3l6 SWIMMERS. 



disperse confusedly in every -direction. In calm weather they 

 fly high ; but when the wind blows hard they proceed within 

 gunshot over the salt meadows, and may then be brought 

 down in great numbers by the concealed gunner as they pro- 

 ceed over their usual track. Their voice or quack resembles 

 that of the common Wild Duck, and their fliesh when well fed, 

 notwithstanding the nature of their food, is scarcely inferior to 

 that of any other species. 



The Black Duck is found throughout this Eastern Province, 

 north to Labrador and the Hudson Bay region, breeding south to 

 " Illinois and New Jersey " (Chapman). 



Note. — The Florida 'Dvcm {Anas fulvigtila) \s a Southern 

 race of the Black Duck, though it has been given specific rank 

 within recent years. The plumage is similar to that of obscura, 

 though fulvigula is varied somewhat with buff ; the cheeks and 

 throat plain buff ; wing-patch greenish purple. It ranges through 

 the Gulf States and west to Kansas. 



