324: AMERICAN GAME. 



full three pounds. The upper parts of the Canvas-Backs 

 are much lighter, and the colors generally clearer and 

 brighter than in the Red-Head, which I consider identi- 

 cal with the European Pochard. It is in the heads of 

 the two birds, however, that the difference will be most 

 readily perceived, the bill of the Canvas-Back being 

 above three inches long, purely black, and very high at 

 the base ; whereas that of the Red-Head is bluish, 

 except at the tip, where it is black, and rarely exceeds 

 two and a quarter inches, besides being much natter 

 where it joins the head. Perhaps the best distinction, 

 however, is in the eye, for that mark is positive, whereas 

 all the others are merely comparative ; the irides, or 

 circles around the pupil being, in the Canvas-Back, 

 deep, fiery red ; whereas in the other bird they are of a 

 lurid reddish-yellow or chestnut. 



I have been somewhat particular in insisting on these 

 differences, as I find that there prevails much uncertainty 

 regarding them, and as the pointing out these with 

 precision may protect some fair readers, if any deign to 

 cast their eyes over this paper, as well as gentle sports- 

 men, from deception and disappointment. 



The Canvas-Back drake, in full plumage, is a magnifi- 

 cently handsome fowl, and his speed and power of sus- 

 tained flight, as well as extraordinary agility and 

 persistence in diving are in all respects commensurate 

 with his beauty. 



The crown of' his head, the space between the bill and 



