° 1910 J Fay, The Canvas-back in MassacMisetts. oil 



did not consider this species as rare as it used to be. This then 

 suggests that there are some recent records of the last year or two 

 that are lacking. 



The most interesting side of this situation seems to be the fact 

 that so many are killed on the Island of Martha's Vineyard. 

 With all our large ponds scattered over the State, particularly in 

 Barnstable, Duke and Plymouth Counties, the question naturally 

 arises as to why so many should be taken in this one locality. 

 Many apparently suitable ponds do not seem to attract the ducks 

 at all. On the south side of the island there is a continuous string 

 of ponds, stretching from the extreme eastern end close to the 

 western end. Often they are so close that only a very narrow 

 neck of land separates one from the other. Some of the ponds are 

 open to the sea by a small creek, making them very salt, others 

 are opened only in the spring for a short time to let the herring run 

 in to spawn, making them brackish, while there are some which are 

 entirely fresh. Practically all of the Canvas-backs (at least so 

 far as can be judged from the records) are taken in but two 

 ponds, and these two are entirely fresh. Local gunners tell me 

 that they are taken in no other places, although there are other 

 fresh water ponds than these two. In spite of the fact that the 

 island of Nantucket, only fifteen miles away, has a similar string 

 of ponds on the south side, though not quite as numerous or as 

 large, there is but one definite record for the island. Of course 

 there is only one reason, — that which accounts for the appearance 

 of ducks anywhere — namely, feed, for these two ponds are filled 

 with wild celery {Valisneria amcricana), to say nothing of other 

 good duck grasses. This I was told to be the case several years 

 ago, and although I examined the celery and saw it growing on 

 the bottom in many places, not knowing the plant, I was unable to 

 identify it. However, in August, 1909, the Biological Survey in 

 Washington sent their Assistant Biologist, Mr. W. L. McAtee, to 

 examine Edgartown Great Pond, which is one of the two where the 

 ducks are killed, and to report on the various kinds of feed found 

 growing there. In replying to a letter enquiring as to the results 

 of his investigation, he says: "As you mentioned that you would 

 be interested to hear the result of my examination of Edgartown 

 pond, I take the present opportunity of addressing you. Taking 



