CANVASS-BACK. 255 



Canvass-Backs first make their appearance on our rivers in 

 the months of October and November. During the time of 

 migration a few are encountered upon the Hudson and Dela- 

 ware, and other rivers, but the great body of Ducks generally 

 take up their line of march straight for the Chesapeake and its 

 tributaries, the Susquehanna, Potomac, James, Elk, Bush, 

 Gunpowder, and some other smaller streams. 



It will now be very naturally asked by the uninitiated but 

 inquisitive reader. Why do these Ducks resort so particularly 

 to the above-mentioned streams in preference to the hundreds 

 of others of our noble rivers? This question is easily solved 

 when we inform him that a peculiar kind of aquatic plant on 

 which they delight to feed grows luxuriantly in these streams, 

 and that it is seldom or ever found in other localities ; and if 

 met with at all, is generally in such small quantities that it 

 would not furnish food sufficient for these numberless Ducks 

 over a few days. They, therefore, instinctively, or perhaps led 

 by the older members of the flocks, wend their way from the 

 bleak climes of the North in a direct course to these favored 

 regions of abundance, and where, previous to the coming of the 

 white man, the feathered tribes remained all winter, feeding 

 unmolested and undisturbed by the never-ceasing reports of 

 the terrible Duck guns that now spread death and destruction 

 on all sides. "When the Canvass-Backs first arrive in our 

 waters they are rather poor and unpalatable, but soon become 

 fat and juicy, as they are very industrious feeders, and partake 

 largely of the roots of the Valisineria, or wild celery, which is 

 very tender and extremely nutritious. This species of aquatic 

 herb, from which the Canvass-Back so appropriately derives itf 

 scientific appellation, grows in great abundance on the exten 

 sive shoals of the Chesapeake, as also on the numerous flats o. 

 all the rivers that empty their waters into this estuary. The 

 plant attains several feet in height, and has a small white root 

 very much resembling young celery; and it is upon this deli- 

 cate portion alone that the dainty Canvass-Back regales his 

 fastidious appetite, disdaining the green blades, which are left 

 to float off, and strew the shores of the bay for miles and miles. ' 

 There are several species of Ducks that are as equally fond of 



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