-backs; and, indeed, I have since
learnt that they are often put off for the latter by the poulterers of
New York and Philadelphia. Those who would buy a real canvas-back
should know something of natural history. The form and colour of the
bill would serve as a criterion to prevent their being deceived. In the
pochard, the bill is of a bluish colour; that of the canvas-back is dark
green; moreover, the eye of the pochard is yellow, while that of its
congener is fiery red.

"I was gratified in perceiving that I had at last drifted within range
of a thick clump of the ducks. Nothing now remained but to poke my gun
noiselessly through the bushes, set the cocks of both barrels, take aim,
and fire.

"It was my intention to follow the usual plan--that is, fire one barrel
at the birds while sitting, and give them the second as they rose upon
the wing. This intention was carried out the moment after; and I had
the gratification of seeing some fifteen or twenty ducks strewed over
the water, at my service. The rest of the flock rose into the heavens,
and the clapping of their wings filled the air with a noise that
resembled thunder.

"I say that there appeared to have been fifteen or twenty killed; how
many I never knew: I never laid my hands upon a single bird of them. I
became differently occupied, and with a matter that soon drove
canvas-backs, and widgeons, and pochards as clean out of my head as if
no such creatures had ever existed.

"While drifting through the sedge, my attention had several times been
attracted by what appeared to be strange conduct on the part of my
canine companion. He lay cowering in the bottom of the boat near the
bow, and half covered by the bushes; but every now and then he would
start to his feet, look wildly around, utter a strange whimpering, and
then resume his crouching attitude. I noticed, moreover, that at
intervals he trembled as if he was about to shake out his teeth. All
this had caused me wonder--nothing more. I was too much occupied in
watching the game, to speculate upon causes; I believed, if I formed any
belief on the subject, that these manoeuvres were caused by fear; that
the cur had never been to sea, and that he was now either sea-sick or
sea-scared.

"This explanation had hitherto satisfied me, and I had thought no more
upon the matter. I had scarcely delivered my second barrel, however,
when my attention was anew attracted to the dog; and this time was so
arre