CANVASS-BACK DUCK. 299 



linear-oblong, rather large, near the ridge, in an oblong depression covered 

 with the soft membrane of the bill. Head rather large, compressed, convex 

 above; neck of moderate length, rather thick; body full, depressed. Feet 

 very short, strong, placed rather far behind; tarsus very short, compressed, 

 anteriorly with narrow scutella continuous with those of the middle toe, and 

 having another series commencing half-way down and continuous with those 

 of the outer toe; hind toe small, with an inner expanded margin; middle toe 

 nearly double the length of the tarsus, outer a little shorter, all scutellate. 

 Claws small, compressed, that of the first toe very small and curved. 

 Plumage dense, firm, blended. Wings shortish, narrow, pointed, first and 

 second quills longest; inner secondaries elongated and tapering. Tail very 

 short, rounded or cuneate, of fourteen or more feathers. (Esophagus rather 

 wide, considerably dilated at the lower part of the neck; stomach an ex- 

 tremely muscular, roundish gizzard; intestine long and wide; coeca long. 

 Trachea of the males with a transverse, bony, unsymmetrical dilatation at 

 the inferior larynx. 



CANVASS-BACK DUCK, 



"fFuLIGULA VALISNERIANA, Wils, 



PLATE CCCXCV.— Male and Female. 



The range of this celebrated Duck may be considered as limited on the 

 one hand by the mouths of the Mississippi, and on the other by the Hudson 

 or North river. Beyond the latter it is rarely seen at any season on our 

 eastern coasts; and this circumstance, conjoined with its being now and then 

 observed on the upper waters of our Western Districts, and its breeding in 

 great numbers on the borders of Bear river, which flows into the salt lake of 

 Timpanajoz in Upper California, as well as in the marshes and along the 

 banks of streams in many parts of the Rocky Mountains, induces me to 

 believe that the individuals of this species, instead of proceeding along the 

 shores, pass overland towards their breeding grounds, however far northward 

 they may be situated. According to Dr. Richardson, it breeds in all parts 

 of the Fur Countries, from the 50th parallel to their most northern limits. 



