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Le diagramme suivant illustre la mAthode : 1 2 3 1 2 7 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 AMERICA :— [GiLLMORE (Parker] " Ubique ") Accessible Field Sports, the Experiences of a Sportsman in N. America, frontispiece and vtgnette, post 8vo. half brotvn morocco extra, im- cnt,J<^_cdgcs gilt, 12s Qd 1809 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPOETS. ' i \ Jt t .i l,t'M t; .■•vT.Vrj;??r< A if?; :f ,^:?-''C't"r:V'' '" .,'--(<':• \ i^ ( i ■i K '"^'?'f' •Ifc. ' K K ^'^m -AW* ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS: lltt Cxpfrifiure of a ^portemiin in Horth ^^ntfrica. By "UBIQUE," AUTHOR OK "GUN, ROD, AND 8AWJLK," ETC. VLOHS QUAUTEB8. LONDON: CHAPMAN & HALL, 193, PICCADILLY. 1869. / ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. THE EXPERIENCES OF A SPORTSMAN IN NORTH AMERICA. 'r'i-\. By '' UBIQUE," AUTHOR OF " GUN, ROD, AND SADDLE," ETC. LONDON : CHAPMAN AND HALL, 193, PICCADILLY. 1869. ^ . t ( t 4 1 j ! j 1 i on LONDON : PBINTKD Br VIRTUE AND CO., CITV BOAD. tvA ^ ^ TO HENRY LEE, ESQ., F.L.S., P.G.S.,F.Z.S., MEMBER OF COITNCIL KOVAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETV, MKMBER OF COUXCII. BAY SOCIETV, MEMBEB OF COUNCIL PAL^GNTOORAI'UU'AL SOCIETY, ETC., ETC., I DEDICATE THIS BOOK, FOK A FRIEND, IN THE TRUE ACCEPTATION OF THE WORD, I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND HIM. ' UBIQUE. ^ -^ Tlie WaldronSy Croydon, April 3rd, 1869. Dear Me. GiLLMoaE, Your letter asking my permission to dedicate to me your forthcoming work on "Accessible Field Sports" has gratified me exceedingly, and I accept with pleasure your kind proposition. When on your return to this country after years of foreign travel, Lord Richard Grosvenor mentioned to me his appre- ciation of your talents, I did not, of course, foresee that his introduction would lead to our becoming friends. Since then, however, circumstances and kindred tastes have brought us closely together. Intimately associated, as I have the privilege to be, xoith my dear friend Mr. Frank Buckland in almost ail his under- takings, public and private, the love of Natural History which 1 have felt from my boyhood has been fostered by him, and he has imbued me with mrich of hit enthusiasm respecting pisciculture. I immediately recognised the practical character of your writings on these subjects and on the Field Sports of the many countries you have visited, and if I have in any way aided you in making known the results of the observations you have made durinr; an adventurous life, I congratulate myself and the public on mi' having been able to do 80. I assure you that the kind and complimentary tribute you now offer me more than repays me for any encouragement I may have been enabled to give you. With every good ivish, believe me to be. Dear Mr. Gillmore, Your very sincere friend, HENEY LEE. i I i ■ i i i I I ■f I I I ( PREFACE. In producing this Work, I am actuated by the hope that many of our English Sportsmen may be induced to cross the Atlantic ; for well I know they will be amply rewarded for their trouble, provided they are of the right stamp, and do not mind roughing it, in search of sport with " Gun, Rod, and Saddle." The expense is not great for such a trip ; the sea voyage, under ordinary circumstances, does not extend over ten days, while the accommodation and cuisine on board ship are excellent. I much prefer the Inman Line of Trans- Atlantic steam ships to all others, and I therefore recommend them, for the reason that the officers are more obliging and willing to afford information than those I have sailed with in other lines. On arrival in N w York, select the Brevoort House, in Fifth Avenue, for your residence; it is conducted in the same manner as an English hotel. You can choose what hours are most convenient and suitable for your meals, while the domestics are always civil. The proprietors of this house can afford reliable information as to the hunting-grounds, the best means of reaching them, and other local details. m II X PREFACE. Messrs. J. D. Dougall and Son, St. James's Street, London, I can recommend to supply the sportsman intending to go abroad with ensuring, hard-hitting, well-finished guns. Their Lock-fast patent for breech- loaders is the strongest known, is extremely simple, and therefore not liable to get out of order; and if such a casualty should by any possibility occur, can be repaired by the least skilful mechanic, a desidera- tum of no ordinary importance when in a distant foreign land. For duck-shooting and salmon-fishing wading stock- ings and waterproof clothing will be found necessary ; in fact, without such protection from wet, the strongest constitutions may suffer. Those made by Messrs. Woolgar & Co., Ludgate Hill, I cannot praise too highly. For camping out, the waterproof ground- sheet, and the waterproof boating-bag, both of which are made by the same firm, I can recommend, after long experience, to be superior to all other productions with which I am acquainted. If rods or fishing tackle, extra guns or ammuni- tion, should be required for the lakes and rivers, or the hunting-field, Messrs Andrew Clerk & Co. will supply the former, and Messrs. Schyler, Hartley and Graham, the latter ; both these firms have their places of business in Maiden Lane, New York, and the utmost reliance and confidence can be placed in their attention, selection, and promptness in attending to your wants. Follow my advice, and you will not be disappointed. UBIQUE. i I' J. j's Street, ■ sportsman 9 d -hitting, H )r breech- I y simple, 1 r; and if 1 ccur, can 1 desidera- 1 a distant 1 Qg stock- I ecessary ; 1 strongest 1 ' Messrs. 1 CHAP. I.- 'aise too 1 II.- ground- I III.- af which 1 nd, after 1 IV.- )ductions 1 v.- I VI. immuni- I vn. 'ivers, or 1 Co. will 1 VIII. 'tley and 1 IX. ir places I X. and the 1 in their 1 XT.- iding to 1 XII. I XIII. ►pointed. I XIV.- CONTENTS. I'AOE A Night's Adventuee 1 -PiRST Deer in America 13 -Trout Fishing on the Andeoscogan ... 22 -Wild-Fowl Shooting in Illinois .... 32 -The Black or Silver Fox {Canis argentatus) . 43 -American "Woodcock {Microptura Americana) . 52 -Buffalo Hunting {Bison Americanus) ... 59 -On the Grand Prairie 82 -Moose Deer {Cervus Akes) 96 -Shooting in Illinois 115 -Black Bear {Ursua Americanus) 123 -Flight Shooting on Grand Prairie . . .143 -Salmon Fishing in Labrador 147 -Prong-tiorned An'. --LOPE {Antilocapra Ameri- cana) 218 XV.— Pinnated Grouse {Tetrao cupid«'^ 233 m' 1! i I n I i xu CHAP. XVL- XVII. XTIII... XIX.- XX.- XXI.- XX II.- XXIII.- CONTEM-S. -Trout Fishino in Maine ^247 -Instruction^ por English Sportsmen . . 273 -Mur.F "Sheep of Arctic America .... 283 -Snipe Shooting {Scohj,ax Wihonii) .... 292 -Hints for American Shooting » .... 301 -Shooting in Missouri gjQ -A long Deer Hunt gj.^ -The Split Bamboo Fly-Eods 330 i . 273 . 283 . 292 . 301 . 310 . 313 . 330 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. CHAPTER I. A NIGET'S ADVENTURE. Thirty miles north of Toronto commences a network of lakes tliat extend over many hundred square miles northward, scattered in overy direction through the dense forest that covers that picturesque locality. Game and fish of almost every variety are here to be found, making one of the best retreais for enthusiastic sportsmen that can be found within a similar radius of the Atlantic sea-board of Northern America. True, the prairie chicken, the capricious salmon, and the timid trout are wanting ; but this deficiency is well supplied by the number and variety of other species of game well worthy of the attention of both hunter and fisherman. Bear and deer are here numerous, roaming undisturbed in the retreats of their pro- B fl r *4 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SFORTS. genitors ; while the clear, sparkling waters are well stocked with the voracious muscalonge and the active impetuous black bass. But he who is desirous of visiting this elysium in pursuit of game must be no feather-bed sportsman — no grumbler at imaginary troubles, or shirker of hard work ; for, once he leaves the edge of civilisation, no roof- tree will be found to greet the eye after a hard day's tramp, no luxurious downy couch on which to rest his wearied limbs, but, often unprotected, he must submit to the pelting of the pitiless storm. No ; he must accept mother earth for his bed, his hunting blanket for his covering, the heavens for his canopy, and — if fortune should favour him with a touch of a north-easter — the leeward of his reversed canoe will give him such shelter as will enable him to keep dry perhaps thirty minutes longer. Know- ing what you have to be prepared for, provided you have the constitution and pluck, make a try, and I am certain, on your return, you will be in ecstasies with your trip, recalling with pleasure the hardships you have gone through, and laughing at the little misad- ventures that chequered (like clouds portending a shower on a sunny day) the tenor of your path. We cannot have all play. Few go through the world without an occasional rub. " Variety is the spice of existence ; " and without an odd contretemps we should become a very A NIOHT S ADVENTURE. 8 ire well c active irous of it be no I aginary B leaves 'ound to ixurious [lbs, but, ig of the er earth ring, the Ld favour rd of his II enable . Know- ided you md I am 3ies with hips you e misad- a shower e cannot ihout an istence ; " lie a very unimaginative, unambitious, namby-pamby lot, unfit for the wear and tear, bustle and excitement, that all must endure before their course is run. To those determined to accejit the conditions, a word on the best sporting gear may not be out of place. First and foremost, a good double-barrel of ten bore, that will throw ball as well as shot ; an abundance of ammunition, not forgetting buck-shot; a couple of strong bait-rods^ about fourteen or fifteen feet each ; several of Buell's patent spoon-baits, reels, &c., &c., with a good assortment of strong untied hooks. Your camping equipments I leave to yourself, or rather to your Indian guide ; one thing, however, let mo advise — make them as light and few as possible, as many an arduous journey across rugged portages is before you, when you have not only to carry these etceteras, but also your canoe. Why this rigmarole ? some may justly inquire. Now for my reason. Numbers frequently ask me where sport is to be obtained, as they are desirous of an expe- dition, but know not in what direction to guide their steps. They do not want to travel as far as the vast prairies of the West, and if they did, only small game could be obtained, unless beyond civilisation. Let me, therefore, advise them to make choice of the afore- mentioned wilds ; they are easy of access, and there a ; 1 t ■ i i 1 1 1 1 I ill ):||ll Mil ! vl' I • i 4 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. large variety of fish and fowl are to bo found. Duck in groat numbers haunt this locality, as well as snipe and plover, which select this retired northern situation as a breeding place, w ucre they can safely raise their timid, helpless families, without fear of the constant intrusion of the much-dreaded lords of creation. From Toronto proceed to the village of Orillia, at the head of Lake Simcoe. At this pretty little place you will have no difficulty in procuring one of the Chippewa Indians from the village of Rama, on the other side of the lake, to undertake the duties of Palinurus, for a moderate remuneration. All of these redskins may safely be trusted, and they will be found, not only excellent hunters and trappers, but very obliging, as long as you keep them from the curse of their race, whiskey. Of course, as soon as they leave civilisation, they cannot obtain their dire enemy unless you should give it, or, what is equally culpable, leave it in their way. How I became acquainted with this region was strange and unlooked for. 8ome years since, having business in Toronto, I was detained longer than I expected, and got both out of funds and out at elbows. Returning from the Post Office much disappointed and disgusted at the dilatoriness of my friends, I turned into a tavern to have a glass of ale, when I chanced to run foul of a former acquaintance who had turned A NIGHT S ADVENTURE. liermit, having built a house on the edge of one of those lovely sheets of water embosomed in the forest several miles further to the north than any of his neighbours. Soon my troubles were all before him, and he, with characteristic hospitality, offered me accommodation for an indefinite period. Next morning we were both en route for his solitary home, and never shall I forget the feelings of pleasure and admiration tliat rose in my bosom when first I beheld this charm- ing retreat, situated on a bluff, washed by crystal water, and backed by the handsomest varieties of forest trees, truly looking to my mind the beau ideal of a hunter's home. After being domesticated some weeks, from the beauty of an afternoon and the coolness of the weather, I was induced to shoulder my gun, and start ross country to Lake St. John, with the hopes of killing some ducks to add to the fare of our already sumptuous table. I had never visited this place before, and as I left the clearing, the last words of H were, " Take care you do not get lost." With an amount of con- fidence, "usually denoting ignorance," I responded that I was too old to be guilty of such a green pro- ceeding. With little trouble I found my destination. Game was abundant and tame, they being overcome with that languor which makes themperfectly indifferent, 11 iv I 'i lii'i 6 ACCESSIBLE Fi ^> SPORTS. and wblcli is so frequently the precursor of bad and stormy weather. In a little time my bag was heavy, too much so to be agreeable, and, considering that I had committed havoc enough, I determined to retrace my steps. Another and yet another duck would come in my way, and presented such fascinating shots that I could not resist, so that by the time I had returned to the place whore I first struck the water, I was com-^ pletely loaded. Have any of my readers ever walked two or three miles, with from eight to a dozen mallard ducks in the skirt of his shooting^coat ? If so, they undoubtedly have vivid recollections of their weight. If still a tyro, I advise you to make a trial, as a new sensation will be experienced, particularly if the ground is soft and muddy. I had scarcely re-entered the sombre forest, when my spaniel found some ruffed grouse, and treed them a short way off on the left. A brace of these delicate birds would be a most acceptable addition to a future dinner ; so, without hesitation, I struck off to the right, to cultivate their more intimate acquaintance. Advancing upon them unwarily, the covey flushed, but flew onl' a short distance. I thought my chances so remarkably good, that I would make anothor try, but again the watchfulness of my feathered friends foiled me. With a malediction on my lips, I turned to retrace my steps, but for my life could not A NIGHT S ADVENTURE. bad and leavy, too lat I had trace my L come in )t8 that I turned to was com-' r walked 1 mallard so, they ' weight, as a new e ground ered the le ruffed left. A cceptable tation, I intimate rily, the tell in which direction my route lay. To be lost, pooh ! pooh ! what nonsense ! I was not still a school-boy, and had been too long cut loose from my mother's apron strings. The whole thing appeared too absurd and ridiculous. Off I went, as I thought, straight back to the place I had left ; I must cross my own path in a few minutes — only a few steps farther ! I am certainly close now! and thus arguing and consoling, I proceeded. By degrees it began to dawn upon me, though much against my inclination, that I was " certain sure out of my reckoning." The more convinced I became of the uncertainty of my position, the more I became excited ; at first I walked faster, talked to myself, and tried, though I fear very indifferently, to treat the whole affair as an admirable joke. But soon my counte- nance became elongated, and a very gloomy expression usurped the place of my previous smile. For change, I shouted, with the hope some one might hear me — a very improbable thing — except, perchance, some solitary aborigine should be out in attendance on his bear or other traps. At last I became fairly desperate, and broke into a headlong run ; the pace was too fast to keep up, and fairly blown, wearied, and exhausted, I sat down on the trunk of a fallen tree. The depression I felt will never be forgotten. The terrible loneliness, the perfect solitudv^ and monotony, with the certainty 'i!| :i iii if a ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. of having to pass the night al fresco, made my frame of mind anything but enviable. The mosquitoes, which previouK-ly I had scarcely noticed, now put in a claim for attention, for my wretched plight seemed to give them confidence, and they attacked me front, rear, and flanks, and in columns. It was useless to attempt to drive them off; their perseverance would have been most commendable, if engaged in a better cause. Night was rapidly approaching, and the giant shadows had become indistinct in their outline, mingling together in one dark gloom. Distant rr ling of thunder portended a coming storm, reminding me that I had better make all snug, for a dirty night was at hand. * I soon found a prostrate monarch of the forest, under whose side I expected to find comparative shelter; in a short space I had gathered suflScient debris and flammable matter to make a fire, determining to sacrifice one of my ducks to the implacable tor- mentor, hunger. Out of the few matches I had, four missed, or would not light ; but two more remained. With what care and anxiety did I try the others ! Alas ! the head of No. 5 flew off, and but one remained to save me from Erebus, and the incursions of some erratic midnight prowler. With the utmost care I undertook the trying ordeal of squeezing myself into A NIGHT S ADVENTURE. 9 a corner, sheltering my hands with my cap, and sacri- ficing a portion of the last letter from my lady-love for tinder; success rewarded me, and soon the sur- roundings were brought out in deep relief by the brilliant glow, reminding me of the deep contrast of light and shadow in one of the much-admired pictures by Rembrandt. The rain was not long delayed, and after a few premonitory drops, came down as if the flood-gates of heaven had been opened, accompanied by the loudest thunder and most dazzling lightning. There is nothing more powerfully impresses man with the omnipotent power of the Creator, or with his own utter insignificance, than being placed alone, unpro- tected from the warring elements, listening to the dismemberment of limbs from the parent tree-trunks by the fury of the blast, or the scathing power of the electric fluid. All my efforts to keep a good fire were futile— sleep was out of the question — while the inces- sant attacks of the mosquitoes made me restless and irritable. No sick man or storm-tossed mariner ever more ardently longed for break of day. The night appeared endless, and doubts of whether the sun had rot been delayed in his course, or taken his de- parture to gladden with his rays the inhabitants of other planets, intruded themselves. At last, faint lines of light glimmered in the east, foretelling the 10 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 5 ;■ ■ departure of darkness, and witli greater satisfaction than I ever previously experienced, I rose from my wet and uncomfortable resting-place. To seek my lost route was my first endeavour, and for more than an hour I wandered without success. At last, when almost yielding to despair, I struck the margin of the lake I had been shooting on the evening before ; and what a beautiful, enthralling scene lay before me ! The placid water only rippled where the wild duck sported, or th ) voracious fish pursued to the surface their destined prey ; while the shadow of each tree that grew near the margin was so distinctly reflected that the minutest limb or twig could be traced with perfect precision. I stood entranced, and so great was my admiration, that nothing could have induced me to disturb the harmony of the picture by destroying the life, or disturbing the retreat, of the beautiful creatures which formed its prominent features. To the left were several deer and fawns, knee-deep, feeding upon the tender, succulent leaves of the water-lily, the youngsters occa- sionally chasing one another in sport, and unknow- ingly practising and developing those muscles which Nature intends to be their protection in the hour of danger; their beautiful, graceful mothers frequently raising their eyes from their morning repast with A NIGHT S ADVENTURE. 11 maternal solicitude for their progenies' safety. "What sportsman could witness such a scene without feelings of the greatest pleasure ? and, in my opinion, unless hunger could be pleaded, he ,vould be unworthy of the name who could desecrate the hallo wedness and peace- fulness of the view by wantonly shedding blood. Long I gazed with feelings of rapture, congratulating my- self in having at last discovered a hunter's elysium. Uncertainty in reference to my position had vanished, as without trouble, by following the margin of tie water, I could find my back track. At last hungf.r told me it was time to think of home and breakfiast. An hour after found me in my bedroom undergoing the luxury of a good wash, preparatory to an ample meal. My friend, who was rejoiced to see me, having dreaded the inconvenience of hunting me up, listened with great pleasure to my glowing, and, perhaps, unintentionally exaggerated description of all I had seen and endured. On one point, however, we were resolved — an immediate visit to the beautiful locality I had so lately left. Before a month had elapsed many visits had been paid, and heavy game bags, or still heavier fish baskets, were the result. Game is still abundant in the region where my night adventure took place, but like every locality, the hunter will have to proceed a little farther beyond the bounds of civili- 12 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. sation ; for as certain as the red man vanishes before the progress of the stream of emigration, or the morn- ing mists before the gladdening rays of the rising sun, does game before the dreaded sound of the squatter's axe, or the sharp report of the deadly rifle. , *ii CHAPTER IT. FIRST DEER IN AMERICA. Although this is but a reminiscence, and one of a day a few years gone by, the feelings, incidents, et cetcraSy are much the same as every ty/o experiences when he sees the first antlered monarch of the woods prostrated at his feet. How many lately have written of their advent in salmon fishing, their novitiate with dog and gun on the boundless heather or golden stubble; but not one has touched on the pleasurable sensations first experienced as you draw the keen edge of your hunting-knife across the graceful, swan -like neck of the deer that has succumbed to your skill as a shot, or your knowledge of the hidden mysteries, of venery. While visiting in Canada West, I chanced to make the acquaintance of a young Highlander ardently devoted to the chase, and who, when he found that I was also a would-be disciple of the chaste Diana, at once proposed, as the season was suitable and business affairs did not m 14 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. interfere, that we should start for the gigantic and then unbroken woods which covered the township of Oro, lying on the edge of that placid sheet of water, so well known for its lovely woodland scenery, Lake Simcoe. After a great deal of bad travelling, both on foot and horseback, over the most viUanous roads that ever unfortunate was condemned to progress on, we arrived late at night opposite Snake Island, then inhabited by a remnant of the once numerous and powerful Chippewa Indians. The distance across to this island retreat was too far for our lungs to inform its denizens that two benighted travellers were desirous of joining them, and, as there was no boat, a camp fire and blanket were required to do duty for roof and feather bed. But, alas ! our limbs and bones were demoralised from our former life, and absolutely refused to be satisfied, so that both tossed, fumed, and fretted till the sun thought proper to make his reappearance. Nor was that all ; a scoundrelly wolf, whose midnight propensity for serenading had taken hold of his thoughts, kept up a most objectionable chant, however pleasing it might have been to his lady-love, till we wished the brute in Jericho, or any other remote district ; not only that, but I will not say that fear had not a little to do with my feelings, for I can distinctly remember, as I listened, my blood became FIRST DEER IN AMERICA. 15 and then p of Oro, water, so ry, Lake , both on oads that 8 on, we nd, then rous and icross to Q inform desirous a camp for roof d bones )solutely fumed, lake his ly wolf, d taken tionable to his or any not say js, for I became -1 exceedingly cold and stagnant, my hands clammy, and my throat parched. Moreover, all the stories I had ever read of the sanguinary propensities of these scourges of the distant settlements, from " Little lied Ividing- Ilood " to " Robinson Crusoe," recurred vividly to my recollection. However, quiet came with the sun, and, after a few ineffectual efforts, we succeeded in attracting the atten- tion of a worthy redskin, who, for a trifling remunera- tion, landed us in the precincts of his island domicile. Our business was soon made known, and a hunting party was organised in an inexpressibly short time. The iimer man was still to be satisfied, and, on making our wants known, we were borne off willing captives to the grandest and most capacious log-cabin, no less a worthy than a chief assuming the responsibility of providing us with breakfast. I cannot help here mentioning a little episode which, although it had not the appetising effect of Worcester sauce, chutney, a squeeze of lemon, or other farailia ' auxiliaries, still had its influence on our then pleading stomachs. Sun-fish wfe^e destined for the standing dish, and as the good old squaw had a very small frying-pan and a large stock of the above finny treasures to operate upon, it behoved her to make several cookings ; and, to prevent the results of her first efforts getting cold while the second lot were 16 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. undergoing culinary operations, the aged matron, with a talent that denoted great skill in adopting herself immediately to circumstances, snatched a very battered and greasy straw hat oflF the head of one of the filthiest youngsters, and made it do duty for dish-cover. Of course, any squeamishness would have been a base return for the anxiety displayed that we should not eat our morning repast cold. An hour afterwards we were all en route, three buoyant, graceful birch barks transferring the party, which was now aug- mented to ten, and three half-fed hounds, to the oppo- site beach. Well, all that forenoon to mid- day we tramped, tramped, tramped ; the only alteration in the per- formance being an occasional halt, when an acute observation of some sign would cause comments from all parties, excepting we two pale- faces. First, it would be a broken twig ; next, an indentation of the ground ; and thirdly, what would not have appeared to the uninitiated a rarity in sheep pastures. Although this was all Greek to us, we determined to look knowing, say nothing, and possibly, like many another under similar circumstances, get credit for being perfect Nim- rods. A halt was at length called for, and old Chief John, no small bug, spoke like an oracle. The deer had gone to the big swamp, and if we wanted buck FIRST DEER IN AMERICA. 17 we must go there. Off again we started, I having come to the determination that the whole thing was a humbug, and that I would slip off the first available opportunity. The desired chance soon offered, and after half an hour's walking I struck the margin of the lake where the canoes had been left. Another I found before me at this rendezvous, which helped much to console me for not being the only deserter. "We had not been long dawdling and attempting to kill time, when some pigeons came down to drink ; so drawing my buck-shot and replacing it with No. 6, I came to the conclusion, as I could not have venison, I would try and procure some of them. Nor was I unsuccessful, for soon half a dozen long tails (the wild pigeons of America have long tails) swelled the volu- minous proportions of my pockets. There is an end to all things, and even pigeons got wary of our proximity, and a second period of inaction followed. However, the scenery was pretty, the foliage brilliant, the tem- perature pleasant, and a hunter might be far less comfortably situated. Time was passing rapidly, the sun was fast dipping into the horizon, and consequently our indefatigable friends could not much longer be absent. Thus I thought when Master Redskin jumped suddenly up out of a canoe in which he had been lolling, clapped his 18 ACCESSim/fi FIELD SPOUTS. ear to flic ground, nnd remained in tLat ludicrous and ungraceful position for some rainutes, exciting greatly my curiosity. On asking him for an explanation, naught but a grunt could I get for an answer, and a non-describablo wave of the hand, as if to invoke silence. After manoeuvring thus, my nearly exliausted patience received the explanation that one of the hounds was running a deer, and that they were coming this way. Immediately afterwards I was bundled into a canoe, and although I had never previously handled a paddle, was now forced to take one of those implements and attempt a trial ; but no use — the obstinate com- position of birch bark would only spin round and make most indisputable signs of objection to its freight, which were manifested by the gxmwale several times taking in water and almost upsetting, so that my now irate companion almost got out of his wits with rage. At length I attained a slight dexterity, and succeeded, assisted by the skilful steering of the Chippewa, in propelling our frail boat under a cedar that grew on the termination of a promontory. "Whatever might have been my doubts before as to my friend's assertion that game was afoot, they were now dissipated ; for, true enough, the deep voice of a hound could be distinctly heard resounding through the forest, and coming towards us; every bound the good hound spoke, FIRST DEKR IN AMERICA. 10 till the echoes and his voice were blended in one pro- longed, deep, musical note. My pulsation increased as the sound approached, my whole nervous system was in a state of extreme tension ; even clasping my gun, setting my teeth, only gave me temporary relief, an(' never from that day to this has my excitement been so intense. "Look! look!" said the Indian, and, following the direction of Jiis hand, I saw a splendid doe breasting the water and heading for the middle of the lake. Like all green hands, my first prompting was to start in pursuit ; but my more wily friend put a veto on that proposition, begging me to restrain my impatience till the quarry got well out from land. Long — very long — appeared the next few moments. But it was evident I was not boss* — only a deck hand of very ordinary acquirements. Remon- strance was, therefore, out of the question ; so sub- mission, with the best possible grace, was adopted. By this time the doe had got nearly a quarter of a mile out — for few animals swim so fast as deer — when the signal was given to commence the chase. Never did oarsman more energetically pull — never did race-horse more gallantly struggle ; every thew, every muscle was brought into play, and what I lacked in skill was made up in vim. It, however, took. all the dusky gentle- ♦ American for " master." 2(> ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. ■it ' ■'lit. "ill 1 1 I man's skill to keep the craft's head straight. For many minutes we did not appear to have gainer* an inch; the perspiration ran down my face, and even lodged in my eyes; but there was no time for rest, no desire for respite; each succeeding stroke equalled its predecessor in strength. At length, we commenced gaining — a further inducement to renewed exertion — and the paddle was dipped deeper and handled still more swiftly. Inch by inch we crept up, at first slowly, then more rapidly, till but twenty yards severed the victim and destroyer. I was about to drop my paddle and seize my gun, when Master Redskin in- formed me, " Not time yet ! " On we advanced ; ten feet at most intervened. Mr. Chippewa gave the desired permission, and as I pitched my gun to the shoulder he veered the canoe a point or two to the left. A sharp report followed, and the water boiled with the ineffectual efforts of the stricken animal. Quickly the birch bark was shot up, and just as the deer was disap- pearing it was grabbed by the ear, and after several ineffectual efforts lifted on board. Know you, reader, that a dead deer will sink; and although I remem- bered it not at the time of drawing the trigger, my double-barrel was loaded with ISTo. 6, which at that short range, and pointed at the back of the head, almost instantaneously destroyed vitality ; and, however FIRST DEER IN AMERICA. 21 easy it may be to lift a heavy body into a boat, it is a different thing to bring a dead deer into a birch canoe. On our way to shore we picked up the hound, which was taken on board, and enjoyed himself by licking the blood that trickled from the shot-holes. Feel- ing fatigued from my severe exertions, I halted for a few moments, and commenced handb'ng cur trophy, when the confounded dog flew at me, inflicting a most disagreeable impression of his ivories on the palm of my hand — a habit I believe he had with all, excepting his owner; which peculiarity, doubtless, was much approved of by him, but was far from raising this canine in my estimation. That night I was the hero of the day-— the lion of the hour ; an honour to which I was no more entitled than many whose fame has been made through force of circumstances, and whose memory will live when an abundant crop of grass, perhaps thistles, are growing over a hero's last resting-place, and the dwellers upon earth have forgotten that such ever existed. !i :ki! CHAPTER III. TROUT FISHtN< . ON THE ANDROSCOGAN. Got up at daybreak ; morning foggy, with little wind ; started to the falls as soon as I had swallowed a cup of coffee. Found the river ii little lower than yester- day. Took my stand on the big rock near the tail of the rapid. Tried several flies without success, and ultimately put up two black hackles, one with salmon- coloured body, the other with blue. On the second cast, raised a heavy fish, which I pricked; turned round and took half a dozen throws in another direction, hoping the big one would in the meantime forget his previous rough treatment* Took two little fellows just over half a pound, which I returned to their element. Thought I would give the big one another show, and got fast to him first cast ; with all my exertion could not prevent him making the rapid, and taking out nearly all my line ; nevertheless, having put the brake on, succeeded in turning him, when he came back to TROUT USHING OX THE ANDROSCOGAN. 23 me like a skyrocket, preventing me from recovering the slack. I feared that this run had effected his libera- tion, but on getting reeled up, was agreeably surprised to find that I still held him. Five minutes more brought him on his side, when Collins neatly handled his landing net, and I had the satisfaction of safely securing a good four-and-a-half pounder. Within an hour and a half I had killed eleven fishj averaging two and a quarter pounds, when suddenly they stopped rising, and ail my skill was wasted, for I could not raise a fin. This striking peculiarity in both trout and salmon fishing, which no fisherman can fail to have observed, I am unable to account for. That all the inhabitants of a portion of a stream should desist to feed instantaneously, when a few minutes previously they have been seizing with avidity your flies, is a subject on which I should like to hear the opinion of some competent authority. I remember asking an old hand, whose success in his neighbourhood was a household word, and his response was that a sudden cliange in the atmosphere catused it. This answer somewhat astonished me, nor could I reconcile myself to the idea that fish which, in the m.ajority of instances, lie some distance beneath the surface of the water, should be cognizant of an alteration which is impercep- tible to us. From continued want of success, I changed ■^'r*»f:J«*-^,i**'6rt-*.t .^ji.^v '^, •■^_ i $ I .a' 24 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. my position, and removed to a liole some way farther down. After much difficulty from the quantity of brush that grew on the margin of the stream, and carrying a rod among such obstacles, I reached the water. The appearance of ' he pool much pleased me, but it was difficult to fish, from the timber growing so close to the water, and wading being almost out of the question from the rough and irregular bottom being thickly packed with large boulders. Obliged to make a virtue of necessity, with a short line, and a quick, contracted cast, I commenced operations. My com- panion informed me that he much doubted if a line had been wet there that season ; from the result, I think his statement must have been correct. Scarcely had my flies touched the water, when two beauties, radiant in their handsome golden hues, simultaneously dashed at the deception; one I hooked firm and strong, and soon brought to net : a dozen times did I go through the same performance, only varied by occa- sionally hooking a brace at the same cast. I fearel, with such incessant work, my perfect little rod woul 1 get strained, but I was disinclined to give up. Having once filled my large basket, and being in a fair way to repeat the performance, I moved forty yards lower down towards the tail of the stream, where, from the' placid appearance of the surface, T had little doubt I TROUT FISHING ON THE ANDROSCOGAN. 25 [could wade. "With the assistance of the pole of my [landing net, I succeeded in staggering out to a slioal bank of gravel, about ten yards from the brmk, and although quite up to the knee, established a firm foot- ling; and each cast rose or hooked a fish. The water [appeared to be alive with trout ; first one would spring Ueveral feet clear of the water with a vim and energy [positively speaking of determination ; another would [only barely come to the surface, leaving no other indi- cations of his presence than a miniature whirlpool ; while a third would roll over like a grampus, displaying a good view of his golden, strongly-proportioned, [handsome side, raising the demon of covetousness in [my breast. I have frequently sought for a satisfac- Itory reason for the different degrees of ardour which fish exhibit in taking the fly. I am inclined to believe that much is to be attributed to caprice, and not hunger, for it is very rare to see a heavy fish entirely disengage himself from the water when about to seize the cunningly-devised imitation. Several fine fish had fallen to my prowess, and step by step, with cautious care, I advanced down the river, till I had almost got within casting distance of the bottom of the pool, where the stream was contracted previous to forming another rapid. In taking my last throw, I was so near the broken ■' '^r» 26 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. water that my trail-fly was without doubt in it, when, without seeing a fish, I felt a smart pluck at my line. On elevating the top of my rod, I found that a small chub had taken my hook. Reeling up to get rid of the incumbrance, and f(f)tching him to the surface, what was my surprise to see an immense trout dash at the unfortunate captive, and in the twinkling of an eye, I had my reel going at telegraph speed. Here was an adventure, truly, but one out of which I could scarcely expect success. Running out something like fifteei. yards, the interloper became stationary, and well I knew he had returned to his sanctum, probably to pouch the bait at pleasure. With but a slight strain upon my rod, I waited on the will of his mightiness, hoping it would not be long ere his royal pleasure would dictate swallowing the booty. Ten minutes, at least, I remained in statu quo, when, supposing due courtesy had been extended, I took a slight pull just by way of reminder. Alas ! the chub came away, and, being now dead, combined with the rapidity of the water, trailed upon the surface. I was not disappointed — the result was but probable. Commencing to reel up to divest my hook of the mangled corpus, I had not Xnore than taken a few feet in when, mirahile dictu, the same episode was enacted, and the unfortunate mangled remains of the shiner were borne off, apparently TROUT FISHING ON THE ANDROSCOGAN. 27 to the same location. Patiently now I determined to rest, hoping against chance, that in sportive mood, while playing with his intended dejeuner, his highness would get the point of the insidious hook attached to his royal person. What time elapsed I know not, but my necessary inertness and the disagreeableness of my position induced me to endeavour to bring the drama to a finish. With a gentle strain, I evoked a succession of rapid, quick jerks, admonishing me that I had a gentleman of short temper to deal with. Gradually I continued shortening my line, which, although an unusual proceeding thus early, I succeeded in doing without the least hindrance. Still the dead strain that existed proclaimed that no ordinary contestant was at the other end. In all my previous experience I had never seen a fish come without an efibrt almost up to my hand, without once making a rush, or giving a chance to judge of his paces. By this time nearly all my line was in, and the trout could not have been over fourteen or fifteen feet from me, but down in deep water, moving slowly in rings of a foot or two in diameter. Whatever some persons might have done, I did not exactly like bivouacking in two feet of rapid stream, with a very precarious footing, and a cloud of mosquitoes singing either a requiem or a lullaby about my unprotected face. My patience exhausted, I i« , ,;,i! ■! , I 1 28 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. inwardly made up my mind, let the results be wliat they would, that I would force the giant to declare himself. Gradually raising the point of my rod, inch by inch, with a steady motion, to my a'ltouishment I brought him to the surface, giving me a good view of his massive form. The chub was across his mouth, as a spaniel would carry a stick, and devil a hook had touched him ! Worse than all, it was apparent, from the constant strain, that my hold of the impromptu bait was nearly at an end. Being humbugged and victimised is at all times disagreeable, and as the laugh was decidedly against me, with a sharp jerk, I dis- engaged my flies, anathematising the brute which had caused me so much trouble, and sincerely hoping his breakfast would disagree with him. With a flourish of the tail, my tormentor bid me good morning, and I returned to the shore in far from an enviable frame of mind. On my way to the shanty for my morning meal, I scarcely spoke a word, no doubt moralising on the uncertainty of all worldly affairs ; but just as I was entering the domicile, with feelings of dire revenge, I told my attendant not to say a single word on the subject, for that I had a plan in my head by which I trusted to wipe off all old scores. With vindictive feeling I munched my food in silence, avenging myself on the finny tribe by the quantity of fish I put under •:3r'-:*t'r-H- hat they himself, by inch, brought w of his iith, as a ook had nt, from promptu ged and le laugh I dis- lich had ping his flourish g, and I rame of norning sing on ist as I •evenge, on the v^hich I iidictive : myself t under TKOUT FISHING ON THE ANDROSCOGAN. 29 y belt, and only did I begin to feel in a placid frame f mind after I had smoked an inch of my morning cigar. Tobacco — divine tobacco ! how much does irascible man owe you ! Companion in our solitude, amuser in our idleness, and soother in our troubles, what happy fancies and castles in the air can we build whilst watching thy smoke curling gracefully towards the azure heavens or dingy roof- tree ! What henpecked husband has not enjoyed your soothing influence when he has escaped to the safety of his sanctum ? The lords of creation owe much to the taste and good sense of Sir Walter Raleigh, the ladies little — un- ^ doubtedly the reason that he lives leiss vividly in our memories than his deserts. v. I About an hour before sunset I returned to the field .; of action, armed, however, with a strong bait-rod and y a bait-kettle filled with well-selected minnows and chubs. With a determination equal to the undertak- ing of the most arduous and hazardous enterprise, I mounted a minnow-tackle (don't turn away, gentle fisherman, to hide your blushes ; any apologies which are due, I freely tender ; remember the aggravation I had suffered), and boldly stalked into the water, a short way above where my tormentor domiciled. In working my way down, I killed several of the smaller gentry, but with these I dealt most cavalierly, they being far w 30 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. i i II : II beneath my present ambition. At length I reached the very stone on which I stood in the morning, and, with nervous, anxious eye, I made my throw. Slowly the bait swung round, and described an arc of a circle to the charmed spot. A rush, a dash and splash, and away flew my line, the reel discoursing sweetest melody (perhaps not sweetest, for the music of the deep-mouthed pack deserves the superlative degree), and I had my gallant tormentor fast. Every effort that ever was successfully pe^'petrated by fish was put in play. Down and up the stream he frantically rushed ; first to one side, then the other, but all without avail. Ten minutes of these futile efforts told a tale, ^ud the shortened and less vigorous exertions proclaimed an early approach to the finish. Carefully I backed out, step by step, feeling cautiously the inequalities of the ground, till I stood confident on terra firma. My attendant waited, with landing net ready, and at a preconcerted signal I gave the word ; excitement caused him to act too precipitously, and the splash made mstilled fresh vigour into my victim's now exhausted frame. Game to the last, another effort was made for life, and with an impetuous rush he again started for his time-honoured, watery haunts. With a nervous grasp on my rod, I was prepared to give him line ; but imagine my astonishment when the wi TROUT FISIIIXG ON THE ANDROSCOGAN. di slack returned to ray hand, minus Looks and leader ! The swivel, where they joined, had been worn out, and with a rueful countenance, I stood the picture of desperation. I doubt if the physiognomy of Marina over the ruins of Carthage could have looked moro doleful. On my way home, talking the matter over with my Jidus Achcdes, we agreed upon the verdict of " served me right," ijr attempting to immolate so noble a victim in such an ignoble manner, and doubly was I convinced of the time-honoured French adage, " L'homme propose et Dieu dispose." n 1^ t ' 11 'i. 1 1 EH 'I'l m '■' IH i a 1 3' y H 1 1 1 ^ 1 1 ^'1 i i CHAPTER IV. WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. Something like thirty-five years ago Colonel Hawker wrote a work on duck shooting, which not only lauded this amusement to the skies, but thoroughly and lucidly explained how it could be successfully followed in England. His descriptions were terse and clear, his sketches graphic and true, the whole interspersed with a certain amount of romance, which gained his work many admirers, and this description of shooting many votaries. The result, as might be expected, was that from duck shooting only being followed by those who shot for the market, it became a fashionable sport ; and many who previously ignored such amusement, — as much as a genuine foxhunter would running a bagged fox, or a crack shot killing a bird on the ground, — followed the now popular mania, and spoke with as strong superlative expressions in its favour as they formerly would have used in its condemnation. During WILD- FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. 83 winter, the coast of England, the fens of Lincolnshire, and the northern portion of France, are visited by numbers of wild fowl. These migratory birds receive rest neither by day nor night as soon as their advent is known. Ilalf-a-dozen mallard is considered an ample recompense for a sleepless night, wet feet, and the cramped interior of a skiff; and so imbued have some become with this passion, that though they may be possessed of wealth and all the requisites of comfort, they persistently follow, night after night, this adven- turous and hazardous recreation, confidently believing that there is no other portion of the world where such glorious results can bo obtained — a proof of the old adage, "Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise." " Sic vcnator immemor tonoraj sposaa Jacet sub frigidi tempore." It has often struck me that if such enthusiasts could, by electric telegraph or some fairy incantation, be trans- ported from their sea-girt island-home to one of the Western prairies, at the proper season of the year, when the immense migrato^-y flocks of the web-footed gentry are travelling southward from their arctic summv^r breeding retreats, their senses would be con- siderably astonished, their former hallucinations would receive a wholesome shock, and their most expanded imaginations be far surpassed. And better than all, I ' I:' ii i:> I 1 I !|| 34 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. these legions of birds are free to every one, the shooter not being in constant peril of writs for poaching, tres- passing, and violation of game laws, as every one is, whether rich or poor, who follows the fascinating amusement of shooting in the British Isles. I have little doubt, in alluding to English sportsmen and their ignorance of many of the advantages which America enjoys in this respect, that there are thousands across the Atlantic equally deficient in knowledge of sights which almor " daily may be realised, and who, though sports- men, through lack of experience, miss witnessing scenes that would cause them such pleasure and admi- ration, that the impression left would never be eradi- cated in future years. In confinnation of this, I will state an instance that came under my own observation : — I was shooting on a prairie in Illinois, on the edge of a large slough, accompanied by a gentleman who had been born and bred in a town in the immediate vicinity. As we progressed along the margin of the wet ground a brace of duck flushed ; each of us cut down one, the mallard falling to his lot: so greatly was he elated over his success that a person would have imagined that he had never previously killed a similar specimen. This supposition entered my head, and I inquired if he would like to obtain a few more. " A strong desire " was WILD- FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. 35 Kis assent. In consequence I proposed a return to the same spot about sunset, promising numerous shots as a recompense, and, possibly, the pleasure of witnessing thousands of duck arriving on their feeding ground. The evening was eminently suited for the purpose of exhibiting a large show of birds, it being dark, stormy, and threatening, with a rapid decrease in the tempera- ture, strongly indicative of frost or snow. In truth, if I had made a selection, I could scarcely have chosen better- adapted weather. After a tiresome and unpro- fitable day, we found ourselves back at the requisite station, wet, weary, and fatigued, and net by any means in the best of spirits ; still, I did not wish to be the proposer of an adjournment of my promised exhibi- tion, and my friend felt placed upon his ir<^ttle, lest he should appear to suffer more from his long tramp than myself, or less capable of enduring the fatigues of the hunting field. How often, if we could read one another's internal feelings, should we find that external appearances are only assumed, and that the companio!i who ostensibly looks as fresh and capable of travelli ig for hours, as he was at the time of starting, is suffering from extreme lassitude and disinclination to more exertion, only he is restrained from confessing his v/eakness by a certain amour propre and repugnance to acknowledge himself beaten ; at least, I speak from my i!! 36 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. * -I I I'll I'i'J MT own experience, and I believe that the majority of men are similarly constituted. If men would but give the same attention, the same pertinacious assiduity to business affairs that are bestowed by the devotee on field sports, it cannot be doubted that their fortune in amassing wealth would be equal to their success in filling game bags. As the sun dipped in the western horizon, or as near as possible to that time — murky, dark, threatening clouds preventing the luminary from being seen — we entered the wet, marshy margin which bounded our future scene of operations. With much difficulty, and the energetic use of all the rim left in us, we pro- gressed slowly and steadily, till we reached the edge of the water, where, ensconsing ourselves in the centre of some of the scattered aquatic-loving brush which vege- tated in the vicinity, we awaited the result. Permit me, kind reader, to deviate from facts, and give a hint to all who love the gun that they may find useful in their future essi s against all descriptions of game. I have heard sportsmen, and they gentlemen of experience, condemn Colonel Hawker for impressing upon his pupils the necessity of particular attention to their costume, many thinking he devoted too much time and pains to what appeared to them a very unnecessary desideratum. If any one who peruses these lines should "WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. 37 be of that impression, allow me, with all kindly feeling, to take an opposite stand, and assert that there is nothing which will more certainly guarantee your success than paying due attention to wearing clothes that at all times harmonise with the colouring of the ground over which you are about to shoot. I have so many times had convincing proofs of the efficacy of attending to this important point, that I consider it scarcely possible to impress it too strongly upon the minds of all. An instance I will state, out of many others I could tell of, which I think will prove that the grounds I take are strong, and beyond opposition. While sojourning West I made the acquaintance of a good-hearted, kind gentleman and thorough sportsman, whom the uncertainty of worldly affairs had reduced much in pecuniary circumstances ; in those days, although I had experience, still, as now, I had much to learn; my friend was, if anything, my superior as a shot, more particularly on wild fowl. On the breaking up of winter in the spring of '65 — Ul fact, the morning after a decided thaw had set in — he arrived at my house at an early hour, and invited me to accompany him on cue prairie to kill duck. For some time previously all the water that wao stag- nant, or had but slight current, had been frozen, and there being in consequence no feeding ground for 38 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. m m i I :\ the broad-bills, they had taken their departure for more hospitable regions. My want of success a few days before caused me to doubt if better results could be obtained on this occasion, but being aware that H was better posted on these matters than any man in the vicinity, I shouldered my ten-bore, strad- dled my Indian pony, and started for what he con- sidered the most appropriate place for doing havoc. On repching the confines of the prairie, we found that duck had come in, and in myriads. In no direction could we gaze without seeing flights in those strange mathematical figures which they always assume when on the wing. (Query— Are they not proficients in Euclid?) We at once held a council of war, and determined to leave our steeds (having first spread a horse blanket on each to protect them from the bitter blast ; for every true votary of Diana is humane^ though the virgin goddess herself displayed but little of this virtue to the unfortunate Actaeon), and after striking the wet land, to separate, one to take the right side and the bther the left. My clothes, through chance, were admirably suited for our work, being composed of that common coloured velveteen which so much resembles withered grass, while H 's were dark and conspicuous ; without doubt, his inattention to colour being caused by the lightness of his pocket WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. 39 and inability to procure more suitable raiment. After four hours' shooting, on comparing results, my pro- ceeds were more than double his, while two wild geese, the most wary of all game, were among my victims, he having failed to get a shot at this noble quarry. I was at a loss to account for this superior fortune, and might have remained long without satis- factory reasons, but my comrade's experience taught him that the difference of colour in our costume was the cause. - ■,,,■;,.'>;/;;,;■;:./.'.■;;,;/ v;r But to return to our work. As soon as thoroughly located, we divested ourselves of shot-pouches and powder-horns, hanging them on the bushes that we might the easier use them when required — -for once the game commences to arrive every moment is of value; Before we had been stationary many minutes a few stragglers made their appearance, the advance guard, doubtless, of the main body ; some old and experienced veterans, I should think, are generally chosen for this duty, as these forerunners are wary in the extreme, and seldom or ever come within gun-shot. How- ever, we were not detained idle, a bunch of mallard passed within range, and a salute welcomed their visit ; another and another party rapidly followed in such quick succession that it was impossible to shoot at all. These birds, so far, had only flown past, and as night iw r 1 ri! ^' i 40 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. approached their numbers increased, and we being pro- bably less conspicuous from decreasing light, the open water at our side was chosen for their resting-place. Down they would come on the water, almost imperilling our heads, with the rustling sound of the eagle in the act of swooping upon his prey, while some of their com- panions, less certain of the security of this halting- place, would sweep round and round our locale before they finally selected it. As soon as the birds struck the water they would commence bathing themselves* flapping their bodies with their wings, diving with short plunges, and cutting so many capers that one might imagine them stark, staring mad. The fact, however, is, that all this apparent eccentricity is caused by the necessity the ducks feel of cleaning themselves of the insects about their plumage, as well as the pleasure they experience in finding themselves again in a milder climate, with abundance of food around them, after enduring a hard journey from the stormy North, protracted possibly through a day and night. On arrival, therefore, they wash themselves and arrange their dress before commencing their meal — an example other travellers would do well to imitate. But, as the night advanced, some strangers are mixed with the throng. The duSi>.y duck, the gadwall, the pintail, the blue and green winged teal, shoot past WILD-FOWL SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS. 41 like arrows from a bow, the latter making, with the rapid motion of their wings, a sound not unlike an ungreased wheel or hinge. When the travellers are satisfied with the neighbourhood, they dash down upon the water, causing it to fly in spray for yards around, while the first arrivals welcome the new comers with innumerable quacks. The report of a gun then will scarcely alarm them, and, if they should rise, in a moment they will re-settle, doubtlessly feeling security in their numbers. Tarry a little longer, friend, it may be too dark to shoot, but a better sight than all is yet before you ; be not impatient —