282 GAME DEEP-WATER FOWL. 



headway before alighting, as do most wild-fowl, 

 but plump down, splashing the water on all sides, 

 and, when the water is smooth, often slide along 

 on its surface a considerable distance. They usu- 

 ally fly close to the water, and avoid crossing the 

 land as much as possible. Being so little hunted, 

 they are seldom very wary, and are not often 

 found in very large numbers. Their note is a 

 short, guttural quack. They are exceedingly reten- 

 tive of life, and require hard hitting to secure 

 them. The Western market-hunter seldom shoots 

 at them, even when they come into his decoys, 

 holding them in a sort of contempt, and consid- 

 ering them as rather insignificant game, though 

 they find ready sale in market. 



