NATATORES. 421 



The CANVASS-BACK DUCKS, FuKgula, (Lat.fuligula, a fen-duck,) 

 valisneria.( botanical name of the tape-Grass, of which this species 

 are very fond,) breeds from 50o N. L. to the extreme northern 

 limit of the Fur countries. About the middle of October it arrives 

 on the sea-coasts of the United States. This Duck is shy, but much 

 esteemed, as few birds grace the table better. It haunts the sea, 

 its bays and estuaries. The length is twenty-four inches. In 

 swimming, the tail is erected, and from the shortness of the neck, 

 is nearly as high as the bird's head, so that, at a little distance^ the 

 bird seems to have two heads. 



The SPIRIT DUCK, Clangula, (Lat. clango, to clang;) atteola, 

 (partly white;) is abundant during the summer, on the rivers and 

 fresh water lakes of the Fur countries; in autumn and winter, 

 common in the United States. It is a most expert diver ; the 

 artful way in which it conceals itself after it has vanished under 

 water, has given it the name of Spirit Duck or Conjurer. Its 

 flesh is not in high repute. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it 

 becomes so fat, it is called "Butter-Box" or "Butter-Ball." 

 Length fourteen inches. 



The LONG-TAILED DUCK, Heralda glacialis, (icy,) the Old 

 Wife and Swallow-tailed Duck, of Hudson Bay residents, is 

 noted for its very long tail of fourteen feathers. It swims and 

 dives with all the expertness of the Spirit Ducks. The young 

 Ducks are juicy and tender; the old ones not much valued for 

 the table. This species is found in the Arctic regions of both 

 Continents. Length twenty to twenty-one inches. 



GEESE. 



The SNOW GOOSE or WHITE BRANT, Anser Hyperboreus, 

 breeds in high northern latitudes. It is from twenty-seven to 

 thirty-one inches in length. Its feathers are valuable, and 

 Richardson says, its flesh is far superior to that of the Canada 

 Goose in juiciness and flavor. 



The BRANT, A. bernicla, is deemed one of the most savory 

 birds; its length is about two feet; it breeds near the Arctic 

 Ocean ; is found on both Continents. 



The BERNICLE, or BARNACLE GOOSE, Bernicla leucopsis, (Gr. 

 white-faced,) is found in the northern regions of both hemispheres. 



The GRAY-LAG GOOSE, A.ferus, (Lat. wild,) in length two feet 

 and nine inches, is the origin of the COMMON DOMESTIC GOOSE. 

 The latter is too familiar to require description. It has been 

 known to live over eighty years. 



The WILD GOOSE or CRAVAT GOOSE, A. Canadensis, is from 

 forty to forty-two inches in length. In its contour, especially 





