390 WEB-FOOTED BIRDS. 



nearly all parts of the Union, many wintering in North and 

 South Carolina in the open rivers and bays, sometimes con- 

 siderably inland. Indeed, I have never seen them any where 

 so numerous as in the Neuse river, round Newbern, 40 miles 

 from the ocean, where in company with the Canvas-Back 

 and BufFel-Head, they are seen constantly in February and 

 March. They are also numerous in Chesapeake Bay ; and in 

 the course of the winter extend their migrations as far as 

 St. Dominoro and other of the West India islands, as well 

 as into Cayenne in the tropical parts of the continent. 

 They are also observed in the interior of the United States, 

 as on the Missouri, and probably other inland parts, where 

 in the month of April, as well as on the sea coast, theyare 

 seen on their way to their northern breeding places to which 

 they repair in May, on the thawing of the ice, and are then 

 commonly associated by pairs. According to Hutchins 

 their eggs are from 6 to 8 ; and they frequent the swamps, 

 and feed much on insects. 



The Widgeon, or Bald-Pate, is a frequent attendant on 

 the Canvas-Back, and often profits by this association. 

 The former, not being commonly in the habit of diving for 

 subsistence, or merely from caprice, watches the motions of 

 its industrious neighbor, and as soon as the Canvass-Back 

 rises with the favorite root on which they both greedily feed, 

 the Bald-Pate snatches the morsel and makes off with his 

 booty. They are always very alert and lively, feeding and 

 swimming out into the ponds and rivers at all hours of the 

 day, but are extremely watchful, sheltering in coves and 

 behind the land, and on the slightest attempt to steal upon 

 them, immediately row out into the stream beyond gun-shot, 

 and then only take to wing when much disturbed. In 

 Carolina and the West Indies they frequent the rice fields 

 in flocks, and in Martinico are said to do considerable 

 damage to the crops. When thus feeding in company, they 



