84 
ANAS RUBRIPES 
again very interesting in connection with the recent extension of range westward. 
Taking everything into consideration it is probable that no other species could have 
withstood successfully such constant persecution. No doubt this w-as only possible 
through the comparative wildness of all the northern and eastern sections of its 
breeding grounds. The Mallard has suffered a great deal more, comparatively speak- 
ing, although of course its actual numbers are much greater. 
We gain a very accurate idea of the amount of artificial mortality which takes 
place during the shooting season from the return of banded ducks. This information 
may in time be of great value in setting aside sanctuaries and defining open seasons. 
For instance about 16% of those Black Ducks banded in Hancock County, Maine, are 
shot the same season. This is not as great a loss as is sustained by Mallards in the 
upper Mississippi Valley (Brownsville, Illinois). Those Black Ducks which were 
banded at Lake Scugog, Ontario, have always shown a lesser mortality, about 
11%. These percentages refer to the first year, mostly the first few months after 
banding, for if a duck makes one journey to the south and back safely he seems well 
able to look after himself. In other wmrds the per cent of returns after one year is 
remarkably small, for the shooter kills mostly young birds. 
Food Value. This species is so dear to the heart of our eastern shooters that it is 
often put near the top of the list of ducks. I have eaten many w'hich could not be 
improved upon. As a rule the young flight-ducks which reach Massachusetts late in 
September and early October are tender but not fat, and their flesh is lacking in 
“ gamey ” qualities. Most of them are still moulting. Later on they improve and the 
large November “Red-legs” are excellent. In places where ducks are regularly 
baited, and given a ehance to rest in a protected pond, they put on a layer of fat and 
become very fine for the table. Black Ducks which feed on minute shell-fish in 
winter are often in good condition, but of stronger flavor, too strong for some 
palates, but just right for others. In the brackish sounds of North Carolina and in 
the abandoned rice-fields of South Carolina the flesh becomes even more delicious. 
The better condition and flavor of the late ducks which come from the West is no 
doubt due to their migrating by way of extensive rice-fields in the region of the 
Great Lakes. Those which come down our coast do not find any feeding conditions 
as rich as these. 
The price per pair was from $1.00 to $1.50 in the eastern markets in Audubon’s 
time. It was from $1.50 to $1.75 at the time our Boston market was closed, the local 
shooters receiving as their share from $1.00 to $1.25. 
Enemies. Besides man and his weapons, we must now reckon the pollution of 
harbors and inlets by floating oil. This threatens to be serious in the near future. 
Many geese shot in Massachusetts in 1920 were covered with a black tar-like oil 
