1856.] 297 



Anas valisneria, Wils. The Canvas-back Duck. 

 This far-famed duck made its appearance here for the first and only time, so 

 far as my knowledge extends, in March, 1855. One of my friends shot one 

 which I had a chance to examine, and afterwards to taste. It was very tender 

 and juicy, but had such a fishy flavor that it could scarcely be eaten. I sup- 

 posed they had come from the sea coast of the Southern States, where they had 

 fed upon shell fish instead of eel grass, which seems to be necessary to perfect 

 their flavor. 



Anas feeina, Wils. The Pochard or Red-head. 

 This duck made its first appearance, so far as known, about the time or u 

 company with the Canvas-back. One or two of them were killed. 



Anas mabila, Wils. Scaup Duck. 

 Occasionally seen but not numerous. 



Anas rufitorques, Aud. Tufted Duck. 

 About as numerous as the Scaup. 



Anas obscuea, Wils. The Black Duck. 

 Frequently seen in Fall and Winter. 



Fuligula marila, Aud. Lesser Scaup Duck. 

 Was noticed here in 1855. 



Fuligula eubida, Bonap. Ruddy Duck. 

 Occasionally seen in spring. 



Fuligula clangula. Golden-eye Duck. 

 I killed one of these birds in March, 1855, and saw several others. 



Fuligula albeola. Butter Ball Duck. 

 These are probably more numerous in the spring than any other species. 



Genus MERGUS. 



Mergus Mekganser. The Shelldrake. 



These birds are very numerous in White Water during the whole winter, 

 which they visit for the purpose of fishing. The stream is remarkably clear 

 and being very rapid, seldom freezes over, but the water becomes cold enough 

 to benumb the fish, which thus fall an easy prey to these expert divers. I have 

 known one of them to hatch and rear its brood in this vicinity. 



Mergus cucullatus. Hooded Merganser. 



I have seen but a single individual of this species, which was killed in March, 

 1855. 



In addition to the ducks above enumerated, there are some others, but for 

 the want of descriptions and figures I am unable to name them. 



Genus COLYMBUS. 

 Colymbus glacialis. The Loon. 

 The loon is frequently seen in our waters in the fall and spring, being pro- 

 bably compelled by fatigue to stop and recruit their strength. Those which I 

 have seen in the water were great divers, but could not be forced to take wing. 

 The cry or wail of the Loon is, to my ear, the most melancholy sound I have ever 

 heard, conveying the idea of utter hopelessness and despair. 



Colymbus . The Ludapper. 



These birds are rather abundant during October and November. 



Genus PELECANUS. 

 Pelecanus onocrotalus. American White Pelican. 



I have seen a few pelicans flying over ; they are, however, very rare in this 

 section. 



