ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY. 
CANVASS-BACK DUCK. 
FULIGULA VALISNERIANA, STEPHENS. 
PLATE CCCI. Mate anp FEMALE. 
TuE range of the celebrated Duck with the history of which I com- 
mence the fourth volume of my Biographs, may be considered as limited 
on the one hand by the mouths of the Mississippi, and on the other by 
the Hudson or North River. Beyond the latter it is rarely seen at any 
season on our eastern coasts ; and this circumstance, conjoined with its 
being now and then observed on the upper waters of our Western Dis- 
tricts, and its breeding in great numbers on the borders of Bear River, 
which flows into the salt lake of Timpanajoz in upper California, as 
well as in the marshes and along the banks of streams in many parts of 
the Rocky Mountains, induces me to believe that the individuals of this 
species, instead of progeeding along the shores, pass overland towards 
their breeding grounds, however far northward they may be situated. 
According to Dr Ricuarpson, it breeds in all parts of the Fur-Coun- 
tries, from the 50th parallel to their most northern limits. 
While in our Atlantic Districts, it is found in much greater num- 
bers on the Chesapeake and the streams that flow into it, than any 
where else. Indeed it is not more than twenty years since its regular 
appearance and sojourn on the waters of the Southern States has been 
observed or at least acknowledged. Although at New Orleans, where 
it goes by the name of Canard Cheval, it has been known to the oldest 
duck-shooters now alive, from their earliest recollection, it is not more 
than about fifteen years since it began to rise, from a very low price to 
two dollars the pair, at which it sold during my visit in March 1837. 
VOL. Iv. A 
