DUSKY DUCK 627 
the most common and most numerous of all those of its tribe that 
frequent the salt marshes. It is only partially migratory. Numbers 
regarding their cconomy, with an enumeration of those species omitted by Wilson, 
which haye been since discovered, may not be deemed improper. 
The Anatide, or those birds generally known under the denominations of Ducks 
Geese, and Swans, taken as a family, will range with groups of great extent and 
varied form, as the Falcons, the Parrots, or Pigeons, and wil present similar modi- 
fications. ‘The characters of the greater part of the groups which inhabit the 
northern and temperate regions of the world, have been already drawn by Dr. Leach 
and Dr. Fleming, and one sub-family has been more lately analyzed by Mr. Swain- 
son, as far as our knowledge of them extends, apparently with tolerable accuracy. 
They} however, want comparison with the tro fel tomas which depart so much in 
their manners from those we are accustomed to see, and by which our opinions 
have hitherto been led. The Wood Ducks constituting Mr. Swainson’s genus 
Dendronessu— the Long-legged, Whistling Ducks of India — those birds allied to 
the little Gambia Goose, and those approaching in their form to the Grallatores, all 
want our close examination. : 
In distribution the Anatidce extend over the world, from the warmest tropics to 
the extreme Arctic cold, but exist in greatest abundance near the confines of tem- 
perate regions, and in northern latitudes. Their habits may be called truly aquatic, 
as the presence of water is necessary, even in the most aberrant forms, for their 
healthy support. Some groups are exclusively aquatic, and never quit the sea or 
large inland lakes, except during the season when the duties of incubation for a 
while call them to the shore. These may be termed Pelagic or Sea Ducks, and 
feed on fish and mollusee ; others delight in lakes and rivers as well as the sea, 
resort more frequently to the land, seek the same nourishment, and both are expert 
divers. Some hold a middle way, are as much on land as on water, and, in ad- 
dition to the food of the truly sea species, live on the spawn of fresh-water fish, 
insects peculiar to muddy banks and slimy pools, with vegetables, such as the ten- 
der shoots of the grasses or newly-sown grains, or, while on the shores, upon the 
Zostera marina; while one or two forms resemble the grallatorial birds, and are 
more independent of water and aquatic nourishment. In their breeding places, 
they show a like variety, choosing the reedy banks of lakes and rivers, the treach- 
erous morass, the cliffs and desert sands of the sea-shore, the burrows of various 
animals, the hollows of decaying trees in the stupendous forests of America, or in 
India the welcome shade of the sacred bannian. 
Their uses are various and extensive, either as food, or their skins, feathers, and 
down, for commerce, and articles of wearing apparel, or household comfort. Many 
species are also domesticated, and in a way less precarious, lend their aid to the 
wants and luxuries of their owners. In the northern parts of America, this exten- 
sive family is most bountifully supplied, and her seay lakes and majestic rivers are 
suitable nurseries for the innumerable multitudes that annually resort to, and reas- 
semble to perform the duties of incubation. In the warmer parts, many remain at 
all seasons ; but it is in what is called Arctic America, and the Fur Countries, that 
the prodigious concourse annually arrive, and are so much hunted, both for food 
and a profitable emolument. Several of the spring months have received appella- 
tions from the birds which are most plentiful during them. The expected visitants 
arrive with remarkable precision, nearly at the same period of the month. They 
extend over a Jarge space in breadth, and continue flying, without intermission, for 
many days. The native tribes are prepare ey experience, and the signals of their 
watches, for their appearance ; and the first bird — for there are generally a scattered 
few before — gives notice that the havock should commence. 
“They are,” says Dr. Richardson, “ of great importance in the Fur Countries, 
as they furnish at certain seasons in the year, in many extensive districts, almost 
the only article of food that can be procured. The arrival of the water-fowl marks 
the commencement of spring, and diffuses as much joy. among the wandering 
hunters of the Arctic regions, as the harvest or vintage excites in more genial climes. 
The period of their migration southwards again, in large flocks, at the close of 
summer, is another season of plenty, bountifully granted to the natives, and fitting 
them for encountering the rigors and privations of a northern winter.” 
To the species of Anatidee which were known to Wilson as inhabitants of North- 
ern America, with which his eighth volume bas been almost wholly occupied, the _ 
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