CANVASS-BACK DUCK. 303 



and when the wind blows on the points which may lie on their course, the 

 sportsman has great chances of success. These points or courses of the 

 Ducks are materially affected by the winds, for they avoid, if possible, an 

 approach to the shore; but when a strong breeze sets them on these projec- 

 tions of the land, they are compelled to pass within shot, and often over the 

 land itself. 



"In the Susquehanna and Elk rivers, there are few of these points for 

 shooting, and there success depends on approaching them while on their 

 feeding grounds. After leaving the eastern point at the mouth of the Sus- 

 quehanna and Turkey Point, the western side of the Elk river, which are 

 both moderately good for flying-shooting, the first place of much celebrity 

 is the Narrows, between Spesutic Island and the western shore. These 

 narrows are about three miles in length, and from three to five hundred 

 yards in breadth. By the middle of November, the Canvass-backs in par- 

 ticular, begin to feed in this passage, and the entrance and outlet, as well as 

 many intermediate spots, become very successful stations. A few miles 

 further down the western shore is Taylor's Island, which is situated at the 

 mouth of the Rumney, and Abbey Island at the mouth of Bush river, which 

 are both celebrated for Ducks, as well as Swans and Geese. These are the 

 most northerly points where large fowl are met with, and projecting out 

 between deep coves, where immense numbers of these birds feed, they 

 possess great advantages. The south point of Bush river, or Legoe's Point, 

 and Robbin's and Rickett's Points near Gunpowder river, are fruitful locali- 

 ties. Immediately at the mouth of this river is situated Carroll's Island, 

 which has long been known as a great shooting ground, and is in the rentage 

 of a company at a high rate. Maxwell's Point, as well as some others up 

 this and other rivers, and even further down the bay, are good places, but 

 less celebrated than those I have mentioned. Most of these points are let 

 out as shooting grounds to companies and individuals, and they are esteemed 

 so valuable that intruders are severely treated. 



"It has been ascertained that disturbing the fowl on the feeding flats is 

 followed in most cases by their forsaking those haunts, and seeking others; 

 hence, in the rivers leading to the bay near flying points, they are never 

 annoyed by boat-shooting, either by night or day, and although the discharge 

 of guns from the shore may arouse them for a time, they soon return; 

 whereas a boat or sail in chase a few times, will make them forsake a 

 favourite spot for days. 



"From the great number of Ducks that are seen in all directions, one 

 would suppose that there could be no doubt of success at any one of the 

 points in the course of flight; but whilst they have such correct vision as to 

 distance, and wide range of space, unless attending circumstances are favour- 



