not shake loose. No matter how well your shells may be loaded otherwise, if they are negligently crimped they will have lost their force and effect. I have been complete in this explanation of how to load, because it is the key that unlocks one of the doors of success in shooting.

So well recognized is the fact that uniformity of loading and its being properly done is essential to success, that machine-loaded shells are fast taking precedence over all others. I have used them for the past two years. No man can by hand load and obtain the same uniformity that these shells possess. While these same shells may not please us more than those of our own loading, yet we must admit they are equally as good, and when one has a family of inquisitive youngsters, his Christian duty demands his buying loaded ammunition, rather than endanger his little ones with powder unconfined around the house.

Schultze powder is intended to be loaded bulk for bulk, same as black powder, and the directions for loading it are, to "put the wads upon the powder firmly with the hand, and should not be rammed!"

American wood-powder requires great particularity in loading. The secret of success with it is, to have the powder thoroughly confined, requiring thick wadding and very great pressure. After being properly loaded, if one cuts open a loaded shell he finds the powder pressed together into a compact mass, that can almost be cut with a knife. The pressure put on this powder in loading runs from 75 to 100 pounds; on black powder about 40 pounds.

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CHAPTER XXXIV.

OUTFITS, BLINDS, DECOYS AND DUCK-CALLS.

Now that the beginner has waded through the labyrinth of guns, and the most approved manner of using them to advantage, let us wander still farther up the scale of wild-fowl shooting, and clothe him in garments suitable for his avocation. His clothes must be devoid of conspicuity, but gotten for the express purpose of answering what they are intended for. A duck hunter dressed for the swamps is not in an artistic sense, a thing of beauty"; on the contrary, he is not only devoid of personal charms, but there is a look of inferiority about him that his friends notice, and he is apt to appreciate. While this is true, he should shake off all feelings of pride, and be dressed properly for his destined place, that in the swamp and in the timber, style and fit are of no consequence; and that the sun will shine as warmly, the birds sing as merrily, the winds blow as gently, the rice stalks nod as cordially to him in his old, faded, illfitting suit as if he were dressed in the neatest clothes. Besides, he will be a great deal more comfortable, and having his war armor on, will occasionally slip and take a header in the mud with the utmost complacency. What kind of material his clothes are made of, depends on his own taste and the depth of his pocket-book. It

isn't necessary that he should buy a suit, the only requisite being, that it should be neutral in color and conform to his surroundings. Very dark or very light color should not be used; any strong contrast of shade is noticeable, and of consequence to be avoided. Wild fowl are much more apt to be alarmed at dark objects than light, and a black hat, sitting as it were on the top of the rice stalks, in some faded swamp, is frequently seen encasing the skull of one who ought to know better. It is difficult to imagine anything more conspicuous than a black hat in such a place. Let a hunter wear one, no matter how he is dressed otherwise, and he is plainly seen for a mile or more down the marsh ; then let him move around, and the swinging of his head, the appearing and disappearing of that swarthy

kopf" is as complete an alarm to some incoming drake, as if a brass band were secreted there, and twelve. Teutons should suddenly arise, point their horns at the drake, and toot, "See the conquering hero comes." Then don't wear a black hat. An old light gray suit of clothes, a slouch hat of faded gray, is about the thing. Have your coat pockets immense, that you may carry large quantities of shells and get at them handily. Canvas suits can be had from any gun store, and are the most serviceable; still, I prefer corduroy of drab grass color. This answers equally well, whether in marsh or timber. Always bear in mind to dress for warmth, for the season for duck shooting is usually one of inclement weather, and at times the thickest and warmest suits are insufficient to properly protect the wearer. Should the hunter get too warm, it is a very simple thing to discard one's coat, and place it in the boat, to be put on again as the day grows colder.

It is optional whether one wears a hat or cap, some preferring one, some the other. The advantage of a hat is that it protects the wearer better. The coat ought to be lined with heavy flannel, or, better still, with Mackinaw. It should be loose, fitting the wearer comfortably, and allowing him to put on extra clothing beneath it when desired. The sleeves ought to be easy at the arm pits, so as to allow perfect freedom of movement in shooting and rowing. I like the vest of corduroy, lined warmly, buttoning tight to the chin, and made with sleeves, so that in a boat, on cold days I can keep comfortable and use my arms without the slightest restraint. Have the vest made with large pockets, so if you want to hurriedly chase a cripple, or wander a slight distance from the boat, you will have shells always at hand.

The pants should be loose-fitting, lined with flannel, and buttoned on the outsides from the bottom to the knee; this makes them fold nicely in the boot-leg. Boots should always be one size larger than you ordinarily wear; then you can put on two pair of heavy woolen socks. Always carry an extra pair of socks, for a duck-shooter is full of ambition, and is liable to lack discretion at times, and get over his boot-tops. Wear a flannel shirt with a generous collar. Always have on heavy, closely-knit wristlets.

Your shell-box, if habitually hunting in a boat, ought to be one of your own making. It should be ample to carry three hundred shells, with apartments for those of different sizes. I take it for granted that you take sufficient along for the trip, and therefore speak of this box as only holding loaded shells. In it always have oil, cleaning-tools and wiping-stick; fix a place in it