BIRDS HUNTED FOR FOOD OR SPORT. 83 



ing grounds in the east are on Anticosti Island, Gulf of St. 

 Lawrence (Knight), where all the water-fowl have been pro- 

 tected for many years. 



The Gadwall is a swift flier, resembling the Baldpate or 

 Widgeon when in the air. It is quite distinctly a fresh-water 

 fowl, and gets much of its living along the shores of lakes 

 and rivers, concealed by the reeds, grasses and bushes that 

 grow near the shore or overhang it. It is a good diver at 

 need, and is seen usually in pairs or small " bunches," often 

 in company with other Ducks. When approached from the 

 land they usually make no attempt at concealment, but swim 

 toward open water and take wing, making a whistling sound 

 with their wings that is not so loud as that made by the Bald- 

 pate. This is an excellent bird for the table, which accounts 

 largely for its present rarity. It is fond of grain and is easily 

 domesticated. It breeds naturally in the latitude of Massa- 

 chusetts, and it might prove a great acquisition to the game 

 preserve or to the farm-yard if it could be propagated in suf- 

 ficient numbers. It seems a promising species with which to 

 experiment with this end in view. 



The food of this bird consists of the tender shoots of 

 grasses, blades and roots of aquatic plants, seeds, nuts, 

 acorns, insects, moUusks and other small forms of aquatic 

 life, including small fish. 



