824 AMERICAN GAME. 
full three pounds. The upper parts of the Canvas-Backs 
are much lighter, and the colors generally clearer and 
brighter than in the Red-Head, which I consider identi- 
cal with the European Pochard. It isin the heads of 
the two birds, however, that the difference will be most 
readily perceived, the bill of the Canvas-Back being 
above three inches long, purely.black, and very high at 
the base; whereas that of the Red-Head is bluish, 
except at the tip, where it is black, and rarely exceeds 
two and a quarter inches, besides being much flatter 
where it joins the head. Perhaps the best distinction, 
however, is in.the eye, for that mark is positive, whereas 
all the others are merely comparative; the ¢ddces, or 
circles around the pupil being, in the Canvas-Back, 
deep, fiery red; whereas in the other bird they are of a 
lurid reddish-yellow or chestnut. 
I have been somewhat particular in insisting on these 
differences, as I find that there prevails much uncertainty 
regarding them, and as the pointing out these with 
precision may protect some fair readers, if any deign to 
cast their eyes over this paper, as well as gentle sports- 
men, from deception and disappointment. 
The Canvas-Back drake, in full plumage, is a magnifi- 
cently handsome fowl, and his speed and power of sus- 
tained flight, as well as extraordinary agility and 
persistence in diving are in all respects commensurate 
with his beauty. 
The crown of his head, the space between the bill and 
