248 THROUGH CANADA 



restless activity. It is one of the fowls that are as 

 graceful out of the water as in it. The reeds and 

 brushwood around the lakes and ponds are its 

 favourite cover. 



The canvas-back, Aythya vallisneria, one of the 

 most delicate fowl for the table, frequents the coast. 

 It is plentiful on the Okanagan Lake and through- 

 out the Cariboo district, where it nests, and also in 

 most of the inland provinces. 



The red-head potshard, Aythya americana^ is not 

 found in great abundance, except on the coast. 

 It also nests on the Cariboo Lakes. 



The mallard, Anas boschas, is a distinct species, 

 and must not be mistaken for the male bird only, as 

 the European term implies. It is the most common 

 of all species and the progenitor of the domesticated 

 duck. It is widely distributed and the most difficult 

 to shoot owing to its wariness. 



There are also all the varieties of widgeon, 

 Mereca, and teal, Nettion. The latter run into 

 three colours, green, blue, and cinnamon. 



Snipe are generally found in or near the habitat 

 of wild duck, and in many cases big bags are made 

 of these wild fliers and delicate table dainties. 



Passing from wild fowl to more distinguished 

 game, Canada has several varieties of grouse, 

 ptarmigan, capercailzies, black-game, pheasants, 

 partridges and quails. The dry belts of the country 

 form their haunts. There are several species of 



