LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. siieif..SK.333 Ji-UV9 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. X Scientific Duck Shooting IN Eastern Waters, BY RUSSELL SCUDDER NYE, > < Copyrigrht, 1895. All rights reserved. 1895. '^'_'?^. Independent Press, ^ X j b n \ Spencer & West, Proprietors, ^\ Falmouth, Mass. /v^ TO /\. B. T., In recognition of a highly es- teemed friendship and as a token of mv most sincere rec^ard, this book is dedicated, with the best wishes of THE AUTHOR. Falmouth, Septetnbei- 3, iSg^. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The start. — •* Gardner's." — Wequaquet Lake. — Coleman's Island. — A successful shot. — Reminiscences. CHAPTER II. We lose our dog. — Stalking a bunch of wild fowl. — "I have left the key at home ! " — A shot at wild fowl. — I over- sleep. — Black duck shooting over live decoys. — Home- ward bound. CHAPTER III. Again at Coleman's Island. — Camping out. — Old-time ducking scenes. — Gardner tells a story. — A sleepless night. VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. A shot by moonlight. — Our neighbors across the way. — More ducks. — A trip to Quauk Island. — A pair of gray ducks. — A shot at Teal. — A big flock of ducks. — An exciting moment. — "Rattled." — Our neighbors again. — Gull shooting. — Better luck. — Farewell to Coleman's Island. CHAPTER V. A trip along the south shore. — Stony Point, — White wing coots. — In camp. — Our first sight of ducks. — We se- cure a shot. — "Tramp." CHAPTER VI. Before the campfire. — Duck shooting by moonhght. — A morning's sport.-^A lively chase. — A game dinner. — A good shot. CHAPTER VII. We replenish our larder. — A surprise party. — What Billy and I had for supper. — Billy spins a yarn. — The strange story of a wild goose. — We secure ourselves CONTENTS. vii against tramps. — The storm. — We kill an Indian goose. — The gale mcrcases. — Better weather at last. — A shot at ducks. — Crossing the lake in a northwester. CHAPTER VIII. A turtle hunt. — Turtle lore. — We start for camp. — A wild night crossing the lake. — We entertain visitors. — Scien- tific duck shooting. — The sheldrake that " quacked." An excursion to the mainland. — Repairing the camp. — Duck shooting under difficulties — Chasing cripples. — A trip to the village. — A battle with the elements. — We reach camp. — We prepare supper. — The camp afire. — We finally get to sleep and awake to find our- selves on an island.— A parting shot. — Breaking camp. — Conclusion. PREFACE. It has been said on g3od authority that a man will go farther to kill a duck than to do anything else in the world. However true that may be certain it is that among no class of sportsmen is there to be found greater ardor and enthu- siasm than among the duck shooting fraternity. Of all the duck species which inhabit the waters of this country, the black duck, Anas Obscura, or black mallard as it is commonly called in the West, and of which the follow- ing chapters principally tieals, is the hardest to circumvent and bring to bag. Of an exceedingly shy and wary dispo- sition, made so from the fact he seldom frequents deep waters but is usually to be found in shallow lakes and streams in close proximity to marshes covered with waving grass or tall rushes and wooded shores, whose projecting points may at any time conceal an enemy, this grand bird has learned never to consider himself safe without a long reach of water intervening between him and the danger- lurking shore. The difficulties which attend his capture however only lO PREFACE. serve to make him the more a prize to be sought after, and especially dear to the heart of the eastern gunner, to whom he is regarded as the most desirable of his species. In order therefore that bis pursuit may be attended with suc- cess it is necessary that the sportsman should use the most scientific methods yet known to the art of wild fowl shoot- ing, which in the case of the black duck in eastern waters is without doubt the use of live decoys. Among the many localities scattered along the entire length of the Atlantic seaboard where the sport of duck shooting can still be engaged with pleasure and profit, there is probably no more favored locality than Cape Cod, whose wave- washed shores abounding in sheltered coves and quiet bays, with partially submerged marshes extending far inland, and flats, made bare by the receding tides, offer to the wild fowl feeding grounds unsurpassed in variety and abundance, while the many lakes and ponds which He snugly sheltered among the low lying hills and uplands furnish an abundant supply of fresh water, a luxury which Anas Obsciira will not deny himself of, for any length of time, he being willing to take extraordinary risks after having been deprived of his bath for a few days. It was at such a lake as I have here described, one of the fairest among the many lovely sheets of water that nes- tle deep among the Cape Cod hills, that in company with boon companions I was permitted to enjoy for several suc- cessive seasons what is to me the sport par excellence, duck shooting over live decoys. The Author. SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING IN EASTERN WATERS. CHAPTER I. " These are the tales, or new or old, In idle moments idly told. Flowers of the field with petals thin, Tallies that neither toil nor spin." JT was a warm, sunny day in October — one of those bright, beautiful days for which our New England autumns are noted. We were sitting in the office, looking wistfully out of the window at the ever- changing panorama of sea and sky, woods and fields, over which the hush of autumn had fallen, and wishing most of all for a vacation. The office-boy came in with the mail and, running it over leis- urely, we noticed the familiar handwriting of an old friend and sportsman ; and, eagerly opening the letter, it was found to contain an invitation to spend a few days with him in camp at Coleman's Island, for duck shooting. It did not take us long to decide, and the next mail carried to our friend a glad acceptance of his kind invitation ; and the 12 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING following day found us at the Falmouth station, on the Woods HoU branch of the Old Colony Railroad, laden with guns, amunition and our light baggage — for we always travel light when on a sporting trip, believing thoroughly in the sage advice of 'Nessmuck," that we do not go to the woods to rough it, but to smooth it, and that an excess of camp equipage is a useless incumbrance. We reached Buzzards Bay shortly after eight o'clock, and there had to wait nearly three hours for the down train, which would leave us at West Barnstable, from which we would cross to the South Shore by stage. We reached Centreville, our boy- hood's home, shortly after noon and not too late for dinner ; and, after spending the remainder of the afternoon in ramb- ling about the village and looking up old acquaintances, found ourselves at Gardner's store early in the evening, that being the general rendezvous for all the sportsmen in the neighborhood. Receiving a warm welcome from Gardner, we spent the evening with him, learning from him that the ducks were coming in quite plentifully, and that the after- noon- flight that day had contributed several pairs of black ducks to his already well-stocked larder. Bidding us to be on hand by four o'clock the next morning, we part for the night, and. going to our stopping- place, are soon asleep and dreaming of ducks. The little alarm clock at our side awakens us with a sudden start just as we are in the act of making a most extraordinary shot at an imaginary flock of black ducks, and springing to our feet we find it is already growing light and nearly four o'clock ; so, hastily donning our shooting garb and making IN EASTERN WATERS. 1 3 a raid on the pititry, we secure our gun an1 make our exit into the open air withjut disturbing the sleeping in- mates. VVe find the morning raw and cold, the stars look- ing down at us in a hazy sort of way, and the wind, which is slightly breezing from the northeast, predicts a storm ; but it is good duck weather and we tramp along in antici- pation of plenty of sport before the morning is over, and reaching Gardner's house, find him just in readiness to start. So, whistling up the dog, a brown and white shaggy- coated retriever, we shoulder our guns and start along the turnpike, reaching in a few minutes the woodland path which leads to the p >nd, the shares of which we reach after a half-hours's tramp. The water was so low this year that the use of a boat was not necessary in order to reach the island, as with top boots one could easily wade across the narrow neck of land separating the island from the mainland, and by picking out the shallow places, which we are obliged to do by feel- ing for tdem in the darkness with the toe of our boot, we succeeded in getting across dry and without creating any perceptible noise, which at this point was a great desidera- tum, being in such close proximity to the shooting grounds ; for the black duck must be approached with the utmost silence and caution, else a startled quack and roar of wings of the frightened flock will be the only reward of the cha- grined hunter, in place of the successful shot and well- earned bag of ducks. For this reason, if for no other, in black duck shooting it is always desirable to camp near the shooting-grounds, so as to be on hand in the morning, and 14 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING to have all arrangements completed and absolute silence reigning supreme by the first streaks of daylight, for by that time the birds are liable to be moving and coming in, if indeed they have not already come in during the night and are snugly ensconced, with heads under their wing, un- der the friendly shelter of some clump of some lily-pads or water rushes. Owing, however, to the limited time we had to stay and the press of business that kept our friend engaged evenings, we had departed from the usual order of things on this occasion, and were spending our nights at the village, though on all our visits since to this celebrated resort we have endeavored to spend the nights in camp, the results of which will appear in subsequent chapters ; but we are digressing, and will go back and take up the thread of our narrative at the point where, leaving the mainland behind us and crossing the narrow neck only lightly submerged in water, we found ourselves on Coleman's Inland with the light faintly breaking in the east. Stepping carefully up to the shanty door, we unlock it and procure a lantern and the keys of the duck-box, and then, carefully replacing everything as we found it, we step noiselessly along the pathway that leads to the "stand" or " blind," through a network of overhanging branches and bushes deftly arranged to afford ample protection to the gunner in passing to and fro from the "blind," while at the same time it enables him to note all that is transpiring upon the surface of the water in front and around him. Entering the "stand," which consists of a barricade of IN EASTERN WATERS. 1 5 pine trees built nearly to the water's edge, and so deftly- covered with branches and bushes as to completely hide its real purpose, the passer-by in a boat at a distance of a hun- dred yards, or even at fifty, not being able to detect any- thing unusual about it, the portholes through which the gunner shoots not showing a few rods from the shore, and the entire front of the battery being in exact keeping with the surrounding vegetation. So perfect is the deception t'lat in rowing a boat to them in the night it is oftentimes difficult to exactly locate your own "blind." By the shaded light of the lantern's feeble rays, the duck-box is opened and the decoy ducks fettered (for all shooting here is done over live decoys), and while Andrew is putting out the decoys we will give you a short descrip- tion of Wequakett Lake. It is situated in Barnstable town, in the County of Barnstable, and connects the villages of Centreville and Barnstable. Its shores are for the most part heavily wooded, though there are several good farms along its eastern shore, where an arm of the lake extends nearly to the county road ; notable among the farms is that of Mr. Ambrose Lewis, who owuis several miles of the lake shore and has a number of acres under a high state of cultivation. The lake, covering in extent an acreage of about nine miles, is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the State, and is famed chiefly for being a resort for black duck, the most wary, gamey and highest-prized of all the birds that visit New England waters. It is one of the loveliest sheets of water to be found anywhere, its shores thickly 1 6 SCIEVIIFIC DUCK SHOOTING Studded with a fine growth of pine, birch and maple, ex tending down to a beautiful sand beach, white and shining, upon whose shores the miniature billows dance gaily under a summer sun, or are lashed into fury when driven before the violence of a northeast gale in autumn, sending huge breakers, white-cnpped and tempestuous, to dash upon the shore with a roar like distant thunder. The shore is very prettily broken with it any inlets and coves, and on the numerous points that extend out from both sides of the pond are located the different camps of the ducking clubs, notable among which are the Annable's Point, Stony Point, Bliss' Point and Coleman's Island, the scene of our present exploits. Lying close by and contiguous to the lake are Quawk Island and Bearse's Pond, the latter being an excellent shooting place when the wind is olowing heavily and it is rough in the big ponds, the birds then seeking the smaller ponds on account of the better shelter afforded. All of these ponds afford fine fishing for white and yellow perch and pickerel, and a large number of people visit them each season with good success. The writer remembers one after- noon in the early part of September, a number of years ago, when, in the company of a friend, he enjoyed as fine fishing as can be found anywhere in the State, we having taken, in a little over an hour, over one hundred fish of good size. If "Joe" should ever happen to fall upon this he will remem- ber the day and the rare sport we had. Upon the northern shore of the pond rises a stately eminence known as Shoot- Flying Hill, from the top of which one can command beau- tiful views of the surrounding country ; in fact, nearly the IN EASTERN WATERS. I 7 whole of Cape Cod is here spread out to view, the scenes in every direction being fine, and seeming to please whichever way you turn. Directly in the foreground, Barnstable Bay stretches away for miles, its surface dotted with vessels from all quarters of the globe presenting a most pleasing and animating picture, u-hile on a clear day the spires of Piovincetown, the tip end of Yankee-land, can be plainly seen. An observatory has been erected upon the summit of the hill and a carriage road built to it, so that it is now easy of access, and all visi.tors to the upper Cape towns or South Shore villages in search of health, pleasure and recre- ation should not consider their outing complete without having made the ascent of Shoot-Flying Hill. The Messrs. Marston of Centreville have recently pur- chased large tracts of lands adjoining these waters, and have laid out a road running through the woods on the eastern shore, v.-hich furnishes one of the most delightful drives to be found anywhere on Cape Cod. These gentlemen have also built a commodious boat-house on the southern shore of the lake, and have several fast yachts and a steam launch there, the lake offering fine facilities for pleasure sailing and racing. Coleman's Island is owned by Mr. Andrew B. Gardner of Centreville, he having purchased the entire property several years ago. The island is covered with a sturdy growth of pine forest, and from a scenic point of view is, n-e think, the finest location about the lake. It is ac- knowledged also to be one of the best points from which to shoot ducks, and fortunate is the sportsman who receives 1 8 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING from Mr. Gardner an invitation to spend a few days with him at this sylvan retreat. But as dayHght is now fast approaching, and Andrew having placed the decoys to his liking has returned to the stand, we will lay aside all further digression and proceed at once to the business of the morning. V\ e can now plainly hear the quacking of the decoy ducks ai Annable's Point and, turning the glass in that direction, can just make out a flock of ducks swimming in to the decoys. In a few minutes they are near enough, and, as they draw together, a sheet of flame bursts from the portholes of the " blind " and a moment later we hear the report of the guns, and by the aid of the glass can see the occupants of the stand rush out upon the shore and send their dog into the water and retrieve the killed and wounded. The balance of the flock, which of course flew at the report of the guns are now cir- cling high in the air at the farther end of the lake, when suddenly four of their number leave the flock and wheel in our direction, with the evident intention of going into the Sound, instead of back into the bay. As they draw near Gardner hastily reaches for a decoy and throwing it high in the air it alights by the side of its fellows with many a splash and quack. It does the business, for the four wild ducks have seen the decoys and come on with a rush, seemingly having forgotten the danger from which they have so lately escaped, and, coming up side to the wind, they drop easily in among the decoys and swim boldly toward the " blind," where we lie concealed. We take our places at the port- holes and, waiting for them to draw together, Gardner gives IN EASTERN WATERS. 1 9 the word and we fire simultaneously, and rising quickly to our feet see but one duck in the air — and that one going at about sixty miles an hour, close to the water and already fifty yards away. We sent the contents of our remaining barrels after him which serves no purpose except to accel- erate his flight, and then turned and opened the door of the "blind " at which the faithful spaniel is eagerly scratch- ing, and, bidding him " Go fetch the birds," he at once swam boldly out and brought them in, one at a time, and laid them at our feet with a proud and knowing look which seemed to say '-Have I not done well?" As we took them up and stroked their glossy feathers we felt consoled for the loss of the one that sailed away with an utter disregard for the effectiveness of our breech-loaders, in the possession of the three that remained with us. It was now light enough to see all over the lake, and we began to see ducks constantly moving in all directions ; but they did not decoy well, as the wind rose rapidly when the sun came up, and we did not get another shot at black ducks that morning, though we killed one widgeon and a mackerel gull, which curiously enough flew past us and then returned and alighted to the decoys. Whatever prompted him to seek fellowship with a tame duck we do not know, but he paid dearly for his temerity, and his snow-white wing for some time afterwards adorned the hat of a certain young lady of our acquaintance. Several shots were fired at Annable's and Stony Point, but with no great results — at least, so we judged from what we were able to observe with the glass. But if the shooting was dull there was 20 SCIEVriFIC DUCK SHOOTING enough else to interest us in listening to the anecdotes of Gardner regarding former days when decoys and breech- loaders were unknown and ducks were to be had for the asking. As the morning wore on and the sky assumed a more threatening aspect, we witnessed a grand sight in the passage of an immense flock of water-fowl, whistling coots we judged them to be, though they flew at such a great height that we could not determine for a surety whether they were whistling coots or white-wings, though it is prob- able that both varieties were represented. They flew steadily for over an hour, three, four and five flocks being in sight all the time. We judged that nearly three thousand birds must have passed over us during the time we stayed in the stand. Had the wind been southeast instead of northeast there would have been some grand shooting on the Centreville beach, as all outward-bound birds pass directly over the beach, following down the course of the river till it reaches the beach and then crossing over into the Sound. It needs a strong souther though to bring them down within gunshot, and then fortunate is the sportsman who finds himself in the precincts of this sequestered spot on a hazy afternoon in October, with the tide at half- flood on the Barnstable flats and rapidly rising ; the cosy little vfllage in the foreground with the dark and sluggish river flowing at your feet, the sombre shadows of the pine forest rising to the north, the steep, picturesque bluffs on the right and the roar of old ocean at your back, and the cool, sweet incense of the salt breeze sweeping over the marsh as the moist, damp spray is flung full in your face as some IN EASTERN WATERS. 21 giant breaker comes dashing in upon the strand, sending huge volumes of yeasty foam high in air and retreating again with sudden roar ; the excited motions and gestures of the assembled gunners as they run to and fro to obtain the best point of vantage in the wake of the on-coming fiocks of white-wings and whistHng coots, sheldrakes, old squaws, mackerel gulls, and, if it be late in the season, brant and geese, as in rapid succession flock succeeds flock ; the cries of "Run to the eastward," or "Run to the west- ward," as the birds are first sighted far in the distance — thin, wedge-shaped columns darkly defined against the October sky, as they move swiftly along with almost military precision, now veering slightly to one direction and then to another, thus giving to the sport the constant element of uncertainty as to where they will pass, until, as they draw near and sight the broan waters of the Sound, they straighten on their course and, lowering their flight, come on with a mighty rubh of swiftly beating pinions, while from all sides they are greeted with the flash and roar of fowling- pieces, and, leaving many of their number behind, the re- mainder of the flock are soon secure from harm far out upon the surface cf the broad Atlantic. Many times in years gone by has the v/riter been a participator in these scenes, the recalling of which now brings a pleasure only equalled by the actual occurences themselves ; and we call to mind that when but a boy and not allowed to carry a gun, it was our chief delight to accompany our grandfather or uncles, all of whom were keen sportsmen and capital shots, and who could always be counted upon to be on hand 2 2 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING on a fine flying-day. and, snugly ensconced among the tall waving beach grass which served as a protection from the cold, have lain for hours, an interested spectator of all that transpired, our senses lulled into a dreamy contentment and repose, wooed by the siren voice of the south wind. Some noted shots used to be present on those days, many of whom have now laid aside the fowling-piece forever, and some of whom yet remain and practice their old-time sport with all the enthusiasm of former days, and who can still drop their doubles right and left, with the same old-time skill that used to be our ever-increasing wonder and ad- miration. We watch the last flock disappear in the distance, a m.ere speck upon the horizon, and are reminded of the poet's lines : — " Vainly the fowler's eye might mark thy distant flight to do thee harm, As, darkly painted on the crimson sky, thy figure floats along." A sweeping glance with the glass along the horizon and across the surface of the lake, revealing no ducks, Gard- ner thinks we might as well give it up for this morning ; so the decoys are accordingly taken in, everything is made snug and tidy about the stand, and, stowing our birds in- side the capacious pockets of our hunting coats and whistling up the dog who is contentedly taking a nap in the corner of the stand, we shoulder our guns and tramp back to the village, picking up several partridges and and squir- rels on our way through the woods, arriving at the village in time for a late breakfast, which is none the less appre- ciated by being long delayed. CHAPTER II. (3j/r% REAKFAST being over we dress the ducks, turning them over to the cuhnary department (said de- partment giving a good account of itself later on) , and spend the balance ot the morning principally in getting rested. At twelve o'clock dinner is announced, to which at least one of the party does ample justice, stewed ducks being the bill of fare. Contrary to our expectations, the weather had grown milder, the wind veering from the northeast to the south- west, and the angry-looking clouds of the morning had cleared away before the biisk southwester. The sun shone clear and warm, and about two o'clock we strolled around to Gardner's place of business and found him all ready to try the afternoon flight. A few moments sufficed to attend to the wants of several customers who had just come in, and then, whistling for the dog and locking the shop door, we were ready to proceed ; but a new difficulty now pre- sented itself The dog could not be found, and though we 24 SCIENTIl'IC DUCK SHOOTING whistled and called, it was to no purpose ; he failed to show up, and we were obliged to go without him. It was not so bad, however, for (jardner kej)t his boat at the island, and we could retrieve with that, providing we killed any birds. We enjoyed the tramp through the woods, the weather being perfect ; and, while we had already been over the ground twice that day Vv'e did not mind the fatigue, and soon reached the shore. Gaining the point, we started to walk across, when our attention was attracted by a large flock of water fowl that had swum in towards the shore and were now within shooting distance of the margin, if we could but reach it without making our presence known to them. We crept carefully along and gained the island, which, with its dense growth of underbrush and pine forest, afforded us sufficient protection to allow us to reach the de- sired spot without being seen — by dint of much crawling and v/orming ourselves along — though it was hard work, as our path was plentifully strewn with briars, which protruded their sharp thorns into our clothing and hands and even into our faces ; one giant and over-hanging limb having the audacity to pluck off our hat and hold it suspended in the air where it was found and recovered on our return. But we pushed bravely on amidst all obstacles, till we reached a place from which we could shoot, and then carefully raising our heads, found that the birds had taken alarm and swum out beyond gun-shot. This was disappointing, but there was no help for it so we tramped back to where we left the path, and regaining it soon reached the camp, or ''shanty," as Gardner termed IN EASTERN WATERS. 25 it. Putting his hand to his pocket for the key, he turned to us with a look of blank amazement depicted on his coun- tenance, at the same time ejaculating " I have left the key at home!" Here was a dilemma, as Gardner's favorite gun was inside, together with the ammunition and oars, and as the dog had of necessity been left behind, we were dependent entirely upon the boat for retrieving — and that would also be worthless without the important adjunct of oars and rowlocks. We were not to be baffled, however, for inside that shanty we must go, and after surveying the situation for a few moments we decided that the small window at the end of the building was the most vulnerable point of attack ; upon this we at once made a vigorous sortie, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing our labors rewarded by the re- m.oval of the entire window intact. The member of the company carrying the least avoirdupois was prevailed upon to crawl through the narrow aperture and produce the much- required articles, which feat was successfully accomplished by dint of much vigorous squeezing, and having become possessed of them we proceeded at once to the stand and took a long look over the quiet surface of the lake, hoping to see a bird or two. The field-glass failing to show up anything that looked like ducks, we fettered two of the best quackers and putting them out in the water at a proper distance from each other returned to the stand to enjoy the fine landscape spread out before us. It was almost too warm and pleasant for ducks to be about in very large numbers, and v/e did not 26 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING expect to do a great amount of shooting, being well content to leisurely while away the hours in the full enjoyment of the calm and peaceful autumnal scene. The decoys, too, seemed to imbibe the general listlessness that pervaded everything, for they soon tired of quacking to an unrespon- sive echo, and settling themselves low in the water, with heads tucked under their wings, rode lightly at anchor with a low, cooing sound of evident satisfaction. An hour or two of constant scanning of the horizon failing to bring into relief the graceful outlines of the game we sought, we at last bethought ourselves of the birds we had left in the cove, and our companion volunteered to go back to the point from which we had first sighted them and see if they were still there. He soon returned with the in- formation that they were in about the same position as when first discovered, and thought that by taking the boat we could row to the windward of them and thus get near enough for a shot. We pushed out from the shore with as little noise as possible and pulled up into the bend, Gardner at the oars, and finally succeeded in getting to windward of them, and, drifting down in their direction, got within gunshot just as they rose. Gardner quickly dropped the oars and together we fired, knocking out several of the flock. They proved to be white-winged coots, big fellows and in fine order, be- ing plump and fat. Securing our game we hastened back to the stand, and hauling the boat well up out of sight in the bushes took up our watch in the " blind " again ; but we were not rewarded with a shot, as nothing came to us. IN EASTERN WATERS. 27 though we saw a few circUng about in the air. ^Vhile we did our best to attract their attention, they seemingly took no notice of us, and though our decoys stretched their necks and quacked vociferously, they would not be beguiled into making a closer acquaintance, no doubt preferring the wild freedom of their aeriel flight to the possible dangers that might lurk about the shores of Coleman's Island. So, as the sun was sinking behind the treetops that skirted the western shore, we drove out the ducks and let them have a bath, and after seeing them safely back in their quarters and having made everything snug and tidy, we wended our way to the village. We separated at An- drew's shop, agreeing to be on hand at four o'clock the next morning. Somehow we overslept on this particular morning, awakening to find it considerably past the hour agreed upon. We tumbled into our clothes as lively as we knew how, and were soon out in the open air and headed for the appointed rendezvous, which we reached only to have our suspicions confirmed, that our friend, fearing we would not show up till too late for the early morning flight, had gone on without us. He had taken the precaution, however, to place our guns outside and standing against the door, where we would be sure to find them if we came along. Seizing them we hastened on in the direction we knew he had taken, hoping to overtake him before he reached the lake ; but he had too much start, and after floundering around amongst the wet underbrush, sometimes in the path and again out of it, and thumping against trees and overhanging 28 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING branches, stepping into holes and winding ourselves up in green briars — for it was intensely dark in the woods — we finally came out upon the lake shore, and with a little diffi- culty found the path that led onto the island and entered the stand about fifteen minutes behind Gardner, and just as daylight was breaking in the east. The decoys were out and doing nicely, and as soon as it was light enough to see with the glass we took a careful look around the lake and discovered, about a hundred yards distant, what appeared to be a small bunch of ducks, though we could not tell for a certainty, as the appearance of the water is very deceptive early in the morning, and what we have often taken for a bunch of ducks has proved to be only the edge of a wave suddenly imbued with seem- ing life by the momentary shadows that are occasionally thrown across it ; and again we have been startled to see what but a moment before appeared to be but a patch of black water suddenly start and set in towards us with all the grace and symmetry that is to be found only in the move- ments of the wild duck. But there is no deception this time, as the dark and shadowy outline moves nearer and takes definite shape. The ducks, for such they proved to be, having satisfied their curiosity, now swim boldly in to- wards the decoys, and are in a few minutes near enough to shoot. We take our respective places and are chagrined to find that we cannot see our sights, the light being insuffic- ient as yet, owing to the heavy mass of foliage behind us ; and as we dare not risk a shot under these circumstances, IN EASTERN WATERS. 29 knowing full well that we should be almost certain to over- shoot, we are obliged to content ourselves with watching their movements and waiting for daylight. There was but little danger of the ducks leaving as long as we made no noise, so we settled down to wait and curb our impatience. We remained thus for several minutes, v/hen a sudden movement on the part of the retriever, who lay snugly en- sconced at our feet, caused us to look quickly out through the port-holes, when we discovered to our dismay that the birds had suddenly taken alarm and were swimming rap- idly away. Thrusting our gun barrels through the narrow apertures in the "blind," we had the satisfaction of finding that the sights showed plain and true, and at a quick signal from our companion we fired simultaneously and stopped five of the fleeing birds, two of which required the services of the second barrel before they were dead ducks. As there were only seven in the bunch we had shot well and had no reason to complain ; for we know of nothing better calculated to try the skill and rattle the nerves of the most experienced duck-shot than this shooting at sv/im- ming birds from a "blind," in the uncertain light of early morning, and we have yet to see the man proficient enough in the art to account himself a dead shot under these cir- cumstances. Grand and glorious the sport is — black duck shooting over live decoys — a sport which, in the skill and science and amount of patient toil involved, together with the necessary amount of hardships that must be encountered in order to circumvent the natural instincts of this the most 30 SCIEN'nFIC DUCK SHOOTING wary of all the dnck species ; the weary hours of watching and waiting, amid storm and cold, calling for extreme forti- tude and the most hardy requisites of the sportsman ; the uncertaint • which always at' aches to the obtaining of a favor- able shot, even after the utmost skill has been exercised on tliC j^art of the hunter ; and again on the other hand the fact of being brought face to face with nature in her utmost solitudes, in all her most variable moods ; the ever-chang- ing panorama of sea and sky, of lake and stream and marsh and forest, crowned hill and shore, the glorious daybreak and the gorgeous sunset, followed by the calm, clear and serene moon-lit evenings, during which some of the very best shooting is to be had, — these and a thousand other things that go towards making a successful day's duck shooting, all combine to form what, to our minds, is the par excellence of field sport, a sport that is by no means to be measured by the amount of game bagged. We retrieve our game and admire the contour of their graceful forms, the outstretched neck and small, finely- shaped head that is such a certain mark of their identity when in flight, at once distinguishing them from any other species when first brought within the range of vision, a mere speck upon the horizon's verge, the delicate bluish-green markings of the wing-coverts and soft shading colors of the mottled breast, and almost feel some compunctions of con- science at having deprived of life such beautiful creatures ; but the feelings of a sportsman are transcendent over all others, and we put the birds aside and again take our re- spective positions in the '"blind" with field-glass in hand, IN EASTFRN WATERS. 3 1 noting each flock as it appears, now seeming to advance, and again circling wide, and finally disappearing attogther. An occasional puff of smoke is seen, followed by a sullen boom borne across the water from the direction of our neighbor's stand, telling us in unmistakable terms that they are ' in it," and as roar succeeds roar we know that they are having a jolly time. Soon we sight a pair of ducks coming directly towards us, and though our rivals try hard to turn them, by throwing decoy after decoy, they will not be persuaded but come steadily on and drop right in among our decoys ; we wait for a few moments to allow them to separate from the decoys and to get at a sufficient distance from them to enable us to shoot without killing our own birds, and then, they having swam to Gardner's si.le of the " blind," making it difficult for us to obtain a fair shot, we give him the word and he fires, killing them both. The sun has now risen, throwing its warm rays over the chill autumnal scene, and we are grateful for its benign rays ; for it is decidedly cool in the stand, the ground beneath us being damp, and our scant quarters affording us but little room for exercise. We wait patiently, but in vain, for another shot, and as the morning is now pretty well ad- vanced and the quail and partridge gunners in the woods are getting rather n'oisy, shot after shot following each other in quick succession, we conclude to take in the decoys and leave the field clear for our neighbors across the way, as our chance for another shot this morning is well-nigh hopeless, owing to the lateness of the hour and the noise that is go- ing on in the woods on our side of the lake. So the rou- 32 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING tine of snugging up the camp is once more gone through with, and we wend our way back to the village again, not without some feelings of regret ; for this is our last morning at the lake, and we have had a pleasant trip. We part with our friend at his shop door, and having attended to the packing of our luggage and said good bye all around, we are soon speeding away towards home, having accepted an invitation to come again next year. CHAPTER TIL YEAR elapsed before we saw Coleman's Island again, when one bright, beautiful day in October, a letter came from Gardner saying that the next week he should be at liberty, and that he pro- posed putting in the whole w^eek in camp, and invited us to join him. So, hastily arranging matters, w^e left on the next day and arrived at West Barnstable early in the evening, in a drizzling rainstorm. Hunting up the Centreville stage and driver w^e were soon on our way across the Cape. The rain continued to pour steadily, and the night settling down black as ink made our progress necessarily slow, as the roads were muddy and sticky, and in some places badly gullied. We plied the driver with questions in regard to the shooting, and found that he was receiving ducks daily from different camps, to be sent by express to absent members of the several ducking clubs located at Wequakett Lake. This augured well, for we knew that if a flight was on, Cole- man's Island was sure to come in for a share ; and our 34 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING spirits rose accordingly with each mile that lessened the distance between the coach and our destination. At last the stage rolled into the village and drew up at the post- office at precisely eight o'clock, and on getting out we found that the rain had about ceased, though the darkness was still dense. Making our way to Gardner's shop we re- ceived a hearty welcome fro:n as jolly and hearty a crowd of sportsmen as ever gathered of an evening to " swap lies " and recount old-time experiences. After getting thoroughly warmed around the glowing stove, which from its cavernous depths was throwing out its grateful warmth in immense volumes of heat, Gardner re- marked that as there were no ducks at Coleman's Island that morning it was sure to be our turn to-morrow. The camp had been put in thorough readiness and was well provisioned, we having sent down a good-sized box of canned goods, pickles, coffee and other necessaries, as well as luxuries, of camp life the day before, which our friend had transferred to camp that day. The only time that we are really hungry is when in camp, and we believe in having enough to eat then. M'e concluded after a chat to go into camp that night, and avoid the early start we should be compelled to make the next morning. Be- sides the weather might not be any better if we waited, and once there we could defy the storm or wind, and be on the spot if the ducks came. Accordingly, we made ready to start, first tucking our trousers inside our stockings and drawing our rubber over- shoes well up around our ankles to protect us from the wet IN EASTERN WATERS. 35 and dripping underbrush, for Andrew was a veterrn soldier, and knew how to keep dry feet on a march. Then, turn- ing the care of the shop over to his eldest son, we started on the most wet and darksome tramp through the woods that it has ever been our lot to experience. The dog led the way, Andrew followed with a lantern, while we brought up the rear, loaded with gripsack, ammunition-case and gun, which, as we struggled and floundered along through the woods, vainly endeavoring to keep the path, momenta- rily grew heavier, until by the time half the distance had been traveled, the weight we were carrying seemed to have increased to nearly a ton. Had not all been articles well- nigh indispensable to a man bound on a week's cruise after ducks, we doubt not that they would have all been uncere- moniously thrown into the woods so great had the burden become ; but we reached the camp at last without accident or incident, other than those already mentioned, with the exception, perhaps, of a pair of lame ankles and well-blis- tered hands. Getting inside the shanty we at once proceeded to di- vest ourselves of all superfluities, and pile our luggage in a heap in one corner of the room. Gardner filled the oil stove, and lighting it, we soon had light and heat sufficient for our frugal needs. We prepared the coffee and breaking into the stores produced a can of tongue and a loaf of bread. By this time the coffee was steaming hot, and as our long walk had sharpened our appetittes, we at once fell to and proceeded to demolish everything but the dishes, which we carried to the lake shore and thoroughly washed, 36 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING SO as to have them ready for use the next morning. This duty attended to, we unpacked and put together our guns, overhauled our ammunition, and put both where they would be safe and at the same time easy of access ; then we each picked the most comfortable seat we could find, and, lighting a cigar, proceeded to enjoy the greatest of camp luxuries, the evening smoke. Neither of us felt in the least sleepy, so we sat for nearly two hours smoking and spinning yarns. Gardner re- lated his first experience in shooting ducks at the lake, when but a lad of ten years. It was before the days of breech-loaders and live decoys, when there were a hundred ducks where there is now one, and before any of the pres- ent camps had been built. It was no uncommon sight then to see several hundred ducks in the lake at one time. By crawling out to the end of any projecting point and ly- ing concealed in the bushes, one would be almost certain to secure a good shot. Annable's Point was then, as it is now, considered the best location, and to this point the senior Mr. Gardner, or ••Uncle" Gardner, as the boys used affectionately to call him (for he was known and liked by every boy for miles around, always having a kind word for them and a never- failing stock of stories, which he ever delighted in relating to them, in the dryest and most humorous style imaginable, at once winning their confidence,) to this point "Uncle" Gardner and several other noted shots were wont to repair at early morn or just at dusk, accompanied by a water spaniel trained to run up and down the shore by repeatedly IN EASTERN WATERS. 37 throwing a stick for him to bring, repeating the process as fast as the stick was retrieved. By these manoeuvres the attention of the ducks would be attracted towards the shore, the entire flock at times swimming in within easy gunshot, intent on watching the movements of the dog, and at a given signal the concealed hunters would pour in a deadly fire, and this process could be repeated several times, thus making it no unusual thing for a hunter and his dog to bag forty or fifty ducks of a morning. Of course that is all changed now, the ever decreasing number of ducks being caused by the rapid settling up of territories that were once wild and offered complete pro- tection to myriads of wild fowl, together with the constantly increasing army of gunners where once but a few engaged in the sport. The use of live decoys also, which in the last few years has entirely supplanted the old-fashioned method of tolling with a dog, has made the ducks so shy that we doubt if a flock could now be successfully decoyed in Wequakett Lake by the old-fashioned methods. These facts, coupled with the immense superiority of the modern breech-loader over the clumsy and uncertain flint-lock and percussion-cap musket of our fathers, the breech-loader now being in active use all over the country, the ducks are never out of earshot of their death-dealing notes from the time they leave their breeding places in the north until they rest their tired pinions in the everglades of the south at the close of their long and harrassed flight, their ranks sadly thinned. All this has tended to greatly diminish the sport of duck shooting, and we shall never again see on this con- 3^ SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING tinent the magnificent sport that lay at our very doors but a short generation ago. It was upon such a morning as we have just described that our friend, in the full pride and consciousness of possessing his first gun, a queen's-arm musket which re- quired all his strength to bring to his shoulder, sallied out in company with his father and a neighbor — also a noted shot — to take his first lesson in duck shooting. As the party neared the long, narrow and heavily- wooded point of land known as Annable's Point, where now is located the fine camp of the Brockton Club, they discovered through an opening in the trees an immense flock of black ducks, quietly feeding within easy gunshot of the shore. The utmost caution was now necessary in order to ap- proach the birds without giving an alarm, and accordingly the hunters dropped on their hands and knees, crawling along through the bushes towards the end of the point, our friend bringing up the rear of the procession, with the neighbor before mentioned just ahead. : Gardner in his excitement had brought his gun to full cock, and unmindful of what he was about was pushing the gun along in front of him, with the muzzle within a few inches of his companion's head, when the latter, suddenly turning, found himself looking into the deadly tube of the old musket. This raised the old man's dander, and. bringing his arm around, he dealt our young sportsman a stnnning blow that knocked the offending gun-, completely out of his hands and sent him reeling into the bushes. IN EASPERN WATERS. 39 Gathering himself together as fast as his scattered senses would permit, he hurried on after the others, taking care to carry his gun where it would be a little less likely to do damage in case it was accidently discharged, and reached the shore in time to take a hand in shooting at the ducks, which fortunately had not changed their position. As the smoke of the three guns cleared away, it disclosed to the gaze of the happy hunters nearly twenty dead and wounded ducks. Gardner has stalked and decoyed many a flock of ducks since that eventful morni:":g, and made many a suc- cessful shot ; — but never, we are assured, has he experienced more pleasure than on the morning of that first memorable duck hunt, when, in proud possession of his first gun, he participated in making a most successful shot, and learned one of the most valuable lessons in sportsmanship, — one that ought to be vigorously impressed on the minds of all youthful gunners, as well as those of more mature age and experience, — never, under any conditions whatever, to allow a loaded gun to endanger the life of a companion. As Gardner finished his story, which had been closely listened to throughout, we noticed that it was beginning to grow chilly, and as the fire was getting low and our cigars had burned out, we consulted our watches, and finding it nearly twelve o'clock concluded it was about bedtime ; so, extinguishing the fire and Hght, we sought our rude but comfortable bunks, and proposed to woo the drowsy god, as we had to turn out early in the morning. Although we tried our best, sleep fled from our eye- 40 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING lids, SO unaccustomed were we to the strangeness of our surroundings ; and finally we gave up in despair all hopes of obtaining sleep that night, and lay awake chatting and telling stories. The wind continued to blow, and seemingly showed no signs of abating, which disturbed us considerably, as, from the quarter it was now blowing, it would deprive us of a lee shore, which is indispensable to the decoying of ducks in rough weather. We knew if the wind did not abate by four o'clock our chances for a shot would be greatly dimin- ished ; bat we hoped for the best, and while the wind roared and shook the frail shanty, causing our rude bed to rock and sway, we lay and listened to the mournful sough- ing among the pine tree-tops, which ever and anon would sweep across our roof, producing a sound such as we might fancy would be the result if the entire roof was being stripped off. As the violence of each succeeding gust passed away, we could hear during the lull that followed, the lisping music of the waves as they rolled in upon the shore but a short distance from us. Finally, as the night wore away, the violence of the wind abated and it grew colder. By that time the little alarm clock at our side rung out its warning note, telling us that it was time to be stirring if we wanted any ducks, and we were not slow to obey the call. Hastily dressing, we soon had a good fire going and the coffee-pot merrily singing on the stove. CHAPTER IV. CUP of hot coffee helped to impart a grateful warmth to our bodies, and then carefully extin- guishing the light, with guns in hand we stole quietly out into the open air. We found the weather to be clearing rapidly, the moon already shining plainly from out the fleecy patches of gray clouds scudding before the wind. The stars directly over-head were twinkl- ing merrily, although those down near the horizon's verge were beginnmg to grow faint as the dull red Hnes stretching along the eastern sky heralded the approach of day. Once fairly outside the. shanty and away from the protecting lee afforded by the pine woods, we began to realize that it was really cold. As we reached the stand and confronted the keen north wind sweeping down the lake, our teeth com- menced to chatter and we had to resort to violent exercise to get warm. The surf was pounding angrily on the shore as we put out the decoys, the spray breaking so high in air that we had serious misgivings as to whether ducks would alight there or not, and as to whether we could soon attract their atten- tion with the decoys. As a dernier ressort we placed two decoys in the cove on the back side and to the leeward of 42 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING the island, hoping in this way to be able to stop some pass- ing flock in the smoother waters of the cove, and then by a judicious throwing of decoy ducks from the stand, contrive to entice them to swim within gunshot. We had no sooner completed this task and hastened to the stand snugly ensconcing ourselves in the warmest corner we could hind, than the wisdom of the move became apparent ; for, with no other warning rhan a flutter of wings, a bunch of fine black ducks flew over our heads, having passed directly over the decoys in front of the stand without stopping, and sweeping into the bend caught sight of the two decoys stationed in the rear of the island ; they quacked lustily at the new comers, and after making a few circles the entire bunch set their wings and dropped down to the decoys. It was as yet quite dark on that side of the island, and we hesitated before risking a shot, as in the rough water they presented a small mark, and besides they vvere so mix- ed up that it was next to impossible to tell the wild ducks from the tame ones. As we did not wish to kill or wound the decoys, we held our fire for a few moments, hoping the moon, which was hidden behind a cloud would show itself long enough to enable us to make the shot with some degree of certainty; and in this we were not dissapointed, for in a few mements the clouds broke away and the moon shone out with its accustomed autmnal brilliancy, throwing a silvery sheen of light upon the very spot where the ducks were quietly floating and swimming about m short circles, the tame ones issuing from time to time low notes of wel- come that seemed to keep their wild visitors contented and IN EASTERN WATERS. 43 from flying away. We watched our opportunity, and as they swam leisurely about they suddenly became separated from the decoys, and drawing together presented a fine shot. We threw our guns quickly to our shoulders, and as the full moon threw its rays along the polished barrels glis- tening with frost, we fired together and had the good luck of stopping them all. Gardner had the boat ready in a moment and quickly retrieved the birds, only one of which required the services of the second barrel in order to be a dead duck. The wind having now somewhat abated we turned our attention to the front part of the stand, and with the aid of the glass could make out several flocks in the vicinity of x'^nnable's Point, and soon one flock, more confiding than the others, swam boldly in and paid dearly for their temer- ity in the sidly decimated numbers with which they re- treated before the deadly fire of the concealed breech- loaders ; and circling high in air, the remainder of the flock started for the more congenial climate of the south. As they passed directly over our heads we could not forbear giving them a parting shot, though they were obviously out of reach ; and while we could not prevail upon them to stop vvith us in answer to our leaden salute, we did at least contribute to accelerating their speed towards the rice swamps of South Carolina. Things quieted down now for a half-hour or so, and then the ball opened again, we leading off with a pair which we neatly dropped just as they were fluttering over the decoys and about to alight ; while the guns at Stony 44 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING Point, which so far this morning had not been heard from, now began to bellow and roar death and destruction to everything that came along in the shape of a duck. It always used to do us good to see them shoot at Stony Point — almost as much as it did to get the shot our- selves. We did not claim the honor of being acquainted with any of the gentlemen who composed the Rockland Club, and who controlled and camped on this lonely point for many years ; but whoever ihey were they had the science of duck-shooting down fine, and shot with an abandon and skill, as well as almost military precision, that was charm- ing to behold, and assured for them a lasting place in that great duck-shooting fraternity who are born, not made. Annable Point is also alive to what is going on, as flash after flash, succeeded by roar on roar, testifies ; and we will guarantee the Brockton boys are having their share of the fun, for the wind is in their favor and the ducks always did have a tender regard for Annable's. We get another pair, and then the shooting stops, and is over as quickly as it commenced ; and after thrashing our fingers awhile in order to thaw them out, — for the dashing spray is cold as ice. — we take in the decoys, and getting inside the shanty have a fire started in less time than it takes to tell it, and as soon as the coffee is hot make an onslaught upon the provisions that threatens to cut short the camping trip by several days, unless our appetites meet with a sudden change before the week is out. While we were eating breakfast we were joined by Gardner's eldest son, Will, who spent the day with us. In IN EASTERN WATERS. 45 the afternoon we took the boat and dog and went over to Quauk Island, in the hope of starting a fox or rabbit ; but in this we did not succeed, and coming back to camp about four o'clock, where we had left Gardner, found that he had gone up to the village, leaving the camp to us. We put out the decoys, and just at dusk shot a pair of gray ducks — which are something of a rarity on the Cape, and are highly prized. About six o'clock Will started for home, leaving us in sole possession. Just as we were beginning to wonder what was keeping Gardner so long we heard his footsteps along the shore, and soon his welcome form ap- peared in the stand. As we had taken in the decoys and fed them there re- mained nothing further to do. After standing for a few minutes and gazing out over the quiet surface of the lake, which was now beginning to reflect from its glassy depths the stars, as one by one they took their places high up in the ethereal blue, we reluctantly turned away from the charming scene and sought the shanty, where we soon had a substantial repast ready to which having done full justice we sat for several hours smoking and telling stories, and then feeling sleepy — for we had been exposed to the sun and wind all day — we rolled ourselves in our blankets and slept soundly till four o'clock the next morning. We were awakened by Gardner promptly at four o'clock, and tumbling out of the blankets found our friend busily engaged in preparing coffee. On going outside we found the weather mild and pleasant, with the promise of a beautiful day. We lost no time in completing our toilet 46 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING and getting a cup of steaming cofifee, and then to the stand, where we found everything as we had left it the night before. Hastily putting the fetters on the ducks, we sjon had them consigned to their native element, where they alighted with many a splash and quack, which were immediately an- swered by the decoys at Annable's and Stony Point, show- ing that our neighbors across the way had been earlier risers than we ; and in fact we had fancied that we could hear their decoys when we had first stepped out-doors. The morning being clear, daylight came on rapidly, and we could soon see with the aid of the glass everything that was going on on our side of the lake. "We could see an occasional flash from the guns at the farther end of the lake, but it was not yet light enough to tell at that dis- tance what the amount of damage was, if any A pair of blue-wing teal flew past the decoys at a rate of speed that resembled a flash of light more than anything else; but quick as was the motion, it did not pass unobserved or un- challenged, for Gardner's Bonehill was already at his shoulder, and a charge of number five shot brought to a sudden termination the career of the foremost bird, the rear bird being well out of harm's way by the time the second barrel could be turned upon him, though the Bonehill did its best to get there on time. So the morning wore on, the shots being pretty evenly divided, as near as we could judge, between the three stands. As the sun rose in a perfect sea of golden splen- dor, awakening the quiet surface of the water to new life IN EASTERN WATERS. 47 and sending tremulous waves of light hither and thither, the rich colorings of the birches, maples and sumacs on Long Point took on an added beauty ; the perch and pickerel with which these waters teem rose to the surface as though eager to bask in the warm sunlight, whose soft rays were now being thrown directly upon us dispelling the chill mists that hung low ab')ut the borders of the lake, and im- parting a genial warmth to us. who had stood for loug hours exposed to the crisp, cutting October air. For this we were all profjunrlly grateful, even to our faithful retriever, " Santa," who winked and blinked his satisfaction and stretched himself lasily and prepared to take another nap. We had seen no birds for nearly an hour, and as it was get- ting a little monotonous, Gardner concluded he would go into the shanty and indulge in a quiet smoke. He had been gone but a few minutes, however, when we saw swinging into the beautiful expanse of water on our left, known as Eli.^ha's Bend a flock of ducks which must have numbered nearly one hundred birds. Quickly pick- ing up a decoy and throwing it high in the air, we had the satisiaction of seeing the flock turn in our direction, as it shot towards the water; anci as the second decoy struck the water the entire flock set their wings and alighted about two hundred yards distant from us. It was but the work of a moment to run back to the hlianty and notify Andrew, who immediately appeared, btinging with him the famous long gun with which his father had been wont to exterminate whole flocks of ducks, and putting it in a convenient place in the stand he pre- 48 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING pared to receive the birds with all the attention due them. It soon became evident that the entire flock could not be decoyed, and it was doubtful for a while whether any portion of it would really come to the decoys ; but after much swimming about and apparently debating amongst them- selves as to the best course to pursue, about twenty of the birds left the flock and swam rapidly towards us. As the ducks reached the decoys and the probability of securing a good shot became a certainity, our excitement knew no bounds, and we were in great danger of becomming "rat- tled" at the prospect of having so large a bunch of ducks within the range of our guns. Had we remained a trifle more cool we should probably have had a better account to give of our stewardship than that which we are now re- quired truthfully to render. As the birds came within easy range and together, An- drew, who was master of ceremonies, hastily mapped out the plan of action, which was, that we should fire together at his word, he to use the long single-barreled, muzzle- loader of prehistoric fame, which carried about one-fourth of a pound of shot and Lord knows how much powder, and which under all circumstances could be relied upon to kick worse than an army mule, and then to use the double- barrelled Bonehill when the birds rose. In that way An- drew argued we could kill nearly the whole of them. We took our respective positions with wildly beating hearts as we glanced along the shining tubes, out through the narrow apperture, at the dark shining mass of black, blue and green plumage which marked the spot where the ducks IN EASTERN WATERS. 49 were listlessly bobbing up and down, all unconscious of the danger that lurked in such close proximity ; and as Andrew gave the word — " One, two, three, fire !" — the slumbering echoes of the forest awoke as if by magic, in response to the crash and roar which followed the discharge of our guns. We saw through the smoke the form of Andrew as he reeled back, in obedience to a great law of nature, from the powerful back-action combination of the antiquated arm whose reverberating roar was even now dying away among the recesses of the distant hills, and then, looking over the top of the stand, caught sight of a rapidly retreating flock of badly scared ducks. We looked eagerly down at the water to see what the effects of the shot had been, and were cha- grined beyond measure to find that v/e had killed but five, after all our elaborate preparations and sanguine expecta- tions. As we took in the situation at a glance, the truth flashed upon us that in our excitement and eagerness we had overshot while the birds were sitting on the water, — a mighty easy thing to do, by the way, — and the heavy recoil and dense smoke had retarded our movements in the use of the second barrel, so that whereas we ought to have killed a dozen birds, we had only five to show for our lack of judgment and skill. As the flock swept away northward on their course, An- drew mournfully shook his head, saying, ''You will never see such a shot again at Colem.an's Island." The incident seemed to have a depressing effect on our spirits during the remainder of our stay in camp. But it is an ill wind that 50 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING blows nobody good, and as the flock, which now required the services of the glass to keep in sight, swept by Stony Point, they took a sudden sheer which brought them well in over the decoys, and presented a fine quartering shot. which the Stony Point boys were not slow to take advantage of, pouring in a deadly volley as they passed, dropping thirteen into the water, most of which they retrieved ; but this did not surprise us in the least, the only wonder being that they did not kill them all, as this was only one of the many good shots we at different times had seen them make. Once they had killed fourteen out of eighteen Canada geese at the first discharge of their guns, and, as if that were not sufficient for once, reloaded and killed two out of the remaining four, before the frightened birds could get be- yond range. We did not get another shot at ducks that morning, and soon retired to the shanty. After partaking of a substantial breakfast, followed by a cigar, in the smoke of which passed away the keenest part of our disappomtment, we were again ready for whatever fortune might have in store for us, and passed the remainder of the day in lounging about the camp, the day being marked by no incident worthy of mention. That evening we agreed that the next day shou'd be our last in camp, as we both felt t'.iat we could not spare a longer time from our business, much as we would like to do so, for we had had a pleasant time and were loth to give up the wild, free life of the woods and return to our arduous duties ; but the inexorable laws of business demanded it, IN EASTERN WATERS. 5 I SO we were bound to accept the situation with as good grace as possible. That night we retired to our rude couch and slept soundly until morning, when we were again at our post eagerly watching for the slightest indication of ducks ; but though we stood faithfully on the watch till the sun had mounted high in Hie heavens, no ducks came to reward our lonely vigil, and at nine o'clock we took in the decoys and prepared for breakfast. In the afternoon we enjoyed for an hour or so some excellent sport, — gull shooting, — and killed quite a number, darkness closing over the scene with- out our having scored a single shot at ducks for the entire day. Our last night in camp was spent around the cheerful blaze of our little camp-stove, which furnished us both light and heat, with the aid of an old bullseye lantern, which had done some forty yea'-s' service on board a sail- ing packet, and was now vainly striving to rest on its well- earned laurels. It had been brought forth now, much against its inclination, and pressed into an unwilling ser- vice, to meet the exigencies of the occasion, and showed its evident disappobation of the whole proceedings by in- dulging in a constant series of spitelul splutterings, which threatened every minute to effectually extinguish its pale and flickering light. Long after our usual hour for retiring we sat by the fire, and over our cigars recalled the many incidents of bygone days, — some pathetic, some humorous, but all possessing a peculiar interest of their own. as viewed by the flickering 52 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING light, and when at last we rolled ourselves in our blankets, it was to live over again in our dreams the scenes and in- cidents of the past as they had been flashed upon the retina of our memory, under the magic influence of a dying camp- fire. We were a little late in turning out the next morning, and when we emerged into the open air it was to find a cloudless morning, without a breath of air stirring. In- deed, so still was it that we could plainly hear the quacking of the decoys at Stony Point, and as we entered the stand and looked out on the lake, it was to behold a calm, glassy surface stretching away for many hundred yards to where a thin film of mist lay low on the water, obscuring the dis- tant horizon from view. As the sun came jjeeping up over Long Point, the mists were suddenly dispelled, disclosing to our view a pair of black ducks, which had evidently been waiting for more light before attempting to make a closer acquaintance with our decoys ; and now that it was light enough to enable them to satisfy their curiosity and neighborly instincts, they swam boldly in and were quickly gathered unto their fathers. This was the only incident that served to enliven the scene for some time, and then our attention became at- tracted toward the erratic movements of a flock of ducks at the farther end of the lake; they were amusing them- selves by flying first in one direction and then in another, but they strenuously resisted all attempts at decoying, though the veterans at Annable's and Stony Point made the most frantic efforts to bring them within reach of their IN EASTERN WATERS. 53 guns. Suddenly wheeling, the flock passed the stand at Annable's Point with a provoking nearness that tempted the gunners to rebuke such foolhardiness, and they accordingly gave them a salute of half a dozen guns, which only served to accelerate their speed in our direction. Crouching low in the stand, we watched their approach until they were di- rectly over our heads, wheeling and circling so near that we could see their eyes and hear the rush of their wings as they swept past us ; and then, having satisfied themselves that everything was all right, they dropped gently down to the decoys. We, springing to our feet, took them just as they were hovering over the decoys, killing three with the first barrel, and picking up two more with the second, as they rose in the air and winged their way towards the sunny south. Retrieving our birds, we waited a half hour or so longer, hoping to secure another shot ; but as no birds came and it was getting late, we decided to break camp and go up into the village. It took us but a very short time to put things in order and to pack up our camp "duffle" and stow it in the boat : and then pushing off, with Andrew at the oars, we crossed the cove and soon landed on the opposite shore. We stood for some minutes on the bank, a feeling of sad- ness stealing over us because our trip was ended, for it had been a week of genuine pleasure throughout, unmarred by storms or other untoward events. The water never looked more lovely than now, slightly stirred by a gentle breeze, causing the sunlight to dance along the tiny, sparkling waves that lapped upon the shore with a musical sound resembling 54 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING laughter, while a whispering farewell was wafted to our ears from the stately pines, that for ages past have sung their solemn requiem on Coleman Island's lonely shore. As we turned away and plunged into the leafy cover of the woods, we heard again the roar of the guns at Stony Point, telling us that one more flock of Afius Obscura had been wiped out from the fauna of North America. CHAPTER V. 1 PON awakening one beautiful Sabbath morning late in September, we were impressed with the idea that we needed a vacation, so we decided to hitch up and drive to Centreville, twenty miles distant, and see what opportunities for sport were there afforded. We accordingly started a little after eight o'clock, and, passing the villages of East Falmouth and Wa- quoit, were soon in Mashpee woods, and after an hour's drive reached Mashpee River, which flows many miles through a dense forest, well stocked with game, and which has furnished trout for such distinguished anglers as Daniel Webster and Grover Cleveland, as well as for many others of less note and eminence. We found it very hot in the woods, the road being dusty and the sun beating down through the pine forest with a fierceness that forced us to travel slowly, for we in- tended driving back that evening, and we knew that time lost now would be well compensated for on the homeward drive. A half hour's travel, however, took us out of the woods and into the historic village of Cotuit, and passing the little hamlet of Marston's Mills, which is chiefly cele- brated as being the summer home of that distinguished 56 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING writer and jurist, Henry A. Scudder, were soon approach- ing the beautiful village of Osterville, v/hich is fast attain- ing celebrity as a fashionable watering place. We were now once more within the immediate vicin- ity of Vineyard Sound, and as we drove into the vil age were met with a cooling breeze, fresh from old ocean, and passing through the village were soon in sight of the broad and beautiful waters of the sound. The ride from Osterville to Centreville is one of the most delightful to be found anywhere on Cape Cod, the broad waters of the sound being in sight all the way and in close proximity, being separated from the road by the beautiful Chequaquett River, which flows into Osterville Bay, thence joining the ocean. Away to the northeast are seen the Craigville bluffs in Centreville, thickly dotted with picturesque cottages, and the summer home of the Christian Baptists, which society holds an annual campmeeting there each season. Just beyond is Hyannioport and Squaw's Island Point ; and if the ride is taken in the evening, the twinkling lights of Bishop and Clerk's lightship are seen far out at sea. We rumble across the substantial bridge that here crosses an arm of the river separating the villages of Centreville and Osterville, and driving along the shady streets of this, one of the most quiet and romantic villages to be found anywhere along the south shore, soon arrive at the old homestead, cosily situated on the banks of the Chequa- quett River, which at this point is heavily wooded down to the water's edge, abounding in picturesque curves, and fer- IN FASTERN WATERS, 57 tile, sloping meadows, and is in the direct line of flight of myriads of water fowl that during the months of autumn are constantly winging their way south. A few i..quiries brought out the information that the ducks were beginning to arrive at Wequaket Lake, and that the gunners were opening up the camps and getting in readiness for the fall campaign ; also that numerous flocks of white-wings and whistling coots had been flying down river, bound south, within the past few days, — a sure har- binger of autum and of glorious 'days of sport. Before the day passed we had an opportunity to verify these reports, several flocks of black duck passing directly over the house on their way to the blue waters of the sound just beyond. This, of course, was suflicient to arouse our enthusiasm to the highest pitch, and as several of our cousins were stop- ping at the house, all of them fond of duck shooting, the conversation naturally turned to ducks, guns and other kin- dred subjects, and was prolonged well into the afternoon, when the door suddenly opened and in walked our old friend Capt. William Kelley, the man above all others that at this particular time we most desired to see ; and from him we learned that he was about to open up the camp of the Messrs. Marston at Stony Point, Wequaket Lake, and expected to have it in running order in a few days, and that, as he expected to be alone for a few weeks, he would be glad to have us come down and spend a week or two in camp with him. This being exactly our idea of a vacation, we were not slow in accepting the invitation, and agreed to be on hand 58 SCFENMIFIC DUCK SHOOTING early the following week, and after taking leave of our friend, — first promising to send down some wood decoys on the following day, — we had our team hitched up, as it was getting late in the afternoon and we had twenty miles to cover before reaching home. About five o'clock we started on our homeward drive. The return drive was made without incident, and we reached home early in the evening, and on the following day forwarded the decoys, which arrived safely and were soon performing their allotted task of deception, to tne intense dismay of several black duck and other aquatic fowl, which, having allowed their curiosity to get the better of their judgment, suddenly found themselves within range of ''Billy's" death-dealing ten- gauge, and usually paid dear for their temerity in the loss of many of their companions. Still they would not learn wisdom by experience, and the disasters of one day were usually followed by a similar experience the next. The week passed away, in which we had ample time to arrange our business and prepare for our de- parture, and as the following Monday morning rolled around it found us prepared and equipped, and at the sta- tion awaiting the train that was to bear us Capewards, and which left us at West Barnstable in due time. The day w^as lovely and all that could be desired, and the ride across the Cape to the South Shore in the open stage a pleasant relief from the close cars, and we arrived at our old home by the riverside in time for dinner, which had been kept waiting for us and was now ready. From the folks at the house we learned that Billy had IN EASTERN WATERS. 59 C )me up from the lake that morning in anticipation of our arrival, and would probably wish to get back to camp quite early in the afternoon, as the ducks had been coming in during the afternoon for several days past ; so after dinner we overhauled our kit and stored away in the capacious pockets of our gunning jackets such things as we should be mo.st likely to need, and then shouldering our guns strolled in the direction of our friend's home, but a short distance away and on the road to the lake. As we drew near the house we discovered Billy stand- ing at the gate with gun under his arm and lunch box in hand, evidently awaiting us, and on coming up with him and returning his hearty greeting, found that he was all ready to start and only waiting for us to put in an appear- ance, as he was anxious to get back to camp as early in the afternoon as possible. For several days past he had been getting shots at ducks late in the afternoon, and did not like to let any chances of that kind slip by. We accordingly started at once, accompanied by Billy's faithful retriever, that rejoiced in the the euphonious name of Tramp ; but he was a grand dog and faithful compmijn, greatly attached to his master, and, as the days went by and we became better acquainted, soon came to regard us too as old friends and to bestow on us a share of his confidence and affection He accompa- nied us on all our tramps to and from the lake, and whether snugly ensconsed with us in the stand eagerly watching for ducks, or cruising with us along the reedy chores of the lake in search of cripples that might be 6o SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING snugly stowed away in the thick grass, or in roaming in the woods on our numerous excursions inland after firewood, or in pursuit of partridges and squirrels, he seemed intuitively to know his part, and went straightway to perform it, with little urging from us. The afternoon was warm and pleasant, and we saun- tered leisurely along through the fields and woods past Long Pond, cosily nestled among the hills and pines, its quiet surface reflecting the rays of the afternoon sun. Along the dusty highway and on for a few rods, where we cross the county road, passing the old burying ground on the hillside where, after life's journey ended, "The rude forefathers of the hatiilec sleep," and thence gaining the woods ; after a walk of about fifteen minutes we reached the lake shore where Billy has his boat moored, and, transferring our luggage to the boat, jumped in, the dog scrambling in over the bow just as we are in the act of pushing ofif, and with Billy at the oars, we speed away over the placid surface of the lovely lake, out by Coleman's Island, covered with its sombre growth of stalwart pines, whose tops, gently moved by the wind, send playful shadows along the water far out on either side. As we pass the point of the island, the scene of our former exploits, we scan the shore closely for some sign of life, but observe none, all being quiet and deserted, Gard- ner not yet having got into camp. Leaving the island be- hind us, we make the opposite shore and run in under Long Point, from whence we shape our course for Stony Point, yet many rods away. IN EASTERN WATERS. 6 1 When about half the distance has been covered, we are suddenly attracted by the eager motion of the dog, — that from his point of vantage in the bow has been a keen observer of all that was transpiring, — and, looking in the direction indicated, see a large flock of white-wing coots coming down the lake at no great distance from the water, and evidently bound out over the beach. As they appear to be coming our way, we hastily slip a couple of shells into our guns in anticipation of a shot. They bear down upon us with lightning speed and a mighty rush and roar of wings, their glossy forms glistening in the sunlight, and though they pass us too wide for a successful shot, yet they look so tempting that Billy ceases rowing and steady- ing the boat with the oars, says, ''Try 'em if you want to." This we do, giving them both barrels, causing them to reel and stagger, but still they keep on, though we can hear the shot strike them, which proves that our aim was good. We gaze after them, hoping to see one drop out ; but we are not *• in it" this time, as the flock gradually rises high in air and is lost to view behind the forest-clad shores of Coleman's Island, and Billy, bending again to the oars, remarks with one of his quiet laughs, '' When you can hear the shot strike 'em, they are too far off"." A few minutes later we are at Stony Point, and run- ning in behind the island, the boat glides up upon the strand. Springing out, we pull her well up into the bushes that thickly line the shore, where she cannot thump against the rocks or be filled with water in case the wind should rise during the night and send the waves rolling and dash- 62 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING ing upon the beach. We also took care to leave her fully protected from the prying eyes of any ducks that might happen to pass in close proximity to the island, and then unloading the boat we carried everything up to the camp and stowed all away in the shanty. On consulting our watches we found it to be four o'clock, and time the decoys were out ; so taking the guns and field glass, and accompanied by Tramp, we bent our steps in the direction of the "blind" at the end of the point, and a few mmutes later were standing within the enclosed barri- cade of boards and branches of birch and pine trees, deftly interwoven, and placed so as to present from the outside a perfectly natural appearance. Having got the decoys out and placed to our satisfac- tion, we were at liberty to turn our attention to the lovely landscape spread out before us. the view of the lake from Stony Point being grand and beautiful, commanding as it does a fine lookout in every direction. The lake is at its widest here, and with the aid of the glass we can plainly discern all that is transpiring at Bliss's Point on the oppo- site shore and away to the northwest, and can look into the blind at Annable's Point directly opposite. Coleman's Island, the scene of our former sport, clothed in its living mantle of green, stands out clear and well defined, the most prominent feature of the landscape to the south, while to the north Shoot Flying Hill, the most prominent landmark for miles around, looks benignly down upon the beautiful panorama nature here spreads out for her lovers. The wind was east, and the air grew raw and chilly as IN EASTERN WATERS. 63 the afternoon wore on, with ev^ery appearance of a southerly wind before morning. Our eyes were gladdened with the first sight of ducks about four o'clock that afternoon, after an hour of patient watching and waiting. We were standing in the northeast corner of the " blind, " looking towards the north, when there suddenly appeared upon the horizon a dark speck which, as it drew near, rapidly evolved itself into a flock of ducks. A whispered word to Billy brought him quickly to our side, when we watched together the flight of the on-coming birds It soon became evident that they did not intend to stop, and in a few moments they passed us high in air. taking no notice of the de- coys, who sent after them a ringing challenge, playing their part well. We gazed after them till they were but a tiny speck on the southern horizon, and were soon lost to view , and then settled down to wait until another flock should appear, and again arouse us from our sleepy reveries to plunge us into that wild enthusiasm always slumbering in the breast of the true devotee of the sport, and only need- ing to be awakened at the sight of the noble game which he pursues. The shadows lengthen, the air grows chill and frosty, and no sign of ducks as yet. From the campfire of our neigh- bors across the way a thin film of blue smoke mounted lazily upwards, announcing that supper was in progress, and Billy, with a sweeping glance along the horizon and across the surface of the lake, turns toward us and says : " I guess you can kill all th.! ducks that come ; if you can't, why, you can call me ; I am going into the shanty to start a fire and 64 SCIENTIFIC DUCK SHOOTING get our supper ; " and with this remark he disappeared through the narrow aperture that opened into the path that led from the "bhnd " up to the ca.np, and was almost im- mediately followed by Tramp, whose canine instincts no doubt led him to believe that supper was not far off. Darkness was now fast approaching, and it was with difficulty that we could distinguish objects at any great dis- tance, even wnth the aid of the glass. We amused our- selves watching the movements of the decoys, and by occa- sionally bringing our guns to the shoulder and looking along the polished barrels in order to assure ourselves that the sights still showed plain. We had been somewhat cramped and stiff from our long vigil, and were on the point of going in search of our friend and the warm glow of the campfire, which we knew was now permeating the shanty, when our attention was suddenly attracted by a peculiar movement of the decoys, that for the last half-hour had been quietly sitting with heads under their wings, but were now swimming about in a lively manner and giving vent to certain low cooing notes that we had learned to rec- ognize as a note of welcome which they were in the habit of extending to their wild brethren whenever any of them approached very near. Instantly cocking our guns, we stepped to the front of the ''blind," but at first could not see any signs of game. In a few^ moments, however, our eyes becoming accustomed to the darkness, we descried through the fast -gathering gloom the outlines of a pair of wild ducks swimming nois- lessly in to the decoys, and thinking it would be hardly IN EASTERN WATERS. 65 fair not to give Billy a chance at them, we stepped back with the intention of crawling up to the shanty and callicg him, when he suddenly appeared at the entrance to the " blind," gun in hand. Cautioning him against making any noise, we directed him to a corner of the "blind " that af- forded the btst view of the ducks, and giving the word we fired together, i