TUFTED DUCK. 61 



middle of the neck is obscure, in others very rich and glossy, and 

 in one or two specimens which I have seen it is altogether want- 

 ing. The back is in some instances destitute of the fine powdered 

 particles of white ; while in others these markings are large and 

 thickly interspersed. 



The specimen from which the drawing was taken, was shot 

 on the Delaware on the tenth of March, and presented to me by 

 Dr. S. B. Smith of this city. On dissection it proved to be a male, 

 and was exceeding fat and tender. Almost every specimen I have 

 since met with has been in nearly the same state; so that I can- 

 not avoid thinking this species equal to most others for the table, 

 and greatly superior to many. 



VOL« VIII 



