THE CANVASS-BACK DUCK. 14S 



«r twenty yards of a flock of many thousands, among whom 

 he generally makes great slaughter. 



Many other stratagems are practised, and, indeed, every 

 plan that the ingenuity of the experienced sportsman can 

 suggest, to approach within gunshot of these birds ; but, of 

 all the modes pursued, none intimidate them so much ai 

 shooting them by night ; and they soon abandon the place 

 where they have been thus repeatedly shot at. During the 

 day, they are dispersed about ; but towards evening, collect 

 in large flocks, and come into the mouths of creeks, where 

 they often ride as at anchor, with their head under their 

 wing, asleep, there being always sentinels awake, ready to 

 raise an alarm on the least appearance of danger. Even 

 when feeding and diving in small parties, the whole never 

 go down at one time, but some are still left above on the 

 look-out. 



When the winter sets in severely, and the river is frozen, 

 the Canvass-Backs retreat to its confluence with the bay, 

 occasionally frequenting air-holes in the ice, which are some- 

 times made for the purpose, immediately above their favour- 

 ite grass, to entice them within gunshot of the hut or bush 

 which is usually fixed at a proper distance, and where the 

 gunner lies concealed, ready to take advantage of theii 

 iistress. 



A Mr. Hill, who lives near James river, at a place called 

 Herring Creek, informs me, that, one severe winter, he and 

 mother person broke a hole in the ice, about twenty hj 



