CHAPTER XLVI. 



THE PINTAIL DUCK. 



(Anas acuta.J 



" Quick flashing thunders roar along the flood, 

 And three lie prostrate, vomiting their blood ! 

 The fourth aloft on whistling pinions soar'd ; 

 One fatal glance the fiery thunders pour'd, 

 Prone drops the bird amid the dashing waves, 

 And the clear stream his glossy plumage laves." 



ALEXANDER WILSON. 



THE pintail-duck is one of the most beautiful and interesting of the 

 duck species. It is sometimes called the sea-pheasant, on account 

 of its long-pointed tail. It is eagerly sought by the wild-fowler, 

 because of its choice delicacy for the table, it being considered by 

 most epicures as the most delicious duck that swims ; and its price 

 in the London market would seem to bear out the assertion, it being 

 seldom to be had at less than seven shillings and sixpence per pair, 

 and larger prices are frequently paid. 



The pintail is of somewhat singular habits. It is seldom seen in 

 any but small numbers ; more frequently in pairs or parties of 

 four or five. It is by no means unusual to find them along with a 

 company of widgeon, or among a team or paddling of the ordinary 

 species of wild-duck. The pintail seeks shallow waters for its food ; 

 and, generally speaking, is much tamer when on the water than 

 many other wild-fowl ; but when on wing the flight of the pintail is 

 very rapid. It swims with graceful and interesting movements, 

 frequently bowing its head and sometimes skimming the surface with 

 its beak, carrying its tail high, with breast low and deeply-embedded 

 in the water. 



The pintail is an annual visitant to this country, but never in very 

 numerous flights. 



Whenever the punter chances to find pintails by themselves, if he 



