152 WATER FOWL. 



usual food where they may. It is this fact that makes 

 such a difference in Canvas Backs when served on the 

 table. Only those brought from localities where the 

 wild celery grows have any qualities superior to the 

 ordinary run of Ducks. It is generally supposed that 

 only Canvas Backs from the Chesapeake are exception- 

 ally fine, and they must be brought from those far-famed 

 flats, for their delicacy and flavor to be known and ap- 

 preciated. But no greater mistake 'can be made, as 

 there are many places, especially among the lakes in the 

 West, where the wild celery grows in profusion, and 

 the Canvas Backs from those localities are equal, in 

 gastronomic qualities, to any fed and killed on the 

 Chesapeake. 



It has seemed to me that this species has become much 

 scarcer in the past few years ; certainly many places where 

 it used to be abundant in the winter are now almost de- 

 serted by this Duck; but it cannot be wondered at if it is 

 so, for when we consider the persecutions it suffers from 

 gunners striving to obtain the high price it brings in 

 market, and the thousands that are shipped to Europe, 

 poor things that have been kept frozen or packed in ice 

 until all the flavor has departed, it is surprising that 

 there are many left. With no effort made to preserve it 

 from extinction, but every kind of scheme employed for 

 its destruction, we must become accustomed to witness 

 the noblest Game Duck that ever flew gradually dis- 

 appear from our land. 



ARISTONETTA VALISNERIA. 



Geographical Distribution. North America generally. 

 Breeding from northwestern States northward. 



Adult Mate. Top of head and feathers at base of bill and 

 chin, black; rest of head and neck, brownish red. Upper part 



