itor. When a hunter, after much labor, finally discovers one of their resorts he seldom obtains more than one good day's sport in a fortnight in that special place, for they are constantly on the watch and on being alarmed take rapid flight to near-by ponds. In the event of a male mallard and two hens being killed then is the time to secure further sport, by setting them in stool out on the bog. This is accomplished by placing a pointed stool stick under each duck's head and posing them as naturally as possible. Then should the hunter have acquired the skill of imitating the quack of a forlorn drake calling a mate, he would have but little trouble in filling his game bag. Many consider the mallard superior to all others for a choice table morsel, but hunters and duck critics differ. My experience suggests that the sprig is equally delicious, if not a better bird.

Taking the habits of canvas-backs in all their peculiarities, they must be classed as the most foolish duck that frequent these waters. When they are found in a feeding pond where their fa

vorite food is plentiful, they are easy game for the sportsman, provided the man behind the gun keeps out of sight. After all the birds have been "jumped" out of the pond he has only to place out two or three dozen "can" decoys-simply can decoys and no others-and the birds will soon work their way back in pairs or in small flocks, sometimes circling around a little to see if the coast is clear, but generally dropping quietly among the decoys. When they ascertain to their satisfaction that appearances seem favorable for an uninterrupted feed their heads drop into an easy position indicating security and they soon disappear beneath the surface. As they arrive from time to time in flocks and a number are under water, the hunter should open fire at those upon the surface, and as the others come up treat them to another barrel. If he fails to secure the much-coveted limit of fat and juicy birds-fit to set before a king-then there is either something wrong with him or with his shooting iron, and he should lay up a while for repairs and instruction.

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fever" on the approach of a flock of ducks and either shoot, and shoot wild, before the birds come within range, or show themselves in the open. This not only alarms the flock, driving it beyond the limits of gunnery, thus spoiling his own sport, but also destroys the sport of companions who may be hunting in the neighborhood.

The much-neglected gadwells are numerous in the localities mentioned here, but have somewhat different habits from the "cans." They seek the largest ponds. and more open waters, are more cautious, harder to bring to bag and, though less sought after than the "cans," are always in fine condition and if more generally known would be sought for and relished for their fine flavor.

should be always borne in mind that whenever a dead or a wounded bird falls breast up it should be immediately retrieved or it will alarm and drive away birds on the wing. But when one falls and remains back up it should remain as a decoy.

Another caution may be suggested and it applies to all kinds of duck shooting -it is this: When approaching a blind never fire at the birds when they are feeding, but startle them by clapping your hands, or if approaching in a punt, strike upon its side or make any noise except the report of a gun. They will then take wing and fly away together without being greatly alarmed, returning generally during the day in small flocks, whereas if they are badly scared by a shot they will seek other congenial quarters and remain there several days. Many experienced sportsmen become excited, lose their nerve or are struck with "gander

October, November, December and January are the favorite and open months for duck hunting in California, and it is a common occurrence for a

sport and return to the city with his limit of birds. Should he have found the mallards and returned with fifty birds of that cautious species he is entitled to a hat-raise and bow from his fellow sportsmen, but if he has that number of the dull-witted cans no such obeisance should be accorded him.

Duck hunting is no laggard's work. It requires patience, determination and robust manhood to prosecute the sport with success under the difficulties of weariness and ofttimes wetness, but the sport is exhilarating and captivating, not from the point of view for the pleasure derived from the mere killing and eating, but from the humanitarian sportsman's outlook, that the Creator of all good and perfect gifts placed these creatures here for man's benefit and sustenance, therefore the greater the skill exercised in killing them the less pain is experienced by both hunter and birds.