616 Ebpoet of State Geologist. 



Eegular migrant; some years not common, even in tlie lake district. 

 Tkroughout the greater part of the State quite rare. 



It winters south of us. Owing to the fact that our lakes do not afford 

 "wild celery," or "water celery," as itds sometimes called (Vallisneria 

 spiralis), we do not furnish a very attractive field for the Canvas- 

 back. Although it is much scarcer in the interior than along the At- 

 lantic Coast, it is foUnd in some numbers where its favorite food grows. 

 It is quite abundant at Fox Lake, fifty miles north of Chicago, and at 

 Lake Koshkonong, in Southern Wisconsin, at both of which places 

 Vallisneria grows. 



This is the famed Canvas-back, the game bird, which, with the 

 equally well-known Diamond-back, the much-sought terrapin of the 

 tide-water marshes, has made the Chesapeake region famous. There is 

 much in a name. To some people apparel looks weU if it costs much; 

 Hkewise, the cost of a meal determines its flavor. The Canvas-back is 

 good, splendid eating, but there are half a dozen other ducks which sell 

 for much less money that are equally as good. 



The Canvas-back has been known to winter in southern Illinois. 

 (Cooke, Bird Mig. Miss. Valley, p. 70.) Its movements correspond 

 with those of the last mentioned species, which is much more common 

 than this. 



In 1896 a large flock was observed by Mr. J. G. Parker, Jr., at Liver- 

 pool, February 28. This is the earliest record for the State. In 1886 

 the first was shot at English Lake March 21. At that place it is not 

 abundant, and but very few are killed each year. (Deane.) It departs 

 for the north early in April. Mrs. Hine reports it from Sedan, Dekalb 

 County, April 12, 1894. In the fall I observe but few notes of its oc- 

 currence. It remains into November, however, as Mrs. Hine reports 

 it from Dekalb County November 5, 1894. It was observed in Frank- 

 lin County by Dr. E. Haymond, and some years ago I saw a fine male, 

 killed by Mr. S. S. Harrell near Brookville. 



The Canvas-back breeds in the interior very far to the northward, 

 a few breed in Minnesota and Manitoba, and it has been reported 

 breeding commonly, but at one place — Ft. Yukon — ^by Mr. Dall. 



