270 USE OF THE DOG IN SHOOTING. 



Southern States, more particularly Missouri and Tennessee, and on 

 the Chesapeake Bay, where they feed on the roots of wild celery, 

 which they rarely find by diving for them, but most frequently 

 procure by robbing the canvas-backs of the fruits of their sub- 

 aqueous labors. They are distinguished from others of their tribe 

 by their length of wing. They are easily brought down, as they 

 fly clustered together, and several may be killed at a shot. 



Spoonbills, seldom furnish sport themselves alone, but associat- 

 ing with mallards are often taken with them. They are easily 

 decoyed and are killed by a slight blow ; it is not unusual for a 

 flock of 6 or 8 to fall before the discharge of both barrels. They 

 are easily approached from the shore, and their habit of springing 

 up directly in the air several feet before flying off on a course, 

 gives an opportunity for using the second barrel with effect. 



'iihe Dusky or Black Duck, weighs 3 pounds. The general color 

 is blackish brown. It is frequently found in the West with the 

 mallard, having the same food and general habits. In the East it 

 is very numerous, and is eagerly pursued by sportsmen. It is very 

 wary and must be approached with caution. 



DEEP-WATER FOWL. 



The Canvas-Back Duck. This species is the finest flavored of 

 all wild fowl. Its food in those localities where it is taken in per- 

 fection, consists of the roots of the wild celery, which give to its 

 flesh the peculiar flavor for which it is so attractive. Its habits of 

 frequenting open water entail much labor and sometimes exposure 

 and risk to the sportsman ; and the uninitiated gunner is foiled 

 in his attempts, time after time, to secure the gamy and highly 

 prized bird, disappointment however only whetting desire and add- 

 ing to his eagerness. To approach these wary fowl, or to induce 

 them to approach the hunter is the secret of the sportsman's art. 

 and by the help of various stratagems the game is generally 

 brought to bag by the experienced. The system pursued on the 



