. The great error, however, that Cooks most fre-
quently commit in the operation is that they place the Birds too
near the fire when first put down, and consequently cook them
too fast, as well as too much in some respects. The surface
becomes scorched and burnt before the flesh of the Bird is
actually warmed through; the juices are dissipated, the flavor
lost, and the natural tenderness of the meat entirely destroyed.
To remedy this evil, it will be necessary to caution the Cook to
place the spit at first at some considerable distance from the
fire, so that the body of the Bird will become thoroughly
heated before the browning of the surface takes place ; then to
LARDED GAME. 443
move it by degrees nearer the fire, so that the heat can penetrate
thoroughly through the entire mass.
During this process, it will be necessary to baste the Birds
occasionally with their own drippings or a small particle of
melted butter, with which may be put a trifling portion of salt
and black pepper. The drippings should be caught on pieces
of thin and crisp toast laid in the bottom of the pan ; the crust
of the bread should be paired off, and one small slice will answer
for each Bird.
When the Birds are nearly finished, the}'- may be lightly
dredged with flour, powdered cracker, or bread crumbs, which,
uniting with the juices exuding from every pore, form a beau-
tiful brown crust. This process, before a brisk fire, should
occupy about twenty minutes for a Partridge, fifteen minutes
for a Snipe, Woodcock, or Plover, and twenty-five to thirty
for a Grouse — a little longer, perhaps, for the last-mentioned
Bird, as it should be well done.
Serve them up each on a slice of toast on hot dishes, and well
covered.
This is the best and most simple method of cooking the
greater variety of Game-Birds, and certainly within the ability
of any " plain cook," no matter how stupid she may be, or how
lately arrived from the "Emerald Isle."
LARDED GAME.
Game Birds of all kinds, when skilfully trussed, larded hand-
somely, and roasted brown, present a very beautiful appearance
on the table; but we do not relish them so well as when served
up perfectly au naturel. However, as before said, it is some-
times not only expedient but agreeable to us to consult the
palates of our friends as well as to titillate their fancies by the
variety of our set out.
The process of larding is a very simple matter,* and may
be learned from any cookery book. The practice of it, how-
ever, upon small game in particular, requires some judgment
and a great deal of nicety.
Before larding the Birds, they may or may not be stuffed with
* Larding needles may be had at the furnishing or hardware stores.
444 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
a small portion of grated pork, bread crumbs, and butter — the
drippings ought to be received, as before, upon slices of thin
toast. Roasted in this way, Birds are certainly more juicy than
when cooked perfectly plain, but are not, perhaps, so delicate to
the palate of a true Epicurean Sportsman, as they have lost a
portion of their natural gamy flavor, owing to the circumstance
that the flesh and juices have become impregnated with the fat
used in the larding, as well as that in the stuffing.
Larded Grouse are better than larded Partridges; larded
Partridges better than larded Snipe; and larded Snipe better
than larded Woodcock.
BROILED GAME.
Partridges, when split in the back and broiled over bright
wood coals, with a dressing of butter, salt, and a trifle of pepper,
are very good ; and this, perhaps, is the most convenient and
safe way of having them cooked when from home. The Cook
should be careful not to burn or cook them too fast ; the coals
should not be too hot, or rather the gridiron should not be
allowed to rest too near them, otherwise the surface of the body
will be scorched black before the interior of the flesh is warmed
through. If the legs of the gridiron are not long enough to
protect the Bird from the too direct effects of the hot coals, it
is very easy to remedy the evil by putting pieces of brick under
each leg.
TO SPLIT AND BROIL PARTRIDGES BEFORE A COAL FIRE.
We recommend the use of the common beefsteak-roaster, that
sits erect before the grate ; we have Partridges cooked in this
way very often, and find them most excellent.
In all cases, Game should be served up on dishes piping hot.
BOILED GAME.
Some Epicures are very fond of larded and boiled Partridges,
as well as Grouse, We are not very partial to either, although
we can partake of both by way of variety, more particularly if
TO COOK A SNIPE, WOODCOCK, PLOVER, ETC. 445
they be served up with Celery-sauce, made without the admix-
ture, however, of anj' kind of spice.
Birds should be boiled in a covered pot lined with china or
tin, with just sufficient water to cover them nicely ; they should
be removed from the hot fire as soon as they begin to boil
briskly, and allowed to simmer at the side till nearly done, and
then permitted to boil up briskly again for a few moments be-
fore removing entirely. The lid should be raised ever and
anon, and the scum, as it comes to the surface, skimmed off; this
precaution is very necessary, as it adds much to the whiteness
and consequent beauty of the Birds when served up. A few
grains of rice thrown into the pot will also assist in preserving
the flesh white. The more slowly Birds are boiled, the better ;
in fact, the whole process should be confined within a simmer;
the more gradual the simmer, the more tender will be the flesh.
It requires a longer time to cook game in this way than to roast
or broil it.
OTHER WAYS OF COOKING GROUSE OR PHEASANTS.
Some persons have a fancy for cooking Grouse, or rather
basting them, with a rich gravy made of butter, spice, and
port- wine. We have eaten them stewed in this kind of dress-
ing as well as stuffed with a variety of herbs or forced-meat
balls.
These made dishes are all very nice in themselves, and cal-
culated to please the fancy of many ; but a Pheasant stewed in
port-wine and spices is no longer a Pheasant, and therefore does
not suit our palate ; for, when w^e eat game, we like both to
know it and taste it.
Pheasants are very passable when split in the back and
broiled, as recommended for Partridges. There are other
modes yet for cooking Grouse, which, however, are not worth
referring to.
o
TO COOK A SNIPE, WOODCOCK, PLOVER, &c.
As before said, the more plainly Game Birds are coohed, the
better. This observation applies more particularly to the two
446 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
former Birds, as they each possess a rich gamy flavor which
should be preserved unadulterated by any of the complicated
arts of cookery.
A Snipe maybe larded and roasted; but a Woodcock yamais
— jamais. We regard a larded Woodcock entirely outre^ a posi-
tive abomination ; yet there are some excellent cooks who will
persist in serving them in this way, as well as some icouM-he
Eincures who aft'ect to relish them.
As for the disgusting and filthy habit of cooking these Birds
without drawing them, we can't speak in too harsh terms of it;
we consider such a practice calculated rather to disgust even
the depraved stomach of a Cannibal than gratify the sensitive
appetite of a well-fed Epicure. Those who are fond of half-
cooked leeches, partly digested ground-worms, tough viscera,
and ugly insects of all kinds, can have them brought on the
table in this way. For our part, we have no gvQi\.i pencliant for
such disgusting delicacies.
Audubon, in speaking upon this subject, very justly remarks:
"Many Epicures eat both Snipe and Woodcock with all their
viscera, worms and insects to boot; the intestines, in fact, being
considered the most savory parts. On opening some newly-
killed Snipes, I have more than once found large and well-fed
ground- worms, and at times a leech, which, I must acknowledge,
I never conceived suitable articles of food for man; and, for
this reason, I have always taken good care to have both Snipes
and Woodcocks well cleaned, as all game ought to be,"
Snipes are sometimes stuffed with herbs and baked. We
consider such a dish on a par with Partridge-pie.
Snipes, as well as Partridges, are often roasted with a slice or
two of fat pork wrapped around them, and then inclosed in
sheets of writing-paper well greased with butter or fresh lard.
The result of this process differs but little from that of larding.
Both Snipe and Woodcock require less time to cook than
Partridg-es — in fact, should be rather underdone than overdone.
Ten to fifteen minutes before a brisk fire is quite sufficient.
When cut into, the blood should be seen on the edge of the
knife, otherwise the juices of the Bird have been dissipated by
overcooking. This should never be the case either with a Par-
tridge or Grouse. The appearance of blood, when carving these
COOKING OTHER KINDS OF GAME. 447
two latter Birds, is a sure indication that they have been taken
from the fire too soon, and that the meat will consequently taste
tough and raw.
TO COOK RAIL AND REED BIRDS.
Both these Birds are best plainly roasted and basted with a
trifle of butter, and served up on toast. Some of our friends
speak in raptures of broiled Rail. We can't say that we admire
them particularly, when cooked in thie way. Rail are a very
juicy, tender Bird, and require no larding; when roasted on the
spit, enveloped in greased paper, they are very good. They
should never be stuffed ; they require about fifteen minutes to
cook before a brisk fire ; they are better eaten fresh, and never
improve by keeping; in fact, they are generally shot during the
warm weather, and when nothing short of an ice-house will
preserve them over a few hours. They spoil very soon, par-
ticularly after being wet and pitched about in the bottom of
a boat.
Reed Birds are best when roasted au naiurel on the spit
before a brisk fire. If enveloped in buttered paper, they cook
more nicely, and there is less waste of the fat. Ten minutes is
sufficient before a bright fire.
We have eaten Reed Birds stuffed with crumbs of bread,
butter, and a slight shade of herbs, and roasted in greased
paper, which are very palatable for a change. They are also
good when nicely broiled ; some persons prefer them this way
to all others.
As to stuffing them with chopped oysters, or making them
into dumplings with a thin crust of dough, and boiling them,
we have nothing to say ; and when any of our friends venture
a word of commendation in favor of such abominable dishes —
audio sed taceo.
COOKING OTHER KINDS OF GAME.
There are a great- variety of other kinds of Game Birds,
known as Fen., Shore., or Beach Birds., which require very nice
management to make them agreeable to an Epicurean palate.
448
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
When these Birds are known to be sedgy, they should be
cleaned, and rubbed with salt and corn meal, and put to soak
over night in cool water slight!}'' acidulated with strong vinegar.
They should be then stuffed with such herbs and spices as are
best calculated to destroy, or rather disguise, their original flavor.
If roasted and basted, or rather stewed, with a rich dressing of
butter, spice, and port or Madeira wine, their flavor is much
improved ; when served up, they may have a few drops of
lemon-juice squeezed over them, to make the sauce more
piquanie. An old Sea-Gull, Mud-IIen, or any other tough Fen-
Bird may be made quite tolerable b}'' such a process of cookery.
If, however, you should at any time be placed in a strait for
something to eat, we would advise Hawker's receipt for a " good
mess," and which can be made out of anything in the way of
a Fowl, whether a tough old Dunghill Cock, a Cackling Hen,
a Screaming Gull, or a Fishy Dipper, as follows: —
" Have a Fowl skinned and quartered ;
Put it over the fire in a quart of cold water ;
Boil it full tico hours :
Then add two ounces (or a handful) of pearl barley (rice
will answer) ;
Three blades of mace ; about two dozen peppercorns ; and
Salt to your taste :
Then let all boil together for one more hour.
An onion, or any other kind of vegetable or strong herb, may
be added ad libitum.
'Wte5
COOKING WILD DUCKS. 449
COOKING WILD DUCKS.
Eoasting on tlie spit is the only admissible way for cooking
Wild Fowl of any kind, with the exception, perhaps, of Teal,
which may be broiled on the gridiron.
Those Ducks that are fishy alone require any kind of stuffing,
and when stuffing is necessary to render them palatable, we
consider a Puddle-Duck quite their equal, if not superior.
Ducks ought to be roasted on the spit, and never baked in
an oven, as is too frequently done by careless and ignorant
Cooks. Baking renders them dry, rank, and tasteless, while
roasting makes them juicy and tender.
Cooks are not generally partial to the cooking of game, as it
is oftentimes attended with a good deal of extra labor (picking
and cleaning the birds, &c.), and, if not closely watched, will
deceive their employers as to the mode of cooking it. They
find it at times much more convenient to put a couple of Ducks
in an oven to bake, than on the spit, owing to the low state of
the fire, or to the circumstance that the spit is used for some
other purpose far less necessary. When this is done, the Fowls
are sure to be spoiled.
Ducks require but a short time to roast, and, when cut into,
from every pore should exude a rich and high-colored blood ;
this will not be the case if the Fowl be cooked too much, or
baked in an oven. There should always be sufficient of its own
drippings to baste it with ; if not, however, a little butter, and
a little port or Madeira, will not in such cases harm them.
It will require about twenty-five to thirty-five minutes to pro-
perly roast a Canvass-Back. It should be served up with fresh
crisp celery, potatoes mashed and baked, or plainly roasted.
Some persons like currant-jelly with these Ducks. We do
not; nor do we relish them so well when half-roasted, and
finished on the chafing-dish, with jelly, &c. We much prefer
them perfectly au naturel. Canvass-Backs should neither be
picked nor drawn till they are going to be cooked, nor should
they be soaked in water; in fact, they should not even so
much as be washed out after being cleaned. Other kinds of
Wild Duck, less delicate, may be picked, and soaked in water
29
450 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
two or three hours before cooking, without injury, rather with
benefit,
A small onion, or a few small slices of pared lemon, put in
the inside of a strong Fowl of any kind, will in a measure
correct its disagreeable flavor, and render the flesh more mild
to the taste.
The following receipt, taken from Hawker, will be found an
excellent sauce for all kinds of Duck that require an artificial
or made dressing:—
Port wine, or claret, 1 glass.
Sauce a la Eusse^ (the older it is the better), 1 tablespoonful.
Catsup (walnut or mushroom), 1 do.
Lemon-juice, 1 do.
Lemon-peel, 1 slice.
Shallot (large), 1 cut in slices.
Cayenne pepper, 4 grains.
Mace, 1 or 2 blades.
To be scalded, strained, or added to the mere gravy, which
comes from the Bird in roasting.
FURTHER REMARKS ON THE SUBJECT OF COOKERY.
Small Game are generally cooked without cutting off the
head or feet. Some persons are very partial to the brains.
Independent of this, the Birds look far better with their heads
on, and they should never be removed by the Cook.
Birds are far more tender, if eaten immediately after being
killed, than if kept over night and then eaten ; if kept, how-
ever, until the following or third day, they will most generally
be as good again.
Ducks, if to be eaten soon after being killed, may be improved
by burying them in the ground for a few hours.
As a general rule, thinly-sliced fried potatoes is the best ac-
companiment to game. They should be done brown and crisp;
potatoes done a le mailre cVh6tel will answer in place of celery
sauce for boiled game.
* See Francatelli's French Cookery, Receipt No. 35. If these herbs are not
at hand, substitute others.
CELERY SAUCE. 451
CELERY SAUCE.
As we have recommended the use of celery sauce with boiled
Game, it may not be amiss for us, before going further, to give
directions for the preparation of it.
This sauce is the most palatable of sauces, and the only one
we consider admissible as a dressing for boiled Game; some
even go so far as to recommend it for roasted Birds ; but we
must confess that we have no fancy or relish for it in this way.
Like all other nice sauces, celery sauce requires some tact to
make it ; the celery should be selected with care, washed nicely,
but not allowed to remain in water any time, for the soaking it in
this way, as is too often done, renders it tough, and destroys all
that brittleness which makes the plant so relishable; it should
then be pared, not scraped or bruised, after the fashion of some
ignorant Cooks. Then cut it into small pieces and boil in a
small portion of water slowly, till quite tender; pour off the
water through a colander, and boil it, or rather simmer it, again
for a few minutes with sufficient cream and a small particle of
butter rolled in flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
The bowl in which it is served should be warm ; the sauce
is to be poured on a slice of toast at the bottom. Raspings or
crumbs of a French roll are also used in the same way, and
answer an excellent purpose.
The Cook should be very careful not to scorch the cream by
putting it over a hot fire ; it must be stirred gently while boil-
ing. This sauce, as before said, requires to be made with some
tact, and we cannot be too particular in our directions to the
Cook, for, if not made exactly right, it is neither palatable nor
admissible for game. If burnt, which is the common error
committed by stupid Cooks in making it, it should be consigned
forthwith to the swill-tub, as six drops of such detestable stuff
would spoil the flavor of a Partridge or Grouse.
If fond of spices, put in a little mace and a clove or two ; we
don't, however, recommend it. A shallot or so, a bay leaf,
lemon -juice, orange-peel, or a little parsley, might also be
advocated by some of our friends.
452 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
THICKENING FOR SAUCES OR GRAVIES.
The foundation of all sauces and gravies is the white and
brown thickenings of the French cookery books. These thick-
enings are indispensable to a well-organized kitchen, and no
dinner can be served up properly without their aid. They
should always be in the larder for use, and are made as
follows : —
WHITE THICKENING.
Take a small lump of butter, the size of course in proportion
to the use you have for the thickening; melt it over a slow
fire in a tinned or glazed stewpan; then drain off the butter-
milk, and mix sufficient flour with the butter to make a thin
paste, which keep on the fire for ten or fifteen minutes, being
very careful that it is not scorched or colored ; then set aside
in an earthen jar for use.
BROWN THICKENING.
Take, as before, a small lump of butter, melt it slowly, get
rid of the buttermilk, and make the residue into a thin paste
with flour; then heat it gently over a mild fire until the whole
mass becomes of a light-brown color, when it is to be removed
and put away for future use.
Both of these thickenings are useful in serving up Game ;
the latter especially is suitable for mixing with the dripping
with which roasted Game is basted. These thickenings are
the basis of many other sauces, which the skilful Cook, with a
little instruction, will soon learn to make subservient to her
art.
POTATOES— A LE MAITRE D'HOTEL.
Steam or boil small firm potatoes in the usual manner; then
cut them into thin slices, and place them in a stewpan, pouring
over them a small cup of cream in which has been melted a
VENISON SOUP. 453
small piece of butter, seasoned with a little salt, pepper, chopped
parsley, and lemon -juice ; toss them over the fire for a moment,
and dish them up piping hot.
VENISON SOUP.
The following receipt for making this most delicious of all
soups we concocted a sliort time since, and we trust our friends
will find it as palatable as we do. We are indebted to Frank
Forester for our first ideas on this subject.
Take-
Venison, cut into small pieces, and the fat all
taken off, 6 pounds ;
Water, 2 gallons ;
Cloves, 2 dozen ;
Mace, 4 blades ;
Boil slowly 2 hours.
Then add—
Venison, cut into small pieces an inch or so
square, 2 pounds ;
Forced-meat balls, 1 dozen ;
Then boil 80 minutes.
Now add —
Cayenne pepper, 1 small pinch ;
Black pepper, 1 do.
Salt, 2 do.
Lemon or lime-juice, half wineglass.
The soup-bowls, for it should be served in bowls, to be set
before the fire, each containing say half a pint of dry port wine,
and a thin slice or two of bread, toasted, if you please, floating
in it. The soup to be poured over the whole, each bowl covered
up and served piping hot when seated at the table. This soup
is equally good the second day.
Particular care should be had that the venison be quite fresh,
and not in the least tainted, otherwise the soup will have a harsh
flavor cis well as disagreeable odor.
454 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
SPORTSMEN'S BEEF.
Take—
A large round of beef ;
Saltpetre, 3| ounces;
Allspice, 1 ounce ;
Cayenne, 1 pinch;
Rub in, and let stand 24 hours.
Then rub in thoroughly —
Salt, several handfuls.
Put it bj for ten days, turning it and rubbing in the salt every
day or two.
Then put into a pan with —
Beef suet, 4 pounds ;
Dredge it slightly with flour,
and bake slowly for 4 or 5 hours.
We have tried it, and we are satisfied, with a little attention,
it will keep during the whole of the cold weather. We also
think that we can answer for its pleasing the most fastidious
palate, and recommend it to our friends as an excellent and
most convenient article of relish to have prepared for general
use, or in anticipation of a prolonged sporting excursion. If
the round is not very large, decrease the proportions somewhat,
and take less time to prepare it. AVe met with this receipt in
a very quaint and original book from the pen of General George
Hanger, of the British Army ; we have altered it in some par-
ticulars, and we think for the better.
FOR COOKING HARES OR RABBITS.
Cut the Hares into pieces.
The stewpan ought to be flat, so that every piece may touch
the bottom.
First, heat the pan, then put into it about half a spoonful of
lard, then place the pieces of Hare into it so that every piece
touches the pan ; do not cover it. As soon as the Hare begins
to hroivji, turn the pieces and sprinkle over them two handfuls
COOKING HARES AND RABBITS, 455
of flour, with two or three whole and very small onions. This
must remain about five minutes over a moderate fire. Then
pour over it about a pint of boiling water ; add salt, pepper,
two or three cloves, two or three allspice, and a very small por-
tion of crushed garlic, say about the size of a pea, two laurel
leaves (such as come in prune boxes), a small bunch of parsley,
without being cut apart, so that it can be taken out when the
dish is served up. Let the whole boil or rather simmer slowly
about one to one and a half hours. Then pour over the whole
one-half to one bottle of good claret wine, and let the whole
boil over a very moderate fire for two hours longer, when it
will be ready to serve.
Particular care is required not to have too much fire.
These proportions are for a dish of two Hares. We are in-
debted to a friend for the above receipt, and we owe him many
thanks for the opportunity he has thus afforded us of furnishing
so desirable a dish for our gastronomic readers.
Squirrels may be served up something in the same style, and
will prove equally good.
" Ncc sibi ccenaruin quivis temere arroget artem,
Non prills exacta tenui ratione saporura."
CHAPTER XXX.
SOME HINTS ON TAXIDERMY. THE ART OF OBTAINING AND
PRESERVING THE SKINS OF BIRDS.
It is often very important that the Sportsman should know
something in reference to the art of preserving and setting up
the Game that he loves so much to pursue, for he may at any
time, when a long distance from home and far away from help,
come across some curious specimen, a rara avis — a White Par-
tridge, a Pied Woodcock, or a Mottled Snipe, for example — the
preservation of which, for a place in his cabinet, Avould be a
source of great satisfaction as well as pride. All this can be
accomplished without any difficulty, provided the Sportsman
makes himself familiar with the very simple modus operandi of
skinning a Bird, and the best plan of preserving the skin sweet
till it is placed in the hands of an artist more competent to
finish the undertaking.
The principal and most important object to be attained in the
preservation of a specimen, after we have shot it, is the pro-
tection of its plumage. This is done by pursuing the following
course : If the Bird is not shot entirely dead, the best and
easiest plan to relieve it from its sufi'erings, as well as prevent
TAXIDERMY. 457
any further displacement of its plumage by its painful struggles
to escape from our hands, is to squeeze it across the breast, or
under the wings, with the forefinger and thumb, but not suffi-
ciently strong, however, to break the bones.
A small particle of cotton or fine tow should then be placed
in the bill to absorb any exudation that might otherwise run
from the mouth, and come in contact with the feathers; if the
wounds show any disposition to bleed, they should also be
lightly covered with the same material, to protect the plumage,
as it is often very difficult, and at all times requires very nice
handlinii', to cleanse the feathers from coagulated blood.
This done, the Bird should be lightly grasped in the one
hand bv the head, while the other is used in dextrously
smoothing down the ruffled plumage; it should then be care-
fully wrapped up in a handkerchief or fine paper, and consigned
to one of our spare pockets till the close of the day's sport. The
following day or evening will be quite time enough to commence
the operation of skinning, as the blood will not be completely
coagulated till the lapse of several hours after death.
The process of skinning Birds will at first seem very difficult
and awkward to the novice, but we can assure him that a little
patience and perseverance will soon overcome all the imaginary
perplexities with which he surrounds the matter ; and, before
he has finished his sixth specimen, he will be surprised to find
how easy a thing it is to skin a Bird — even far less troublesome
than to pull a Rabbit out of his furry hide.
"In order to skin Birds, we must pass a needleful of thread
across the nostrils, tie it underneath the inferior mandible
(leaving the thread the length of the Bird), to prevent the blood
from coming out of the beak during the operation.
"We have before said that, when a Bird is killed, we must
introduce a little cotton into its beak; we repeat this injunction,
because the beauty of a mounted Bird depends on the freshness
of its head ; it is easy to repair and clean the soiled feathers of
the belly and back, but not those of the head without a great
expense of time.
"These precautions taken, we stretch the Bird on the table,
the head turned towards the left of the operator ; we divide the
feathers of the belly right and left with small forceps, pull out
458 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the down which covers the belly, make an incision in the skin
from the commencement of the sternum or breast-bone, until
beyond the middle of the belly ; raise the skin on one side by
the forceps, and separate it from the muscles with a scalpel,
approaching as near as possible to the wings ; this done, we put
a little floured or powdered cotton on the skin and flesh, that
the feathers may not stick to them ; we force up or push out
the thighs within the body of the skin, cut them between the
femur and tibia in such a manner that the former remains to be
afterwards pushed back into the skin. By the help of the scal-
pel and the fingers we detach the skin as far as the rump, which
we cut off". It is essential for this part to remain attached to
the skin to sustain the tail-feathers. We then take the already
uncovered part of the body with the left hand, and continue to
separate the skin from the two sides, cutting some little tendons,
which we find before we come to the wings, with the scissors ;
we separate the wings from the trunk at the junction of the
humerus with the body, and restore them to their proper place.
We continue to skin the neck, thrusting the head from within,
and we uncover it, taking care not to enlarge the opening of
the ears, and, above all, to be particularly attentive not to injure
the eyelids in taking out the eyes, which are easily picked out
with closed points of the scissors ; we replace the eye with
chopped cotton, with which we fill the orbits.
" We separate the neck, take out the tongue, and carefully
remove all the flesh which is between the two branches of the
inferior mandible. We enlarge the occipital hole to extract
the brain, by means of an iron instrument resembling an ear-
picker; and, to finish cleaning out the inside of the head, we
pass cotton and flax into it several times ; we must, during the
operation, besprinkle the humid parts with plaster of Paris, or
dry earth, from time to time, to prevent the feathers from ad-
hering to them and becoming dirty, and also divide the feathers
to the right and left, for the same reason.
" We then take out the wings, cut them off at the second
joint, and, taking away the flesh, restore them to their place.
This operation answers for small Birds; and we anoint the
wings in the parts which are destitute of feathers. We take
ART OF PRESERVING SKINS OF BIRDS. 459
away the flesh of the thighs, always preserving the bones of the
leg, and put them back in their places.
"If the Bird be of a larger size, we must carefully take away
all the muscles which adhere to the skin, as well as the fat ; and,
if it has been killed by a gun, or holes are otherwise formed in
the skin, they must be properly sewed up within.
" We fix a piece of thread to the first joint of each wing,
drawing them together to the distance which they occupy when
the Bird is in the flesh. This precaution, which does not
appear to be of great importance, infinitely abridges the opera-
tion; for, when the Bird is mounted, the wings place them-
selves, provided they are properly tied within." — Mrs. Lee's
Taxidermy.
The skins of some Birds are far less elastic after being dried
than others, and therefore require particular care in their
stuffing. Those of the gallinaceous order, or Game Birds,
generally are very contractile and non-elastic, and consequently
require full stuffing, when green, to preserve them in their
natural proportions, as it will be found very difficult to stretch
them after being dried, even if submitted to the relaxing efi^'ects
of steam, which softens their entire structure more than any-
thing else.
The skins should never be bung up to dry, as the weight of
their bodies, if suspended by tlie head, will stretch their necks
to an unseemly length ; a somewhat similar result will be effected
if they should be hung by the legs. The stuffed skins should
be laid out on a plain surface, with their heads and legs gently
extended in a line with their bodies.
"We saw, a few days since, a large box of Prairie Hen skins
nearly ruined in consequence of having been ignorantly sus-
pended by the neck to dry.
If the weather is warm, or the skins are to be put aside for
any length of time previous to being mounted, it will be neces-
sary to anoint their inner surfaces with some of the arsenical
soaps or other compositions, so as to insure them from the
attacks of insects. A weak solution of corrosive sublimate is
the most convenient, if not the very best of these preparations.
A teaspoonful of this poison to a quart of alcohol is about
460 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
the proper proportion. The whole skin can be immersed in
this solution without detriment, if it be deemed expedient.
With these few observations on this head, we will pass on to
another kindred subject, which we also purpose to treat in the
same summary manner ; our object being merely to call the
attention of the intelligent Sportsman to these matters, in hopes
of creating an interest in those animals which he pursues,
heyond the mere shooting of them, an interest which will most
likely ultimately result in benefits to the cause of science. If
this end is accomplished, my object is secured.
It could not be expected of us to enter largely into the
subject of Taxidermy, for it would require a volume of itself,
and moreover there has been so much already written by those
far more experienced than we could ever hope to be, that it
would be absurd in ns to collate such matters for our present
Book, but would rather refer our readers to the works of Mrs.
Lee, and Captain Brown, either of which contains about all the
information that one could desire upon the art of Collecting,
Preparing, and Mounting objects of Natural History.
Both of these manuals have gone through a large number
of additions, and contain a vast amount of information in a
small compass.
PRESERVING EGG-SHELLS.
To make his cabinet more complete, a Sportsman may have
a desire to preserve the nests and forms of the eggs of such
Game Birds as he may meet with in his rambles over the
country. The only effectual method of doing this is "to blow
the eggs," as the shells are so very porous that no plan, how-
ever skilfully devised, will prevent the putrefaction, sooner or
later, of their contents, if we attempt to preserve them Avhole.
Baking, boiling, slow-drying, immersion in spirits, varnishing,
&c. &c. have all been tried without effect ; the latter plan, how-
ever, is perhaps the most lasting of all means yet discovered.
To rightly "blow an egg-shell" is a process familiar to every
truant-playing young urchin, and it would therefore seem unne-
cessary for us to enter into an}^ detail upon so trite a subject;
however, we may not go far amiss in instructing some one of
PKESEIIVING EGG-SHELLS. 461
our quiet readers, who perchance never played truant or robbed
a Bird's nest in his youthful days.
The plan to be pursued is to make a hole in proportion to the
size of the egg in the point, and another in the butt ; shake the
egg well, or stir up the contents with a small wire or darning-
needle, so as to break up the yelk ; then apply the butt-end to
the mouth and blow the contents out at the point. This done
to your satisfaction, immerse the point in a cup of water and
suck up a small portion into the shell, shake it well and blow
it out ; repeat this operation till the inside is entirely free of all
the white or yelk that may adhere to its insides.
Eggs may also be blown by means of a small pipe constructed
as exhibited in the following diagram : —
These pipes, made of glass, can be had occasionally of the
Apothecaries. If made to order, however, either of silver or
other suitable metal, they will answer a better purpose and last
a lifetime; the glass ones are apt to get broken, and at all times
require nice handling, as4he points are necessarily so delicate
and fine that the slightest knock will fracture them. With the
use of this pipe it is only necessary to make one hole in the
side, shake the egg for a moment or so to break up the yolk,
then insert the point (c) of the pipe, and suck the contents, by
the application of the lips to the point (a), up into the bulb {h);
then withdraw it, and blow the contents out by the same pas-
sage that it was introduced ; repeat this as often as necessary,
according to the size of the egg ; then suck up some water into
the pipe and blow it into the egg, shake it up well, as before,
and draw off with the pipe, thus leaving the shell perfectly
clean.
To preserve more effectually from corruption the semi-mem-
branous linino: that covers the whole internal surface of the egs
the putrefaction of which would more or less affect the integrity
462 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN".
of the shell, it is recommended to introduce into the egg, by
means of the pipe, a small quantity of a strong solution of corro-
sive sublimate in spirits, which, being shaken up for a moment
or so, may be drawn out as before. Care should be taken nei-
ther to draw too hard nor too suddenly upon the solution, as we
may thus get a small portion of it in our mouth, which, by
the by, will not prove so agreeable as a sip of golden sherry.
A very little practice, however, in the use of the pipe will make
all things go right.
A handsome and shiny appearance may be given to the egg
by putting on, with a camel's hair brush, a light coating of
mastic or copal varnish. Colored eggs should be brushed over
with a solution of gum Arabic, as the varnish may impair the
color.
TO PRESERVE WINGED BIRDS FROM FATAL HEMORRHAGE.
If we should wing a Bird, and wish to preserve its life, it will
be proper to examine it careful]}^, more particularly if it be a
small Bird, to see if the hemorrhage is likely to prove fatal. If
such be the case, it will be necessary to immediately secure the
bloodvessels by a ligature, which can be very easily accom-
plished by examining the following drawing, and adopting the
means yet to be described.
If the wound be high up at the point e, pass a needle, armed
with a piece of waxed silk or thread, slightly under the skin,
but near to the bone just above the wound, and drawing the
two ends together around the bone, tie them. The pressure
thus exerted by the ligature on the humerus will be quite suflfi-
TO PINION OR AMPUTATE A WING. 463
cient to prevent the passage of blood along the vessels that lie
in close contiguity with the bone. This done to our satisfaction,
the Bird may be set at liberty, and the ligature carefully re-
moved in the course of a day or two.
If the wound be below the second joint, as at c?, pass the
needle, armed as before, between the two bones, and close up
to fZ, and tie the large bone c, which will thus include the bleed-
ing vessels.
If at a, below the third joint, pass the needle, as in the pre-
ceding case, between the bones, as near as possible to the small
bone b, then pass it again on the opposite side of the bone a ;
now bring the ends together and tie them; this beim? done,
the artery will be included in the ligature.
TO PINION OPt AMPUTATE A AVING.
If we should wish to pinion or amputate any portion of the
wing, either on account of a fracture or to prevent the Bird
from escaping, it will be necessary first to put on a ligature
just above the portion of wing to be taken off; this must
be done according to the directions laid down above. The
flesh is then to be cut down to the bone with a sharp knife,
and the bone sawed through with a very fine saw, at a point
just above the fracture. If a saw is not at hand, a pair of
sharp shears may be used for cutting the bone.
Nipping the bones, however, with shears is very apt to frac-
ture the bones and leave a ragged and uneven edge protruding
from the wound, which will prove very painful to the Bird,
and retard the healing of it up ; the small saw is far better for
this operation. These operations, although very simple in
themselves, and such as any schoolboy can practice, still re-
quire some little skill and artistical cunning to perform them
properly.
"?um. ipToP
CHAPTER XXX L
GENERAL HYGIENIC REMARKS.
•' The first Physicians bj' debauch were made ;
Excess began, and Sloth sustains the trade.
By chase our longliv'd fathers earn'd their food ;
Toil strung the nerves and purified the blood !
But we, their sons, a pamper'd race of men,
Are dwindled down to threescore years and ten.
Better to hunt in fields for health unbought,
Tlian fee the doctor for a nauseous draught.
The wise for cure on Exercise depend ;
God never made his work for man to mend."
ATMOSrHERlC VICISSITUDES.
The Sportsman should guard as far as possible against the
ill effects arising from exposure to the various atmospheric
vicissitudes inseparable from his pursuits.
His clothing should be adapted to the season in which he
hunts, and the particular sport in which he is engaged ; if the
weather be warm, a heavy coat is a great encumbrance, and
occasions much unnecessary fatigue; on the contrary, if the
weather be cold and boisterous, a light coat would be equally
inappropriate, and expose the wearer to a catarrhal affection,
or perhaps an attack of rheumatism.
HYGIENE. 465
We cannot be too particular in this respect, although many
old veterans may laugh at our remarks, as tending perhaps to
effeminacy, and say that such precautions are suitable only for
"dandy Sportsmen," but quite beneath the notice of one accus-
tomed to braving all kinds of atmospheric changes while in
pursuit of game either by land or water, and perfectly regard-
less of heat or cold, w^ind or rain. To these we reply, in a
hacknej^ed but nevertheless appropriate phrase, chaciin a son
gout; but at the same time we do not deny that there may be
some few who can brave all these extraordinary exposures,
without apparently suffering any particular inconvenience at
the time ; but we may recollect, also, that many have passed
through the impending dangers of a long and arduous campaign,
and come out from its perils unscathed, perhaps to die from the
prick of a needle or the scratch of a rusty nail. Thus it may
be with sume of those who ridicule such precautions as every
sensible man should take to ward off the bad effects of impru-
dent exposure to the changeable and trying climate of our
Northern and Eastern States.
"An ounce of precaution, at all events, is worth a pound of
cure;" and no Sportsman will do himself any harm by atten-
tion to the few hygienic rules that we are about proposing for
his future comfort. He will rather derive much benefit from
them, and be able at an advanced age to exclaim —
" Temperance, Joj', and Repose,
Slam the door upon the Doctor's nose."
If wet after returning home, the clothing by all means should
be changed as speedily as possible, and, if necessary, a little
warm spirits may be taken. A cup of hot tea or coffee will
often answer every good purpose, particularly with those unac-
customed to the stimulus of strong drink. Nothing is more
apt to produce a catarrhal or rheumatic affection than the per-
nicious habit of remaining in wet clothes after coming from the
field, more particularly the careless and common practice of
keeping on wet stockings. Off" with them at once, or your
joints will ache long before you have seen two score and ten,
and the sports of the field will no longer hold out any charms
for your rheumatic limbs. Do not sit nodding and toasting
30
466 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
your wet feet before the blazing fire, but off with those uncom-
fortable appendages to your lower extremities, and replace them
with dry ones.
OVERHEATED.
When overheated from extraordinary exertion, avoid placing
yourself in a draught of air, and shun the almost uncontrollable
desire to hastily quench your burning thirst with the crystal
waters of some sylvan stream, that bubbles seductively at your
feet; as a sudden checking of the perspiratory functions by these
means often produces the most serious consequences, and even
death itself has followed in the track of such imprudence. Do
not be tempted, no matter how great your fatigue, to remain
quiescent for any time, while in a state of free perspiration, in
a damp or wet place ; do not sit down to rest your wearied
limbs, but keep in gentle motion, until your skin has assumed
its natural temperature, and then you may quaff freely and rest
in safety. A professional acquaintance of the author, a few
years since, fell a victim to his own folly by going into a damp
cellar, and remaining for some time, by way of cooling himself
during an excessively hot day in Summer.
If hot or thirsty, mix a little wine, spirits, or vinegar, the
latter if you be a teetotaler, with the water before drinking it ;
this precaution will counteract any bad effects arising from
partaking of the fluid when in an excited state. It is also well
to bathe the wrists and temples before drinking.
STATE OF THE ATMOSPHERE.
/ There is certainly a vast difference between the air of the
mountains and that of the low marshy districts of our country.
The former is pure and healthy, while the latter is corrupt, and
often poisonous. The one contains all the natural constituents
for supplying the respiratory functions with that food so essen-
tial to their well-being, while the other is tainted with the
germs or exciting causes of numerous epidemic and endemic
affections.
Therefore, if the Sportsman should visit the malarious dis-
STATE OF THE ATMOSPHEEE. 467
tricts during the season of these poisonous exhalation?, it be-
hooves him to be extremely cautious how he exposes himself to
their deleterious influences. He should not, in the first place,
be too eager to sally forth to the fields before the morning
mists are absorbed by the benign rays of the sun, and all the
malarious effluvia wafted off by the gentle morning breezes.
Nor should he toil too much in the heat of the day, so as to
enervate his frame to such an extent as to destroy the equable
balance of health, and thus render his system more susceptible
to the poisonous malaria engendered around him. Nor should
he permit his love of sport to beguile him to remain out in the
field after father Sol has dipped below the horizon ; otherwise
the evening's fog may shortly treat him to an unfriendly " shake."
But, above all, he should avoid sleeping in malarious districts
with open windows. If the weather be chilly, have a fire if
possible in your bedroom, or fumigate it thoroughly with
cigar smoke before retiring; we say cigar smoke, as this is
generally the most pleasant mode of fumigation that a Sports-
man has it in his power to resort to. In the absence of this,
however, have recourse to the burning of paper, or rags ; or
adopt any other method that the ingenuity of the party may
suo-ofest. A little brown sug-ar or a handful of feathers, thrown
on a hot shovel, will assist materially in disinfecting a sleeping
apartment in a malarious region.
The exhalations of a noxious country are all destroyed by
the cold weather, and we may then visit those districts which
are quite unapproachable during the Spring and Summer
months, owing to the existence of this aeriform substance,
termed miasma, that is sure to fix upon a stranger who is so
imprudent as to venture there in the sickly season.
"With relish would you taste your rich repast,
'Tis appetite must make that relish last ;
If the great Orator did right to say
That eloquence in action, action lay :
And will you ask me, appetite comes whence ?
A fortiori, I should answer — thence.
You want, what you may think an idle notion,
Perpetual exercise ! perpetual motion !
A substitute for bread, your poorer neighbor ;
But you require a substitute — for labor!"
468 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
DIET AND DRINK.
"Eat and drink with moderation, if you wish to live long,"
is a saying not less applicable to Sportsmen than to other per-
sons; but to quaff lightly is absolutely necessary, not only for
the comfort but for the success of the Shooter, as much depends
upon his temperance in all things appertaining to the bottle. It
is impossible, as all will grant (old Topers not excepted), that
any one, no matter how hardy he ma}'- be, can take the field
with a steady hand and sure eye on the morning following an
evening's debauch ; we will use even a more mild term, and say
after a night's frolic. Laying aside the headache and the gene-
ral malaise that most usually attend excesses of this kind, the
nervous sj^stem, even in the most robust, must suffer more or
less from the reaction that takes place on such occasions ; and
the muscular system, sympathizing with it in its derangement,
renders the whole vital apparatus unstrung and unfit for arduous
duty, such as the sports of the field require.
These conclusions are so evident, that it requires no argu-
ment to support them, and we suppose no one will deny that
such are the inevitable results of any excess in drinking.
No drink insures better health, and produces a more equable
tone throughout the whole system, than the exclusive use of
unadulterated water — Nature's gift, the only beverage to which
all animated creation instinctively resorts to quench the natural
cravings of thirst.
A fondness for other fluids, especially vinous liquors, is the
effect of education and habit, as few or no persons like the taste
of any description of spirits the first time they venture to apply
their lips to the brimming bowl ; and, moreover, there never was
a drunkard made a sot in a week; the dreadful vice is the con-
sequence of a long and obstinate use of these liquors, which
actually at first were very obnoxious to him. Water is the best
solvent of all food taken into the stomach, and there is no drink
that favors, or rather assists, the digestive apparatus so much, in
a state of health, in the performance of its duties, and therefore
should be used in preference to all other beverages by the
Sportsman, as well as by all others who wish to live to an ad-
SLEEP. 469
vanced age. It is a well-known fact that all those individuals
who have attained a great age were, and are, water-drinkers ;
and it is seldom that we hear of an inebriate, or even what are
termed moderate drinkers, arriving at old age free from chronic
affections.
If, however, it be necessary, either from habit or the peculiar
condition of the constitution, to take a "little something" occa-
sionall}' during our excursions, let that little be of the very
best ; and, to insure this, carry it along with you.
Avoid, by all decent means, partaking of the poisonous drugs
called spirits, that are so generally found at the bars of our
country taverns. Such liquors, most frequently, are not fit even
to bathe the feet in, let alone putting into your stomach. A dose
or two of such trash is often sufficient to upset a temperate man
for days. To avoid the necessity of having recourse to this vile
stuff, in case of sickness or otherwise, as before recommended,
take a small store of good spirits along with you, as a part and
parcel of your necessary ammunition ; but, as before observed,
consider it as a medicine, only to be used when circumstances
demand it.
It is often very difficult, either from motives of politeness, or
of actual policy on the part of the Sportsman, to prevent drink-
ing at the bars of country taverns ; in such cases, take as spar-
ingly as possible of the liquor, and largely of the water, and
then take as little of the abominable mixture as you can well
get off with. We have more than once been placed in this un-
fortunate position, but have always succeeded in extricating
ourselves by a little manoeuvring, without suffering from an
overdose of these nauseating drugs.
SLEEP.
It is absolutely necessary that the wasted forces of the body
should be restored by refreshing sleep. The amount of sleep
should be proportioned to the fatigue undergone; therefore, after
a hard day's hunt, retire as soon as possible, and do not sit
dozing and nodding before the fire. Eest, so natural to all ani-
mal life, will soon restore the wearied functions to their normal
state of' existence, and impart fresh vigor and strength to the
470 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
exhausted frame of the ardent Sportsman, and thus make him
ready for the pleasures or business of the succeeding day. Sleep
acts as a balm to his excited system, and restores that just equi-
librium of the vital functions so much deranged by long-con-
tinued efforts in search of game. Without a fair quantum of
healthful repose, it is impossible for any one to pursue the sports
of the field with that zest and ardor that every lover of the Gun
and Dog should possess.
Sleep, however, to be beneficial, should be moderate and not
over-indulged in, but, as before observed, should be regulated
by the amount of labor undergone. Excess of sleep renders the
system relaxed, and even enervates the whole physical as well
as mental apparatus. Less sleep is required in warm weather
than in cold, and Nature herself seems to have regulated this
fact by giving us the long nights of winter for sleep, and the
short nights of Summer for siestas only.
Some individuals require much more sleep than others. We
are satisfied with six or seven hours under ordinary circum-
stances, and are led to believe that most persons can get along
with a similar quantity. It is astonishing with what little sleep
some persons of active disposition accustom themselves to, either
from necessity or habit; while, on the other hand, many slothful
drones, whose whole time is spent in strutting about like Turkey-
Cocks up and down our principal streets, are not satisfied with
double and treble, nay, even quadruple, the repose that many of
our most active citizens require.
It is well known that many of the most distinguished Com-
manders, who have made the earth tremble with their great
deeds, allotted but two or three hours of the twenty-four to
sleep, even during the fatigues of the most exciting campaigns;
Napoleon and Frederick the Great arf both instances of this
fact.
GALLED HEELS.
If by any mishap your heel should get galled, the inconve-
nience can often be remedied by adopting the plan recommended
by Hawker, but which we, as well as many others, adopted
before reading it in the Colonel's work : Take a small particle
CORNS. 471
of gold-beater's skin, and apply it over tlie wounded surface ;
when this is perfectly dry, and adheres well without wrinkling
when the foot is set in motion from the ankle-joint, take a piece
of court-plaster cut perfectly round, or, what is better, stamped
with a wadding-punch, so that there be not the slightest irregu-
larity or inequality on its circumference; wet it with the tongue,
and, holding it to the fire for a moment, apply it directly over
the gold-beater's skin. Hold the foot still till the court-plaster
is perfectly dry, then rub it over with a little sweet oil, tallow
candle, or any other kind of grease more convenient; this
latter application repels the moisture, and consequently prevents
the loosening of the plaster. A galled heel thus treated, with
a change made in our boots, need give us no trouble, as the
plaster will stick as tightly as possible, through a whole day's
hard work, provided it be not immediately rubbed with a
contracted heel, which will not allow the foot to go down into
it, but keeps it seesawing up and down at every step we take.
If we should suffer from having our ankles occasionally galled
with a wrinkle in the boot, as we have suffered more than once,
the plan proposed by Hawker will remedy the evil. We have
tried it and found it to answer a good purpose. It is in fact the
only plan to pursue. In the absence of the pad, one's own in-
genuity can construct something analogous. The Colonel says:
" Get a square silk pad similar to a kettle-holder. Then have
sewed on the opposite corners of it pieces of list long enough
to go twice around, and tie on the ankle. No wrinkle of a
water-boot can then cut or bruise your ' tendo-Achillis,' or back
sinew, provided you secure the pad firmly by putting it over
your common stocking, and under your yarn stocking."
-?'>* CORNS.
As writers on Sporting subjects, and even those of the highest
respectability in this branch of literature, have deigned to speak
upon the subject of corns, it may not be deemed amiss in us to
follow the precedent, although we may not be able to add much
that is new upon the subject.
A corn is nothing more than a portion of hardened cuticle,
produced most generally by the pressure of the boot, or of one
472 lewis' AMERICAN SPOETSMAN.
toe against another. Those formed bj the latter cause are
usually the most painful, and difficult to be treated, as they are
situated between the toes; and it requires a deal of management
to relieve the pressure sufficiently long to effect a cure, so long
as the sufferer is obliged to incase his foot in a boot.
These formations on the feet are called corns, from the cir-
cumstance that a piece can be picked out very like a corn of
barley, which fact no doubt many of our readers who are
troubled in this way have observed. The curing of corns, in
these modern days of improvement and charlatanism, has been
promoted into a science by some few pretending worthies who
have sprung into existence from the Lord knows where ! and
taken to themselves the high-sounding title of Chiropodist to
his or her Majesty's big toe, we suppose ! These fellows vaunt
themselves much upon their skill in the treatment of these
deformities, and even produce certificates from respectable
sources in commend^ition of their great success, which certi-
ficates are oftentimes obtained from the various parties without
proper consideration, or the lapse of sufiicient time after the
operation to judge of its real efficacy. The public, however, is
perhaps better able to judge of the merits of these scientific
operations than we are ; nevertheless, as far as our experience
teaches us, these ignoramuses, with their high-toned titles and
great pretensions, are a set of bunglers, and the most of them
entirely unworthy of confidence. Some of them even go so far
in their charlatanism as to succeed in gulling their victims into
the belief that there is some great secret attached to the opera-
tion o^ extracting a corn, as they term it, and make a great ado in
the matter, as it were to confuse the looker-on and involve
their clumsy operation in a certain degree of mystery. All we
have to say, as to these impudent humbugs is, that "the less
our readers have to do with them the better."
If, my i-eader, you have been foolish enough, or rather vain
enough, to wear a tight boot to exhibit the beautiful proportions
of your foot, and consequently have thug produced corns, and
brought upon yourself a good deal of suffering, the first thing
to be done towards relieving yourself of these little tormentors
is to call on an active disciple of Saint Crispin, and order forth-
with a pair of easy, non-pinching boots.
CORNS. 473
This being done, procure some soft chamois leather, and cut
with your wadding-punch several pieces of it ; through the
centre of these pieces punch again another hole still smaller
with a large-sized shoemaker's punch; this hole should be about
the size of the corn we propose to operate on.
These pieces of chamios may now be stuck together with a
little thin glue or any other kind of strong paste, and as many
thicknesses used as will be necessary to protect the corn from
the pressure of the boot when it is laid over it. The under
surface, or that part of the chamois-pad to be applied around
the corns, should be spread with diachylon-plaster (to be ob-
tained from any apothecary), and, when warmed at the fire, is
to be nicely adjusted over the corn in such a manner that the
hole in its centre will come immediately over the corn, and
thus protect it entirely from the direct pressure of the boot, and
consequently permit the patient to walk with ease. This appli-
cation will oftentimes not require readjusting for several days,
and if persevered in for a short time, the corn will entirely dis-
appear. If the corn is between the toes, something of the same
sort must be contrived for its relief. We suffered for several
months with one of these formations in this situation, and we
must confess that the treatment of it tried our patience and
exhausted nearly all our skill before our efforts were crowned
with success. We have heard of many empirical and old
women's applications for the cure of corns, but do not believe
that any one of them ever performed a cure, if the primary
cause of the deformity was not first removed, that is, " the tight
boot." This being done, any one of them may without diffi-
culty effect a speedy cure.
The following recipe, picked up we know not where, we have
used successfully on several occasions in the cure of corns, and
therefore can recommend it with some degree of confidence :
The corn should be pared as close as possible, and the chamois-
pad applied as above directed, and the mixture put on with a
camel-hair pencil, every other evening, for a week or ten days ;
the pad should then be removed and the foot soaked in hot
water, and the corn again pared of all the softened cuticle that
will come off" without using any great effort or producing pain ;
the pad may be again applied and the mixture used as before.
This will generally be sufficient to remove the enemy.
474 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN,
B. — Tincture of iodine 5iii;
loduret of iron grs. xii ;
Cbloi'ide of antimony 5iv.
An excellent corn-salve, put up in little tin-boxes, may be
obtained from tlie great herb depot, in Dock Street. It appears
to be of about tbe same consistency as the plaster known as
Burgundy-pitch, It softens the corn, and causes it to peel off.
Hawker furnishes the following recipe, which he recommends
strongly. We have never had occasion to try it : —
B. — Mercurial plaster,
Diachylon plaster, with resin.
Diachylon plaster, aa 5ii ;
Sugar of lead grs. xx.
All mixed together, and spread on leather.
Apply a piece of this plaster for three or four days. Then
soak the foot and rub the corn with a piece of pumice-stone.
Again repeat the plaster, and the corn will soon disappear,
N. B, The corn never to be cut.
TREATMENT OF A FALL, SPRAIN, BLOW, OR BURN.
If the Sportsman, by any one of those mishaps incident to
his pursuit, should meet with a fall and consequently sprain his
ankle, wrist, or any other of the articulations of his body, the
best and most convenient remedy, and one nearly always at
hand, is the application of cold water, which should be poured
on the injured part in a perfect stream for half an hour or more,
immediately after the accident. If the sufferer can get near a
pump or by the side of a small waterfall, and place the limb
directly under the stream, so much the better, otherwise he will
have to content himself with pouring the water over the parts
from his hand or sporting-cup.
By pursuing this plan, the pain will be diminished, the
swelling prevented, and the inflammation of the parts powerfully
opposed. The operation, however, to be of much advantage,
should be commenced as soon after the accident as possible,
and persevered in for a long time. The colder the water the
better. The limb should not be used for some time after the
TREATMENT OF A FALL, SPRAIN, BLOW, OR BURN. 475
accident — in fact, so long as it feels tender and weak — otherwise,
the cure will be retarded to an indefinite period. Sprains,
apparently of the most trifling character, are sometimes attended
with the most serious consequences, perhaps laming the party
for several months. Those affecting the ankle are the most
troublesome, and require great attention.
On one occasion, some time daring our college life, we rather
officiously proffered to hand a country lassie from her carriage,
which feat, by the by, she could have performed with far more
ease, grace, and elegance without our assistance, and perhaps
have jumped clean over our head besides, if we had desired
her so to do, or rather had bantered her upon her want of
agility. The ground was slippery, with a high pile of snow on
the side-walk directly in front of the vehicle. In her over-
anxiety to grasp our extended hand, or rather in our great
desire to support her delicate frame^ she neglected freeing her
garments from the projecting step, and the consequence was a
trijj iqj, and down she came on top of us with a j^srfect rush,
knocking us over and burying our head and face almost a foot
under the snow. In an instant, she sprang to her feet, shouting
and laughing at the top of her voice, at the same time plying
us with handfuls of snow, as a reward, we presume, for our
awkwardness. Without any complaint whatever, she walked
or rather ran into the house, standing a few rods from the street.
In the course of half an hour or so, she felt a slight pain in her
ankle-joint, and discovered that the parts around were swollen.
Little attention, however, was given to the matter that day.
On the following morning, the ankle and foot were enor-
mously swollen and painful ; on the next day, the swelling
increased, and the inflammation was very great, and so it con-
tinued for days, and weeks, and months, and the upshot of the
occurrence was a rigid confinement to the house for about nine
months, with the dread at one time of losing the whole foot;
and after the lapse of two years she had not entirely recovered
the use of her limb, so she informed me, although we can vouch
for her being now able to cross over, hack to hach, ladyh chain,
right and left, during a whole winter's evening, without ever
refusing a single proposition to dance from the country beaux.
After the application of the water, and the limb being at
476 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
rest, it will be well to bathe or rather gently rub the parts with
some kind of opodeldoc. Sweet oil, goose-grease, laudanum,
spirits of camphor, hartshorn, brandy, alcohol, rum, whiskey,
&c. &c. are the bases of all the mixtures known under the term
opodeldoc. Any one or two of these substances, or all of them,
may be employed. For the purpose of friction, the mixture
should be strong enough to produce a smarting sensation, and
impart a certain degree of redness to the skin, when rubbed
in. Brandy and salt is a good application for this purpose, and
can be obtained with convenience at almost any place.
This done, the parts may be bathed or kept wet with a solution
of sugar-of-lead, made with equal parts of water and vinegar. If
the limb, in spite of all these precautions, should be painful and
continue to swell, it will ease it very much to apply a large
poultice of flaxseed, corn meal, onions, &c. &,c. If it gets worse,
send for a Doctor, if within a hundred miles, and he will order
the joint leeched, and prescribe a dose of salts and magnesia.
Perfect rest to the limb is of the greatest importance, and
without it no treatment will produce a cure. If the ankle is the
affected joint, the foot should be kept up on a pillow, and never
put to the ground till free of pain. A blow or bruise may
be treated pretty much in the same way.
The following lotion for sprains, bruises, &c., we give as
recommended by an old English Sportsman, as well as soldier,
General Hanger: The reason why we give this old-fashioned
recipe in preference to any other of more moderate date, is that
we adopted it several years ago as a kind of family cure-all^ for
man and beast, and found it to answer a most excellent pur-
pose.
X R. — Spirits of wine oviij ;
Gum camphor oj ;
Spirit of turpentine .oj ;
Spirit of sal. ammoniac sj ;
Oil of origanum cSS ;
Laudanum oj. \/
Dissolve the camphor in the spirits of wine first, then add the
other ingredients. To be rubbed in with the hand for full a
quarter of an hour, several times each day. This mixture will
be found very efficacious in the case of horses, dogs, cattle, men,
WOUNDED EYE. 477
■women, and children. If the surface of the wound be exco-
riated, it will not do to apply this mixture directly to the spot,
as it will cause too much pain ; it can be used, however, on the
parts adjoining.
BURN.
^ The best application to a fresh hum is raw cotton dipped in
sweet oil or molasses ; lime-water and sweet oil also makes an
excellent dressing.
WOUNDED EYE.
If a bug, seed, or twig should fly in the eye, it ought to be
removed as soon as possible. If you have a companion along,
make him explore the eye thoroughly till he gets it out, what-
ever it may be, with the corner of a handkerchief; else you will
be tormented all day with it, and the eye will become irritated
and inflamed from its presence. A small seed will sometimes
burv itself in the lining membrane of the lids, and remain there
for hours if not removed by a skilful hand ; to do this, it will
be necessary to take a small pencil-case, or any smooth article,
about the same dimensions, in the left hand between the fore-
finger and thumb (provided our patient's right eye is affected),
gently press the pencil lengthwise against the lower part of the
lid, at the same time seizing the eyelashes with the forefinger
and thumb of the right hand; with a dextrous motion the lid
is everted, and its whole surface can be examined. This opera-
tion may appear difficult to the reader, but we can assure him
it is very simple, and can be performed by any one with a little
practice.
Bathing the eye in cold water will often remove particles
from it that may have blown into it, as well as afford consider-
able relief after the removal of such substances. The eye,
during the evening, should be protected from the heat of the
fire and the glare of the candle, not by bandaging it up, as
some foolish persons would suppose, but by shading it with a
broad-brimmed hat, or, what is better, sitting with the back
to both. A bandage will heat the eye, and increase the inflam-
mation.
478 lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
The following is an excellent collyrium to be used in slight
inflammation of the eye arising from Avounds, cold, and such
like causes,
K. — Vinegar one teaspoonful ;
Laudanum thirty drops ;
Water eight teaspoonfuls.
This preparation can be had at all times, as there is scarce
a family in any part of the country that has not a little lauda-
num to dose a squalling child, or to cure an attack of helly-
ache.
SORE THROAT.
If the throat should feel sore from exposure to wet feet, or any
other of those numerous causes that all Sportsmen are open to
during their excursions, have recourse to the following gargle,
which we have used, over and over again, with perfect success
in such cases. We have also recommended it frequently to our
friends with like results : —
R. — Barley water two and a half teacups;
Honey two tablespoonfuls ;
Vinegar four tablespoonfuls;
Tincture of myrrh three teaspoonfuls.
Mix and use frequently.
If these ingredients cannot be obtained, take equal quantities
of vinegar and water with a sprinkle of Cayenne pepper, and
gargle. The throat should be rubbed with hartshorn, oil, and
laudanum ; even goose-grease will help.
TO TELL THE AGE OF A DOG. 479
TO STOP HEMORRHAGE.
If by any accident an artery should be opened in any part of
the limbs, the bleeding is very easily arrested by tying a hand-
kerchief around the limb; it should be drawn tightly, and an-
swers better if a knot is put in it, which is to be placed directly
over the course of the bleeding vessel. By this means the pres-
sure will be exerted more directly upon it. This bandage should
not be removed till a Surgeon is present.
All the principal bloodvessels run on the inside of the limbs,
and can be easily discovered by the pulsation.
TO TELL THE AGE OF A DOG.
It just occurs to us how ignorant many of our friends are as
to the mode of telling the age of a Dog; we therefore give in
this place a few hints on the subject.
Take, for instance, a Puppy at one year old, open his mouth,
and examine his front teeth ; take no heed of the side or jaw
teeth, save to admire their ivory-like appearance.
These front teeth, or, more scientifically speaking, these in-
cisors, both in the upper and lower jaw, will be found jagged
and uneven ; this appearance may be termed the marks of the
Dog. The age of a Dog may be determined by these marks with
the same degree of certainty that a Jockey guesses at the age of
a Horse. These marks continue longer in the upper teeth than
they do in the lower, and the jagged, uneven appearance noticed
in the Pup is half gone at the age of three or four years; when
it has entirely disappeared, and all the front teeth have be-
come worn smooth and even, the Dog is nearly or quite full
six 3^ears old.
When the front teeth are not only worn smooth, but worn
greatly away, the Dog is hard on to eight or even ten years, and
then we may notice, in the majority of Dogs, other signs of age
which are not to be mistaken — such as the turning gray of the
hair, about the eyes more particularly, but which gradually
spreads over the whole face. Dogs are seldom good for any
480
lewis' AMERICAN SPORTSMAN.
sporting purposes aften ten years of age; and but few of them,
even at this early age, without they h^ve had kind treatment
and good attention, are worth taking to the field, except for a
few hours' hunt.
INDEX.
A
Accum, 438
comiuents on the gluttony of Sa-
vages, 438
remarks on the pleasures of the
table, 439
frozen markets of St. Petersburgh
and Moscow, 44
Achilles, 404
Age of the Dog, 479
Ajax, 404
Alexander the Great, 404
deteiTcd by a supei'stitious dread
of gunpowder, 404
Ambush, 275
erected on the flats, 275 '
bow constructed, 275
with what success, 276
Anecdote —
Snipe shooting, 190
Swan shooting, 281
Punters'— of frozen Ducks, 283
of Captain Hawker, 285
Apicius —
his extraordinary feast, 438
Art of shooting, 282
Audubon, 88
account of driving Partridges, 88, 89
account of Goshawk attacking Wild
Fowl, 97
description of the AYild Turkey, 118
remarks on the Wild Turkey, 123,
124, 125, 127
description of Turkey pens, 129,
130
further remarks on the Wild Tur-
key, 132
on the drumming of Pheasants, 138
on migrations of Birds, 139
on the flight of the Gallinaceous
Birds, 139
denial of the popular notion re-
specting Pheasants, 142
on the Prairie Hen, 149
domestication of them, 150
81
Audubon — continued.
on the notes of the Snipe, 182
the Reed Bird, 200
as to cooking game, 446.
Aztecs —
Wild Turkey common with the, 129
B
Bacchus, 404
Bacon, Friar, 404
his knowledge of Gunpowder, 404
how obtained, 404
Bartram, 206
statement respecting Piails, 206
Battery, 267
description of, 267
great numbers of Ducks shot from,
268, 269
mode of shooting from, 269
mode of building, 270
description of the Model, 270, 271
Beef, Sportsman's, 454
how made, 454
how useful, 454
Birds —
technical terms applied to, 33, 34,
85
measurement of, 35
nocturnal, 36
moulting of, 37
Serpents charming, 72
a vulgar notion, 72
flesh of Birds made poisonous, 75
Black Bird—
a White, 82
Black or Dusky Duck, 305
well known in Philadelphia mar-
kets, 305
far inferior to other Ducks, 305
shot on the Delaware, 305
will not stool, 305
flight, 305
habits, 305
description of, 306
482
INDEX.
Black Head, or Scaup Duck, 298
habits, 298
description, 298, 299
Blain —
his directions for j)olisliing gua-
barrels, 379
remarks on Spanish barrels, 427
Blow-
treatment of, 474
Boating Ducks, 264
Boots, shooting, 367
how made, 367, 368, 369
laced boots, 3G9
boots for Snipe shooting, 369, 370
dressing for, 370
receipts for making dressings, 371,
372, 373
Boswell —
extract on eating, 434
Bowles —
his account of the feeding of Wood-
cocks, 101
Brant or Brent, 316
same as Barnacle Goose, 310
habits, 316
where found, 316
description of, 317
terms applicable to, 42
Box ; see Battery, 267
Brewei' —
observations on the Ventriloquism
of Rails, 207
Brown, Captain —
work on Taxidermy, 460
Bryan, George H. —
his Rail captured at sea, 206
Buffel-IIeaded Duck, 303
Butter Ball, 303
habits, 303
description, &c. 304
Buffon—
statement respecting V/hite Par-
tridges, 81
his observations on the AVild Tur-
key, 129
Burn — N
treatment of, 477.
C
Canvass-Back, 252
highly prized, 253
Wilson's regard for them, 252, 258
known only in America, 253
description of, 253
weight of, 254
natural history of, 254
migrations, 255
habits, 256
Canvass-Back — continved.
fondness for water celery, 255, 250,
257
shyness, 258
iiiodes of taking, 258
toling, 259, 2G0, 261, 262, 263, 264
boating, 264
shooting from Dug-outs, 266
. surface boat, 267
coffin boat, 267
Battery, 267
Sink, 267
Box, 267
when used, 267
their construction, 267
great numbers of Ducks killed, 268
INIr. Levy kills great numbers of,
269
how to shoot from a Battei-y, 269
description of, 270
directions for building a Battery,
270 to 275
ambush on the flats, 275
how constructed, 275, 276
stooling oiT points, 276, 277
ingenious plan in calm weather,
277, 278
holes in the ice, 279
point shooting, 279, 280, 281
bar shooting, 280
a trick on the author, 281
art of shooting V/ild-Fowl, 282,
283
further instructions, 284, 285
to shoot Ducks setting, 285, 286
Wilson's beautiful description of
Duck shooting, 287
Cannon —
their first introduction, 406
Caps, Percussion, 354
French and German, 354
English, 354
Walker's, 355
other particulars, 355
Charges for, 356
substitute for Caps, 350
Carolina —
Snipe in, 182
Cartwright, Major —
his experiments to ascertain the
velocity of flight of Wild Ducks,
249, 250
Cartridges, 357
extensively used, 357
how matle, 358, 359
their superiority, 359
used in Pigeon shooting, 360
in Wild-Fowl shooting, 360
Eley's patent wire, 360
INDEX.
483
Cartriijges — continued.
remarks on paper Cartridges, 360,
361
Carrol's Island, 281
Celery Sauce, 451
how made, 451, 452
Ceylon —
Snipe in, 181
Chandler, M. T. ^V—
remarks on Woodcock, 159
further comments, 169
his water-proof dressing: for Boots,
272, 273
his plan of having shooting Boots
made, 273
Chargers, Cap, 3-56
Charadrius Pluvialis, 237
" Apricarious, 233
Charming of Birds —
" Sei'pents, 71, 72
Charleston —
Canvass-Backs at, 257
Chesapeake Bay —
Partridges caught on the shores of
the, 87
Wild-Fowl shooting on, 246, 247
immense numlicrs on the, 247, 248
when they arrive on the waters of
the, 247
Canvass-Backs on the, 247, 248
various kinds of Ducks on, 258
toling Ducks on, 259 to 264
regulations for protection of Wild-
Fowl on, 264
Battery on, 267
immense number of Ducks shot on,
269
principal sites for shooting on, 280
present and future numbers of
Ducks on, 288
appearance of Geese on, 812
Brant on the, 310
Cleaning Guns, 375, 376
Clothes, Gunning, 364
kind of material most suitable, 364
style to be made, 364
how to preserve from moths, 364,
365
Cock of the Gun, 357
Coifin Boat, 267
Cooking, 433
"God sends meat" — who sends
Cooks ? 433
Count Rumfurd's remarks on, 433,
434
author's comments, 434, 435
Dr. Johnson's estimation of, 434
author's remarks, 435
Accum's remarks on, 437, 438
Cooking — continue J.
Louis Eustache Ude's remarks on,
439
to select game for, 439
rules for selecting game, 440
when in best condition for, 440,
441
cooking of game, 442
roasting game, 442, 443
larded game, 443
broiled game, 444
other ways of cooking game, 445
Audubon's remarks on, 440
cooking Bail and Reed Birds, 447
" a good mess," 448
cooking AVild Ducks, 449, 450
sauces and gravies, 452
white and brown thickenings, 452
potatoes a le maitre d'hotel, 452
Venison soup, 452
Beef, Sportsman's, 453
cooking Rabbits, 454
" Squiiu-els, 454
Copple, Daniel —
white Snip© shot by, 194
Corns
on the feet, how treated, 472
Crow —
white, 81
Curlew, Esquimaux, 226
Short-billed, 226
nomenclature, 226
description and habits, 227
flesh, 227
mode of shooting, 228
Guns suitable for shooting, 228
Curlew, 230
Long-billed, 230
Sickle-billed, 2:30
habits, description, 230, 231
resembles the English, 231
food, 231
how pursued, 231
D
Daniel — -
fecundity of the English Partridge.
69
several white Partridges referred
to by, 81
his description of the Pochard, 290
decoy ponds of England, 291
Dogs-
terms applicable to, 39
Youatt's work on the, 43
noble qualities of the, 44
fidelity of, 45
careful not to shoot your, 51, 59
484
INDEX.
Dogs — continued.
to make Dogs show to advantage,
02, 03
Partridges best to break Dogs on,
91
can't find Tartridges at times, 91
to 95
ready for the field, 105
feed your, 100
mode to hunt, 108, 109
various disposition of, 109
the correction of, 109, 110
taught to retrieve. 111
further remarks on Retrievers, 112,
118, lU
English compared with American,
115
for AVoodcock sliooting, 177, 178
epitaph on a, 179
tuition of Spaniels, 179
for Snipe shooting, 192 ,
accidental death of a, 193
neglected water Dog, 248
used in Toling, 259, 200
to tell the age of a, 479
Domery, Charles —
his ravenous appetite, 438, 439
Dressing for boots, 370
vai'ious receipts, 370, 371, 372, 373
Di-iving Partridges, 88
as practised in the South, 88, 89
Dag-outs —
shooting from, 200
' how constructed, 200
Dusking
as applied to Wild Fowl shooting,
305
Edward III.—
Cannon first employed by, 400
Eggs, Birds' —
preserving the shells, 460, 401
Egypt-
Snipe in, 181
Eley's
patent cartridges, 360
Elizabeth, Queen —
her improvements in Cannon, 400
Elk River-
ambush on the flats of, 275
points for Duck shooting on, 280
English Author —
observations on the feeding of Wood-
cocks by an, 102
comments on Snipe shooting by an,
188
English Curlew, 281
Esquimaux Curlew, 226
Eye-
wounded, 477
treatment of wounded, 477, 478
Eyre, J. M.—
exploits in Rail shooting, 216
Fall, treatment of, 474
Feathers —
description of the various, 33 to 35
the tail, 35
their action, 35
sensation in, 36
in noctui'nal Birds, 36
moulting of, 36
changes in color, 37
Field Plovers, 228
Fire Hunting of Woodcocks, 175, 170
Flight-
Birds of rapid, 34
of the Partridge, 80, 81
Major Cartwright's experiments on,
249
Henry IV. of France, his Falcons,
250
Folly Island —
numbers of Curlew on, 230
Forrester, Frank —
remarks on Woodcock, 164
on the cry of the Snipe, 183
Fowler, an English writer —
opinion of American Sporting, 02
how unjust, 02
Frederick the Great —
required little sleep, 470
Frost Birds, 237
Furtica Chlorophus, 222
G
Galveston Bay —
Canvass Backs on, 257
Game —
pi-edictions regarding, 98
Carrying, 304
Gauge —
Powder, 301
Shot, 361
Giraud —
description of the King Rail, 220
statement regarding Lons-Billcd
Curlew, 230
Gloves —
use of gloves when shooting, 343
kind to use, 344
Godman —
the migration of Squirrels, 340
the habits of the Hare, 325
INDEX.
485
Godwit, 243
Goose, Snow —
habits, 314
description, 315
Goose, Canada —
well known, 311
widely spread over the country, 311
habits, 311, 312, 313
appearance on the Delaware, 312
journey through Canada, 312
great slaughter, 312
Pennat's history of Geese at the
North, 312
passage through Eastern States, 313
habits, 313, 314
domestication in England, 313
how shot, 313
description, 314
terms applicable to, 42
Gratz, David —
White Partridge in possession of, 81
Gravy Thickenings —
importance in cooking, 452
Greater-Yellow Shanks, 243
Greener —
remarks on Gunpowder, 385
comments on properly loading, 391
remarks on brazing guns, 419
staining gun-barrels, 421
his remarks on, 422, 423
comments on stub-twist barrels, 429
on Damascus barrels, 429, 430
Grouse, Pinnated, 146
Prairie Hen, 146
Tetrao Cupido, 146
description of, 146
location, 147, 148
period of pairing, 149
tooting of the, 149
Audubon's remarks, 149
domestication of, 150
flight of the, 151
feeding and roosting, 152
time for shooting, 153
other varieties, 153
useful hints, 154
terms applicable to, 41
Grouse, Ruffed, 134
Pheasant, 134
Tetrao Umbellus, 134
locality, 134
nomenclature, 135
description, 135
confounded with Prairie lien, 136
their gradual destruction, 136
incubation, 137
Drumming, 138
their battles, 138
migrations, 138
Grouse — continued.
flight of the, 139
habits, 139
their flesh poisonous, 140
enemies of the, 141
their flesh, 141
a feast of English, 141
modes of shooting, 142, 143
treeing, 143
shooting with a Setter, 144
snares, etc., 144
useful memoranda, 145
terms applicable to, 41
Gun—
the first desidei-atum a good, 48
nicety in handling a, 50
gentle movement of the, 57
never beat bushes with the, 59
holding the, 344, 345
cocking the, 344, 345
caution as to loading, 347
one barrel used more than the other,
352
nipple of the, 356
pivot, 356
cock, striker, or hammer, 357
importance of clean, 365
caution as to cleaning, 366, 367
mode to clean, 375, 376
leading of barrels, 376
prevent rusting, 377, 378, 379
stocking of, 379
locks for, 382
loading, 390
Greener's remarks on loading, 891
comments by the Author, 392, 393
bursting of, 393
Commodore Stockton's experi-
ments, 393
Author's views, 394, 395, &c. &c.
recoil of, 398
kicking of, 398
cause of recoil, 399, 400
experiments to prove it, 400
Commodore Stockton's views as to
recoil in, 401
Author's views, 401, 402
ancient, 406
the various parts of a, 407
AVestley Richards, his, 411, 412,
413
welding barrels, 416
boring, 417
grinding, 418
turning, 418
brazing and breeching, 419
proving, 419
staining, 421
Greener's recipe, 421
486
INDEX.
Gun — continued.
Greener's remarks on staining, 422,
423
metal used in manufacture of, 425
stub-twist barrels, 425
from what made, 426
wire-twist barrels, 428
Greener's views, 429
Damascus barrels, 429
charcoal iron for, 430
other kinds of metal, 431
wood for stocking, 431
Gunpowder-
origin of, 883
known to the ancients, 383
known to the Chinese, 383
English Sporting, 384
Dupont's American, 384
varieties of, 384
Greener's comments on, 385, 386
experience of Duck Shooters, 385,
386
glazed, 387
tests for, 387
Epreuvette, or powder prover, 387,
388
preserve from moisture, 388, 389,
390
introduction of, 403
used in China, 403
Alexander the Great's fear of, 404
Gunsmiths —
those of New York and Philadel-
phia, 414, 415
those of England, 415
H
Hammer or cock of gun, 357
Hanger, General George —
receipt for Sportsman's beef, 454
his lotion or cure-all, 476
Hare or Rabbit —
Lepus sylvaticus, 320
description. 320, 321
locality, 321
general characteristics, 321
not a true Rabbit, 322
striking peculiarities of the, 322,
323, 324, 325
food of, 325
flesh of, 326
hunting, 327
domesticated, 328
cry of, 328
enemies of, 328
different varieties, 329
useful memoranda, 829, 330
terms applicable, 41
Hawks —
primary feathers in, 34
Hawker, Colonel —
on AVild Fowl shooting, 245
experience on approaching Wild
Fowl, 248, 249
remarks on Wild Fowl shooting,
385
Magnus Apollo, 295
dressing for Boots, 371
receipt for a " good mess," 448
Hearing —
organs of, 33
Heels, galled, 470
treatment of, 471
Hellebore —
Quails poisoned by feeding on, 79
Hemorrhage
of Birds, 402
how to stop, 403
in man, 679
Henry VIII.—
Turkey introduced into England
during his reign, 128
Cannon first used in his reign,
406
• Henry IV. of France —
extraordinary flight of his Falcon,
250
Hercules, 404
Hominum Servatorem, 437
Hubbell—
Rail shooting exploits, 216
Hygiene, 464
general remarks, 464
atmospheric vicissitudes, 464
caution to Sportsmen, 465
overheated, 460
state of the atmosphere, 466
diet and drink, 468
sleep, 469
little sleep required by Frederick
the Great, 470
" " Napoleon, 470
galled heels, 470
corns on the feet, 471
to get rid of them, 471
falf, 474
sprain, 474
blow, 474
treatment of, 475
burn, 477
treatment of, 477
eye wounded, 477
treatment of, 477, 478
sore throat, 478
treatment of, 478
hemorrhage, 479
to stop a, 479
INDEX.
487
Indians —
their hoiTor of unnecessary slaugh-
ter of game, 172
Iowa Territory —
numbers of Partridges in, 86
Jack Curlew, 226
Jamaica, Reed Birds in, 200
Japan —
Snipe in, 181
Johnson, Doctor —
his Yiews on eating, 434
K
Kalmia Latifolia —
mountain laiu'el, 75
food for Grouse and Partridges, 75
their flesh poisoned by this food, 75
ill effects of eating such Birds, 75
Pheasants feeding on, 140
author's views, 140
Keokuk —
Partridges teeming about, 1 04
Kitchener, Doctor —
his sentiments respecting the plea-
sures of the table, 43U
Knife, sporting, 363, 364
Labrador, Coast of, 227
Curlews on the, 227
Larded game —
directions for, 443
Laurel, mountain —
food for Partridges and Pheasants,
75
poisonous to their flesh, 75
injurious to eat such Birds, 75
partaken of by Pheasants, 140
author's comments, 140
Laws, Game--
a mere bagatelle, 106
respecting the shooting of Yv'ood-
cock, 166, 167, 168
Leading of Barrels, 376, 377
Lee, Wrs. —
directions for skinning Birds, &c.
457, 458, 459
her work on Taxidermy, 460
Lesser Tell-Tale, 243
Levy, V;. W.—
numbers of Canvass-Backs killed
by, 269
author's obligation to, 275
Lewis, E. —
a Snipe's nest found in company
with, 185
Locks, gun, 382
manufacture of, 382, 383
Long-Billed Curlew, 230
Louis Eustache Ude —
his remarks on cookery, 430
Lynx--
attack on Turkeys, 132
Lyon, Captain —
Ventriloquism of the Arctic Fox,
207
M
Magnus Coquus, 436
Magnus Apollo —
Colonel Hawker the, 295
Mallard, or Wild Drake, 296
Anas Boschas, 296
habits, 296
description, 297
parent stock of the tame Duck, 296
at the South, 297
taking them in nets, 298
Decoy Ponds for taking, 298
Meadow Clapper, 222
Meleagris Gallopavo, 118
Mississippi, Upper —
abundance of Partridges on the, 104
Moon —
effects on the tides, 213
Rails feed at the full of the, 214
Moor Hen, 222
Moscow —
frozen markets of, 441
Mud Hen, 222
N
Napoleon
required little sleep, 470
Natural History —
importance of studying, 83
Netting —
Partridges, 88, 89
Ducks, 265
New Orleans —
how supplied with game, 104
Canvass-Backs in, 257
Nipple-wrench, 362, 363
Nipple of the gun, 356, 357
Nooses —
Horsehair, 87
how arranged for catching Par-
tridges, &c., 87
Norton, Robert —
his remarks on Gunpowder, 403
Numenius Longirostris, 230
488
INDEX,
0
Old Field Plover, 233
Ornithology —
technical terms used in, 33
A, B, C, of, 33
Ornithologists —
terms used by, 33
under coverts, how regarded by, 34
able, G5
observations of, 66
Partridge, 65
Perdix Virginianus, 65
Virginia Partridge, 65
American Partridge, 65
flight of the, 55
difficult to kill, 61
where found, 65
natural history, 65
description of, 66
habits, &c. 66
not strictly migratory, 67
period of pairing, 68, 69
fecundity of, 69
fecundity of the English, 69
strictly monogamous, 70
young brood, 70
leaving the nest, 70
serpent's attack, 71
domestication of, 72
two broods, 72
full grown, 73
Ah-Bob-Whitc, 73
roosting of, 74
food of, 74
their flesh poisonous, 75
old and young Birds, 76
remarkably large, 76
difference between the English and
American, 77
a feast of English, 77
not a Quail, 77
difference between the Quail and
Partridge, 77, 78, 79
running season, 79
cause of these migrations, 79, 80
change of plumage, 81
pied or white, 81
Lusus Naturaj, 82
anecdote, 83
further hints, 85
numbers in neighborhood of the
Chesapeake, 85
caught in nets, 87
eating their eggs, 88
Partridge — conlin ued.
driving them, as practised in the
South, 88, 89
introduction into England, 90
actions of old and young Birds, 90
best to break Dogs on, 91
coveys that will not lie, 91
retaining scent, 91
Doctor Smith's views, 92, 93, 94, 95
author's convictions, 95
enemies of, 96
haunts of, 98
different states of the weather, 98,
99
good weather, 100
early dawn, 102
roosting, 102
snow on the ground, 102
shooting in Delaware, 103
shooting in Virginia, 103
season of 1851 and 1852, 103
great numbers in the AVest, 104
the field, 105
how to hunt, 106 to 115
useful memoranda, 116, 117
terms applicable to, 40
Pennat —
history of AVild Geese at the North,
Pepper —
his substitute for Percussion Caps,
356
Phillips, C. T—
large number of Partridges killed
by, 104
Philostratus —
his remarks on Gunpowder, 403
Pill-will-willet, 239
Pike, old-
celebrated Rail pusher, 212
Pivot of the gun, 350, 357
Pivot-wrench, 362, 363
Plover —
Black-Bellied, 233
Charadrius Apricarious, 233
Old-Field, 233
Whistling, 233
Bull, or Beetle-Headed, 233
their habits, 233
nomenclature, 233
food, 233
flesh, 233
modes of shooting, 234
description, 234, 235
terms applicable to, 41
Plover —
Golden, 236
Charadrius Pluvialis, 230
Frost Birds, 236
INDEX.
489
Plover — continued.
habits, 236
food, 236
flesh, 236
where found, 236
description, 236, 237
Plover —
Ring, 237
Piping, 237
Kildeer, 237
Wilson's, 237
Grass, 237
Field, 287
wild and wary, 237
Plumage —
necessity of a clean, 36, 37
change in color of, 37
moult of, 36, 37, 38
change in color of Partridge, 81,
82
in other Birds and animals, 81, 82
change in color of Snipe, 194
change in color of Reed Bird, 201
Point shooting, 279
Pointer —
useful hints respecting the, 106
pure breeds of, 110
faculty of standing game, 110
as Retrievers, 111, 112, 113, IM
accidental death of a, 193
Pot Hunters —
disagreeable characters, 84
the enviable race of, 101
Powder Flasks —
danger of using common, 350
Mr. Sykes', 851
a drawing of, 351
Powder and Shot Gauge —
how useful, 361
its application, 362
Potatoes
a le Maitre d'llotel, 452
Prescott —
his frequent mention of the Wild
Turkey in his "Conquest of Mexi-
co," 129
Preserves, English —
Parti-idges in, 77
Price, Major, of Chestei- —
his paper on Rail shooting, 215, 216
Public Squares —
the Squirrels and Birds in the, 172
the good effects of this provision,
172
Pushers —
Rail, 212
duty of, 213
Old Pike, 212
Bill Rump, 212
Q
Quail —
American Partridge not a, 77, 78, 79
habits of the English or European
Quail, 77, 78, 79
how the ancient Athenians regarded
the, 78
Rail-
Rail-
Rail-
Rallus Carolinus, 203
Sora, 203
description, 203
nomenclature, 203
mysterious Bird, 203
history of, 204
change into Frogs, 205
Mr. Bartram's experience, 206
j\Ir. Skipwith's capture of a, 206
Mr. Bryan's captured Rail, 206
singular characteristics, 207
ventriloquism, 207
food, 208
flight, 209
very cunning, 209
sensitive to cold, 209
shooting, 210
paraphernalia necessary for shoot-
ing, 210, 211
Pushers, 212
tricks of Rail Shooters, 212, 213
duty of Pushers, 213
tides afi"ect Rail Shooting, 213, 214
fattest at the full of the Moon, 214
numbers killed, 215
authentic list of numbers, 215
Mr. Eyre's exploits, 216
Mr. Hubbell's exploits, 216
abundance in 1849, 216
shooting Rails in Virginia, 217
netting, 217
fish prey upon Rails, 217
places to shoot, 218
expense of Rail Shooting, 218
useful memoranda, 218
terms applicable to Rail, 41
Rallus Elegans, 220
King Rail, 220
Great Red Breasted, 220
Fresh water Marsh Hen, 221
locality, 220
description, 220
flesh, 221
flight, 221
Rallus Crepitans. 222
Clapper Rail, 222
Big Rail, 222
490
INDEX.
Rail — continued.
Mud Hen, 222
nomenclature, 222
locality, 222
not known in Europe, 222
migratory, 223
their numbers, 223
unmelodious notes, 223
skulking habits, 223
mode of shooting, 224
Dog for shooting, 22-i
flight of, 224
numbers about Cape May and Ilen-
lopen, 225
description of, 224
Reed Birds —
Em.beriza Oryzivora, 196
Rice Bunting, 196
Ortolan, 196
Butter Balls, 196
Bobolink, 196
history and nomenclature, 196
description, 196, 197
migrations, 197
shooting, 198
netting, 199
compared with the European Orto-
lan, 199, 200
progress South, 200
curi'ous facts, 200, 201
Cage Bird, 201
change in color of plumage, 201
useful memoranda, 202
terms applicable to Reed Birds, 41
Red Head-
Anas Ferina, 289
habits, 289
description, 289, 290
resembles the Pochard of England,
290
description of the Pochard, 291
how captured by the English Fow-
lers, 291
Retriever —
few good ones, 111
Author's comments on, 112, 113,
114
useful in Snipe shooting, 193
useful in Clapper Rail Shooting, 193
Richards, Westley —
celebrated Gunsmith, 411
description of two guns made by,
411, 412, 413
Rock Island —
Partridges verj^ abundant about,
104
Ruffed Grouse, 134
Rumford, Count —
remarks on cookery, 433
Rump Bill—
a celebrated Rail pusher, 212
Russia —
Snipe in, 182
Rusting of Guns —
to prevent, &c,, 377, 378, 379
S
Sargent, Doctor Vv. Percy —
his article on the Wild Turkey, 122
further remarks on the Wild Tur-
key by, 131, 132
Savages —
their gluttony, 438
Savannah —
Canvass-Backs at, 257
Scolopax Aquata, 231
Scolopax Borealis, 226
Scolopax Flavipes, 243
Scolopax Phaepus, 229
Scolopax Semipalmata, 238
Scolopax Vociferus, 243
Schwarz, Berthold—
discoverer of gunpowder, 383
originator of the compound, 405
fountain erected to his memory,
405
Scientia Popinfe, 437
Semipalmated Snipe, 238
Serpents —
a battle with a Partridge, 71
charming of Birds by, 72
vulgar notion, 72
Setter —
useful hints respecting, 106
as Retriever, 111, 112, 113, 114
for Pheasant Shooting, 144
Shoemaker, Doctor —
cases of poisoning by eating Phea-
sants, 75, 76
Shooting —
art of, 47
wonderful nicety in, 50
feats of the Toomcrs, 50
cross, 55
general rules for cross, 55, 50, 57, 58
covert, 59
general rules for covert, 59
both eyes open, 59, 00, 01
snap, 59, 60
poking shot, 00
nice clean, 02
proper distance for, 63
Partridges in Delaware, 103
Partridges in Virginia, 103
general Partridge Shooting, 105 to
115
INDEX.
491
Shooting — continued.
Turkey, 131
Prairie Hen, 152
AVoodcock, 169, 170, 171, 172
Snipe, 188 to 194
Reed Bird, 198
Rail, 210, 211
King Rail, 221
Clapper Rail, 223
Curlew, 228, 231
Plover, 234, 237
AVillet, 239
Quail Snipe, 242, 243
Wild Fowl, 244, 245, 246
Wild Fowl Shooting on the Chesa-
peake, 246, 247, 248
by toling Ducks, 259
by boating Ducks, 264
from Dug-outs, 266
from a Surface Boat, 267
from a Coffin Boat, 267
from a Battery, 267
from a Sink, 267
from a Box, 267
from an Ambush, 275
off Points, 276
Point, 279
art of Duck, 282
further instructions on, 284
on the Chesapeake, 288
called Dusking, 305
Wild Geese in Canada, 312
Pennat's description of shooting
Wild Geese, 312
from sand flats, 313
Brant on Long Island, 316
Swan, 319
Rabbit, 327
Squirrel, 337
Short-billed Curlew, 226
Shot-bags or Pouches —
proper kind for use, 352, 353, 354
Shot gauge —
necessity of, 361
its application, 362
Sickle-billed Curlew, 230
Sink, 2G7
Skinner —
comments on the food of Partridges,
75
remarkable good shooting by a
friend of, 105
observations on the feeding of
Woodcocks, 161
on the shooting of Woodcocks, 171,
172
Skipwith —
his capture of Sora Rails at sea,
206
Sleep, 469
observations on, 469
Smith, Doctor S. B.— -
his opinion of Partridges retaining
their scent, 92, 93, 94, 95
Snipe —
Scolopax Wilsonii, 181
Scolopax Gallinago, 181
Wilson's Snipe, 181
English Snipe, 181
their distribution, 181
varieties, 182
difference between the American
and English, 182, 183
description of, 183
location and food, 183
singular manoeuvres, 184
inctibation, 185
return to the South, 186
their nice discrimination, 187
difficult to shoot, 188
modes of shooting, 189
amusing anecdote, 190
hints for shooting, 192, 193
advantages of Snipe Shooting, 194
white, 194
useful memoranda, 194, 195
terms applicable to, 41
Snipe —
Scolopax Noveboracensis, 241
Red-breasted Snipe, 241
habits, nomenclature, 241
locality, flesh, 241
large flocks, 242
description, 242
other varieties of shore Birds, 242,
243
Snow —
Partridges during, 103
Sore Throat-
treatment of, 478
Sora Rail, 203
Spirit of the Times —
Snipe Shooting anecdote from the,
190
to make Decoys attract during calm
weather from, 277
Punters' story from the, 283
Sportsmen —
important information for, 33
terms used by, 39
proper ambition of, 63
should kill Hawks, 97
when it rains, 99, 100
hints for, 100, 101
properly equipped, 105
should feed their Dogs, 106
claims of the Woodcock on, 157
492
INDEX.
Sportsmen — co?iiimted.
slaughter of Woodcock by, 1G4,
165, 166, 107
false ambition on the part of, 171
epicurean, 222
Sporting —
terms used in, 39
Spotted Rail, 203
Sprigtail or Pintail, 307
Anas Acuta, 307
liandsome Duck, 307
abundant in England, 307
habits, 307
description, 307, 308
Spring Cramp —
how used, 361
Sprain —
treatment of, 474
Squirrel, 331
varieties of, 332
habits, 332
locality, 333
general characteristics, 334
activity, 334
strength, 334
captivity, 334
other characteristics, 336
enemies, 336
shooting, 337
how pursued, 337
barking Squirrels, 338
their flesh, 338
Squirrel —
Sciurus Migratorius, 338
Gray or Migratory Squirrels, 338
locality, 339
habits, 339
migrations, 339, 340, 341
immense numbers, 340, 341
great slaughter, 341
Staley, Andrew —
Turkeys seen in Virginia, in com-
pany with, 121
a feast of English Pheasants and
Grouse with, 141
St. Ildephonso —
Woodcocks in the aviary of, 161
St. Louis —
quantities of game at, 104
St. Petersburgh —
frozen markets of, 441
Stirle_y —
White Snipe in possession of, 194
Stock, gun, 379
different style of, 379, 380, 381
Stockings —
shooting, 374
Stone Curlew, 238
Stooling off Points, 276
Stockton, Hugh, 16
remarkable Partridge presented by,
82
Stockton, Commodore —
experiments on the bursting of
guns, 393 to 398
observations on the recoil in fire-
arms, 398, 399, 400-402
Striker of the gun, 357
Summer Duck, 309
Anas Sponsa, 309
Wood Duck, 309
beautiful Fowl, 309
delight on the small streams, 309
habits, 309
description, 310
Surface boat, 267
Swallows —
primary feathers in, 34
habit of shooting, 49
Swan, American, 318
Cygnus Americana, 318
Trumpeter Swan, 318
Cygnus Bucinator, 318
habits, 318
haunts, 318
flesh, 318
disposition, 319
domestication, 319
terms applicable to Swans, 42
Sykes'
powder-flask, 351
T
Tapahannock —
marshes of, 76
Partridges shot on, 76
Taxidermy, 456
art of obtaining and preserving
skins of Birds, 456
importance of, 456
directions for skinning and mount-
ing, 457, 458
Teal-
Blue Winged, 300
Anas Discors, 300
habits, 300
shot over Stool Ducks, 300
food, 300
at the South, 300
markets of Philadelphia, 306
how cooked, 306
flight, 306
description, 301
Teal—
Green-Winged, 301
Anas Crecca, 301
INDEX.
493
Teal — continued.
resembles the English Teal, 301
habits, description, 301, 302
Tell-tale Snipe, 243
Temmick —
gives Wilson credit, 182
notices the Willet in Europe, 238
Tetrao Cupido, 146
Thickening, brown —
how made, 452
Thickening, white —
how made, 452
Tides-
how regulated, 213
Thorpe, T. B.—
description of fire-hunting of Wood-
cocks, 175, 176
Toling Ducks —
how pursued on Chesapeake, 259
description of, 259, 200, 201, 262,
263, 264
Toomer—
Richard and Edward, 50
wonderful exploits in shooting by,
50
Tooting — ■
of the Prairie Hen, 149
Tringa Bartramian, 237
Turkey, Wild—
Meleagris Gallopavo —
description by Audubon, 118, 119,
120
natural history, 120
localities, 121, 122
Doctor Sargent's article on, 122
incubation, 122, 123, 124, 125
conflicts, 123
food, 126
migrations, 126
domestication, 126
why called Turkey, 127, 128
some curious circumstances, 127,
128
flesh, 129
trapping, 129, 130
shooting, 131
enemies of the, 132
Tyanteus Appolonius —
an ancient historian, 403
U
Uffano
on the invention of Gunpowder, 403
Valisineria Americana, 255
Venison soup —
how made, 453
Viellot—
account of the conveyance of the
young AVoodcock by their pa-
rents, 103
Virginia —
Wild Turkeys in, 121
Partridge shooting in, 103
a party going shooting in, 117
Vitellus—
extraordinary feast of, 438
Vitney, King —
inventor of Cannon, 403
W
Wadding —
proper kinds, 346, 347
caution as to the use, 347, 348
felt, 349
paper, 349
Walker-
Percussion Caps, 355
Washer, or Washing Rod, 349, 350
Wetherill, George D.—
Partridges presented by, 72
remarkable large Birds shot by, 76
large Woodcock in possession of,
1'58
Whimbrel, 229
Whistling Plover, 233
Widgeon, American, 293
Anas Americana, 293
Bald Pates, 293
companion of the Canvass-Back, 293
not inferior in flavor to the Canvass-
Back, 293
localities, 293
description, 293, 294
resembles the English Widgeon, 294
how pursued in England, 294, 295
domesticated in England, 295
how decoyed, 295
Willet—
Scolopax Semipalmata, 238
Semipalmated Snipe, 238
Stone Curlew, 238
habits, 238
where found, 238
not known in England, 238
incubation, 238
their food, 239
their flesh, 239
how shot, 239
description, 239
afl"ection for each other, 240
Wild Fowl shooting —
how followed in America, 244
New Yoi'k Sportsmen, 245
Philadelphia Sportsmen, 245
494
INDEX.
Wild Fowl sliooting — continued.
Colonel Hcawker's enthusiasm, 245
no cliild's play, 245
hardships, 245, 24G
on the Chesapeake Bay, 246, 247,
248
Wild celery —
food of the Canyass-Back, 255
AVilson —
remarks on the delicacy of the Can-
vass-Back, 252, 253
a spirited description of shooting
Canvass-Backs, 257
Winiwarter and Gersheim, of Vienna —
their substitute for Percussion
Caps, 356
Wing —
Bastard, 33
description of, 34
lesser coverts of the, 34
greater coverts of the, 34
to amputate the, 463
to stop hemorrhage of the, 463
Woodcock, 155
Scolopax Minor, 155
Woodcock, 155
Mud Snipe, 156
Blind Snipe, 156
Marsh Plover, 156
Wood Hens, 157
claims of, 155
highly prized in England, 156
nomenclature, 156, 157
description of, 157
compared -with the Ensclish variety,
157
one species only, 158
habits, 158
very large, 158, 159
formation of the head, 159
a night Bird, 159, 160
Woodcock — continued,
food, 160, 161
mode of feeding, 161, 162
bill of the, 162
voracity of, 162
inciibation, 163
conveying their young, 163
two broods, 163
time for shooting, 164, 165, 166
conceal their young, 168
where to find, 168, 169
indiscriminate slaughter, 170, 171,
172
shooting,
174
Skinner's comments on
171
disappearance of, ]
flight of, 174
Fire-hunting, 175, 176
nets and snares, 177
how hunted in Ireland, 177
Dogs for shooting, 177, 178, 179
Epitaph on a Cocker, 179
useful memoranda, 179, 180
terms applicable to, 41
Woodpecker —
importance of tail feathers in the,
34
Wrench —
nipple or pivot, 362, 363
Yellow Shanks, 243
Youatt —
work on the Dog, 43
edited by the Author, 43
Z
Zizania Aquatica, 208
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