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genus. The Canvass-back Duck returns from its breeding place 

 at the North, about the first of November, anrl during winterex- 

 tends to the southern portion of the sea-coast of the United Slates. 

 It is not un frequently shot in the eastern part of ihe Great South 

 Bay, and I have known it to be captured in Long Island Sound. 

 The majority, however, congregate on the Potomac and Delaware 

 rivers. Those procured in the vicinity of New York are inferior 

 to those obtained on the tributaries of the Cl^sapeak. owing to the 

 difference in the quality of its food. The Canvass-back feeds chief- 

 ly on the Zoslera valisneria, (commonly termed " tape or eel grass," 

 and by some improperly called wild cellery.) which takes its growth 

 in brackish water. We do net wish this plant to be confounded 

 with the " tape or eel grass." Zoslera marina, which furnishes food 

 for the Brent Goose. When its favorite food cannot be obtained it 

 feeds on various marine plants and small shell-fish that abound 

 on our coast, which furnish an abundant supply of food to many 

 species of inferior note. When the valisneria cannot bo obtained, 

 its flesh loe-rcs, in a great measure, that delicacy of flavor for 

 which it is so justly celebrated. Like most oilier species, it is in 

 the best condition for the table during ihe latter part of Autumn. 

 The Canvass-back is also fond of wheat. Wilson mentions an in- 

 stance of a vessel loaded with wheat being wrecked at Egg Har- 

 bor, New Jersey. "Large flocks were attracted to the spot: two 

 hundred and fifty were killed in one day, and sold at twelve and 

 a half cents a pair. The gunners called them ' Sea Ducks,' and 

 were ignorant of their value." The Canvass- back Ducks associate 

 in large flocks — when rising from the water, arc heard at a great 

 distance: it is vigilant and difficult lo approach, except in severe 

 weather, when it is readily killed at " air openings " in the ice. — 

 It is an excellent diver, and when wounded is difficult to secure. 



Miller's Island, about fifteen miles from Baltimore, is a famous 

 place for shooting Canvass-backs, as well as other species of Ducks. 

 " Points " on this Island, and others in the vicinity, are rented for 

 large sums by parties who practise Duck-shooting. In this section 

 u decoys " are not used, and the unsportsmanlike manner of sail- 

 ing after and harrassing them on their feeding ground?, is not re- 

 sorted to. 



