392 BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Pied Duck, Fuligula Lahradora^ is thought, by Nutt- 

 all, to belong to the western part of the continent, and only- 

 found as a straggler on the Atlantic shores. It is called the 

 Sand-shoal Duck, by the gunners of fhe middle states, from its 

 resorting to sand bars in search of food. It is rarely found in 

 this State, and only in winter or spring. 



The Canvass-back Duck, Fuligula valisneria, so well 

 known as a luxury of the table, never abounds in Massachu- 

 setts ; some are seen in winter near Cohasset and Martha's 

 Yineyard, and I learn from Mr. Cabot, that it has been shot in 

 Fresh Pond. The great proportion, however, on returning 

 from the fur countries, where they breed, establish themselves 

 on Chesapeake Bay and the neighboring waters, and thence 

 extend to the south ; some having been seen, in winter, as far 

 as New Orleans. The fresh water plant, valisneria, from 

 which they are named, is their favorite food ; it grows in long 

 narrow blades, with a white root, which is the part that they 

 eat ; they swim about the shoals where it grows, diving and 

 tearing it up, not discouraged in consequence • of the losses 

 which they suffer from the dishonest arts of the widgeon. But 

 where this plant is not found, they feed on the eel-grass, as it 

 is called, which affords a subsistence to the canvass-back, and 

 other birds of a similar description. 



Though these birds, when they first arrive, are lean, in con- 

 sequence of exhaustion, they are so diligent in collecting food 

 that they soon are in order for the table ; and the gunner resorts 

 to a thousand arts to secure them, which is not easy, since they 

 are shy and watchful, and at night keep sentinels T>tationed 

 to guard their slumbers. There seems to be no reason Avhy they 

 should not be domesticated, if those who make the attempt are 

 sufficiently persevering. Their subsistence would be easily 

 provided for, since they eat grain as readily as any other food. 



The Red-headed Duck, Fuligula ferina, is the companion 

 of the canvass-back, feeding on the stems of the same plant 

 which the other gathers for the sake of the root, and so much 



