Wayne: Birds of South Carolina. 15 



Philip E. Porcher for the information concerning the name of 

 the plantation, its owner, and the overseer. 



37. Anas platyrhynchos Linn. Mallard. 



The "English Duck," as this species is locally known in South 

 Carolina, is a winter visitant generally arriving by October 20, 

 and remaining in small numbers until the middle of March. A 

 few belated individuals are to be seen during the second week in 

 April, and I have also seen one in June. From the time these 

 ducks arrive until they depart, war is waged upon them by mem- 

 bers of gun clubs who control large areas of land. Mr. J. A. Pat- 

 jens shot an albino of this species during the winter of 1905, near 

 the Wando River. 



38. Anas rubripes Brewst. Black Duck. 



This winter visitant is essentially maritime, being commonly 

 found in salt water. My earliest autumn record is October 22, 

 and by November 15 the birds are abundant. The species is at 

 all times very shy, even in the coldest weather, and consequently 

 but few are shot. The great majority migrate early in March, 

 but some linger in backward seasons, until early in April. 



39. Chaulelasmus streperus (Linn.). Gad wall. 



The Gadwall is very rare in South Carolina, and I have seen 

 but four or five specimens. 



In Audubon's Birds of America, Dr. Bachman's experience 

 with this species is related as follows: ' 



My friend Dr. Bachman informs me that they are rather plentiful 

 in South Carolina, where they are considered good eating, and where they arrive 

 in the beginning of October, but are more frequently met with at that season, 

 and in early spring, than during winter, when a single individual may some- 

 times be seen in a flock of other ducks. 



My friend, the late Dr. Gabriel E. Manigault, has seen several 

 specimens of this duck in the Charleston market. It has also 

 been taken on the Savannah River near Augusta, Georgia, by 

 Dr. Eugene Edmund Murphey. 



40. Mareca americana (Gmel.). Baldpate; Widgeon. 



This winter visitant is very abundant near the coast, but is 

 confined chiefly to fresh water. Thousands used to winter on 



1 VI, 254. 



