278 GAME DEEP-WATER FOWL. 



ducks, which are alike in general color, differ in 

 the speculum and in the peculiar form of the 

 bill. 



Ring-necked ducks, which are very similar in 

 appearance and habits to blue-bills, are seldom 

 found in very large numbers, though occasion- 

 ally fliir sport may be had with them. Where 

 the water has flowed back amongst the thin, low 

 willows which border the numerous lakes and 

 sloughs, are their favorite resorts ; though they 

 may also be found quite frequently upon the 

 overflowed prairies and corn-fields, associated with 

 the blue-bills. The methods of hunting them are 

 nearly identical, though decoys are of less advan- 

 tage in their pursuit than in that of other deep- 

 water ducks. They fly faster than most wild 

 fowl ; and, when in flocks, closely together, some- 

 what like red-heads and blue- bills, though rather 

 more inclined to dart about irregularly. When 

 wounded, they are exceedingly difficult to capture, 

 being very expert divers and possessing extra- 

 ordinary vitality. Their flesh is tender and well 

 flavored. They remain with us quite late in the 

 spring. No. 6 Chicago shot is about the proper- 

 sized shot to use for killing them. 



