CHAPTER XLVI. 



THE PINTAIL DUCK. 



(Anas acuta.) 



" Quick flashing thunders roar along the flood, 

 And three lie prostrate, vomiting their blood ! 

 The fourth aloft on whistling pinions soar'd ; 

 One fatal glance the fiery thunders pour'd. 

 Prone drops the bird amid the dashing waves. 

 And the clear stream his glossy plumage laves." 



Alexander Wilson. 



The pintail-duck is one of the most beautiful and interesting* of the 

 duck species. It is sometimes called the sea-pheasant, on account 

 of its long'-pointed tail. It is eagerly sought by the wild-fowler, 

 because of its choice delicacy for the table, it being- considered by 

 most epicures as the most delicious duck that swims ; and its price 

 in the London market would seem to bear out the assertion, it being- 

 seldom to be had at less than seven shilling-s and sixpence per pair, 

 and larg-er prices are frequently paid. 



The pintail is of somewhat sing-ular habits. It is seldom seen in 

 any but small numbers ; more frequently in pairs or parties of 

 four or five. It is by no means unusual to find them along with a 

 company of widgeon, or among- a team or paddling of the ordinaiy 

 species of wild-duck. The pintail seeks shallow waters for its food ; 

 and, generally speaking, is much tamer when on the water than 

 many other wild-fowl ; but when on wing the flight of the pintail is 

 very rapid. It swims with graceful and interesting movements, 

 frequently bowing its head and sometimes skimming- the surface with 

 its beak, carrying its tail high, with breast low and deeply-embedded 

 in the water. 



The pintail is an annual visitant to this country, but never in very 

 numerous flights. 



Whenever the punter chances to find pintails by themselves, if he 



