222 anatidjE. 



an aquatic plant growing in rather shallow and brackish 

 waters within the influence of the tides, and having 

 long narrow leaves growing to some height above the 

 surface. The root is white, and its flavour is said to 

 resemble that of celery. This, which is the only part 

 of the plant eaten by the bird, it obtains by diving, and 

 when abundant all other kinds of food are passed un- 

 heeded. So attractive is it, that wherever the plant is 

 found, there the Canvas-back is sure to congregate; 

 though the converse does not always hold good, as has 

 been asserted. Flocks are frequently met with on parts 

 of the coast where the plant does not exist, and they 

 are then found to subsist on molluscse, difi'erent marine 

 plants, and algaj : a diet which generally deteriorates the 

 flavour and delicacy of the flesh to a greater or less 

 extent. 



The most noted resorts of the Canvas-back have 

 always been Chesapeake Bay, the mouths of the Potomac, 

 and James River, with several other lesser streams and 

 river mouths in the same quarter, all which abound with 

 the valisneria. The recent warlike operations in those 

 districts must however have completely driven away so 

 shy a bird ; and Ave may have to add to the other results 

 of the late American war the scarcity, and inferiority — 

 OAving to its banishment to less favourable waters — of one 

 of the most delicious birds known. 



