CANADA GOOSE. 271 



It is now known that in their southern migra- 

 tions, canvass-backs, to a certain extent, follow 

 the line of the coast, having been seen in great 

 numbers, according to Dr. Lewis, as far south as 

 Galveston Bay. 



About the first of April, sooner or later, ac- 

 cording to the nature of the season, the ducks 

 are observed to collect in great flocks, and after 

 sweeping round and round the feeding grounds, 

 to ascend to a vast height, and thence direct 

 their flight due north. Previous to this every 

 individual has visited the shores or bars, and 

 filled its gizzard with sand, in order, as we sup- 

 pose, to prevent a collapse of this organ during 

 their long journeys through the air. Small 

 squads of canvass-backs have been seen in the 

 vicinity of Spesutia as late as the middle of July. 

 These, of course, were composed of individuals 

 crippled by the shooters and rendered unable to 

 migrate. 



