e go to the landing.
Wading out to our boats, laden with all the implements of destruction,
we depart for the day's sport. A small fleet of five sail starts in a
bunch like a flock of white-winged birds; the swiftest of them shoot
ahead, fading out in the distance; others disappear behind the islands
or into some of the numerous creeks, and for that day we are lost to
each other.

[Illustration: "PHELY."]

We meet again at night, however, and compare notes. The number of
birds each has secured, the good and bad shots, with other events of
the day, are all pleasant topics at supper. After the evening meal,
we plan the next day's business, and then, wearied, we seek our
feather beds and sleep too soundly even to dream. So we pass the days
in a sort of luxurious vagabondism. How very pleasant it is to be a
vagabond, when one may return to starched linen and the trammels of
civilization whenever one wishes!

Our club was composed of six persons: Mondray H. Charles, Rory
Theodoric, Jas. O'Kelly, Geo. H. Crege, H. H. Josephus and Geo. G.
Paullo. Two servants accompanied the party--Steve and Jacob, Steve is
a rattling, roaring fellow, who had never before been without the
sound of the breakers of his native Long Island, and was ready to
perform any act for his friends, from pitch-and-toss to manslaughter.
Jacob, the companion of Steve, is the very opposite in all things; is
a genteel fellow, wears a clerical necktie of immaculate whiteness,
and has the appearance of having studied for the ministry, and
graduated as a cook. His table is a marvel of neatness, and his
culinary experience has enabled him to set many a tempting dish
before us.

[Illustration: JACOB.]

[Illustration: BLIND.]

During our stay on the beach many amusing incidents occurred; we will
try and give some of them as they return to our memory. It may not be
uninteresting to know how and where we shoot, and so we give something
of a description. We draw lots for the choice; each selects the point,
or island, or strait, which, in his judgment will afford the best
shooting for the day, and there builds a blind. This blind is made by
breaking down the tall reeds, leaving a fence in front, next the
water, to secrete the gunner from the game. Behind this screen a sort
of nest is formed by matting down the reeds and marsh grass. It is
rendered more comfortable by spreading a rubber blanket, upon which
are arranged for use, guns, ammunition, lunch and a bottl