262 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



CHESAPEAKE BAT. 



" Above, around, in numerous flocks are seen 

 Long lines of ducks o'er this their favorite scene." 



There is no place in our wide extent of country where wild- 

 fowl shooting is followed with so much ardor as on the Chesapeake 

 Bay and its tributaries, not only by those who make a comfortable 

 living from the business, but also by gentlemen who resort to these 

 waters from all parts of the adjoining States to participate in 

 the enjoyments of this far-famed ducking-ground. All species 

 of wild fowl resort to these waters in numbers beyond credence 

 or computation ; and it is really necessary for a stranger to visit 

 these regions if he wishes to form a just idea of the wonderful 

 multitudes and numberless varieties of ducks that darken these 

 waters and hover in interminable flocks over these favored feeding- 

 grounds. It is not, however, the variety or extraordinary number 

 of ducks on the Chesapeake that particularly attracts the steps of 

 so many shooters to these parts, as there are other rivers and 

 streams, equally accessible, where wild fowl also abound. But the 

 great magnet that makes these shores the centre of attraction is 

 the presence of the far-famed canvas-back, that here alone ac- 

 quires its peculiar delicacy of flavor while feeding upon the shoals 

 and flats of these waters. It is in quest of these noble ducks that 

 so many repair annually to the shores of the Chesapeake and its 

 numerous tributaries, regardless of the myriads of other fowl 

 which are seen around on every side. The shooter alone taxes all 

 his energies for the destruction of this one variety, regarding all 

 others with contempt, and as hardly worthy of powder and shot. 

 The month of October has hardly set in before the immense host 

 of ducks commence arriving from the North in the waters of the 

 Chesapeake. Among the first of these welcome visitors will be 

 seen the Anas albeola, commonly known as the butter-ball, and 

 whose sharp and quick note quacJc ! quack ! quack ! is soon heard 

 throughout the neighboring streams and marshes, as they ever and 

 anon spring up and dart off with amazing velocity. Now may be 



