e several clauses or articles relating to them that
limit the right of shooting to certain parties. An infringement of this
right, some three or four years ago, led to serious collisions between
the gunners of Philadelphia and Baltimore. So far was the dispute
carried, that schooners armed, and filled with armed men, cruised for
some time on the waters of the Chesapeake, and all the initiatory steps
of a little war were taken by both parties. The interference of the
general government prevented what would have proved, had it been left to
itself, a very sanguinary affair.

It so chanced that I had met with a rather singular adventure while
duck-shooting on the Chesapeake Bay, and the story was related thus: "I
was staying for some days at the house of a friend--a planter--who lived
near the mouth of a small river that runs into the Chesapeake. I felt
inclined to have a shot at the far-famed canvas-backs. I had often
eaten of these birds, but had novel shot one, or even seen them in their
natural _habitat_. I was, therefore, anxious to try my hand upon them,
and I accordingly set out one morning for that purpose.

"My friend lived upon the bank of the river, some distance above
tide-water. As the wild celery grows only in brackish water--that is,
neither in the salt sea itself nor yet in the fresh-water rivers--I had
to pass down the little stream a mile or more before I came to the
proper place for finding the ducks. I went in a small skiff, with no
other companion than an ill-favoured cur-dog, with which I had been
furnished, and which was represented to me as one of the best
`duck-dogs' in the country.

"My friend having business elsewhere, unfortunately could not upon that
day give me his company; but I knew something of the place, and being
_au fait_ in most of the dodges of duck-hunting, I fancied I was quite
able to take care of myself.

"Floating and rowing by turns, I soon came in sight of the bay and the
wild celery fields, and also of flocks of water-fowl of different
species, among which I could recognise the pochards, the canvas-backs,
and the common American widgeon.

"Seeking a convenient place near the mouth of the stream, I landed; and,
tying the skiff to some weeds, proceeded in search of a cover. This was
soon found--some bushes favoured me; and having taken my position, I set
the dog to his work. The brute, however, took but little notice of my
words and gestures of encouragement, I fanc