Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/196

168 mentioned are slaughtered daily by the inhabitants of the district; and the sport is distinguished by several peculiar features.

One of the most formidable fowling-pieces imaginable is employed on the occasion. A number of musket-barrels are ranged together on one clumsy wooden stock, or sometimes a number of common stocks and barrels are secured together; and such an infernal machine will sweep down a whole flock of wild-fowl at one discharge. The residents often proceed in troops on a duck-slaying excursion, for their subsistence in a great measure depends upon such supplies.

It was once my fortune to join a party of this kind at a distance up the country, on the borders of a small lake towards the north. There was a narrow shambling stream, not worthy of the name of river, flowing into it; on the banks of which we journeyed, till we came in sight of the district frequented by our destined prey.

We were eight in number. The dog was an animal of a very peculiar species, unlike any with which English sportsmen are familiar. Neither pointer, setter, nor retriever, he yet possessed the sagacious qualities of all; he