300 
TEANSACTIOTTS OF THE 
be unable to fly ; it is reported that on Stewart's Island, jnst west of St. 
Michael's Island, great numbers of them have been killed by the Eskimos 
with sticks and clubs. The skin of this species is used by these natives, 
when prepared in a certain way, for caps, and is esteemed of some little 
value among them. The scalps of these birds, also, with their silky, 
bright gi-een plumage, are sometimes used for adorning their skin dresses. 
The flight of this species is rapid, more so than that of most other 
ducks, and is generally low, very near the surface of the water. The 
iris was of a rather dark hazel color in all the specimens obtained. 
B. 
159. Melanetta velvetina Baird. (601.) Velvet Duck. A female 
of this species was obtained about fifty miles below Fort Yukon, on the 
river, where it is not uncommon. The eye is black. Shortly afterward 
I secured several of the young ducklings, still in their downy coat, June 
23rd, 1866. Mr. Bannister thinks it is found at St. Michael's, but, like 
myself, has not identified it certainly. Bischoff obtained it at Sitka 
abundantly. D. 
160. Pelionetta perspicillata Kaup. (602.) Surf Duck. This 
species was obtained with the eggs, at Sitka, by Bischoif. I have not 
identified it certainly, but think it may rarely be found at the Yukon 
mouth. D. 
161. Pelionetta Trmvhridgei Baird. (603.) Long-billed Scoter. Two 
specimens were collected by BischoflT at Sitka. D. 
162. Oidemia americana Sw. (604.) Scoter; Black Duck. A 
salt-water dixck, abundant at the Yukon mouth, but not entering it for 
any distance. Obtained the eggs near Pastolik, June I7th, two in num- 
ber, quite white and rather large. The nest was well supplied with dry 
grass, feathers, leaves and moss, and was among a bunch of willows on 
a small island. D. 
Common. I have never seen this species in any of the small fresh- 
water ponds of the island except on one occasion, when I started a small 
flock in such a situation. Ordinarily they kept to the salt water, even 
flying around points of land rather than directly across. B. 
163. Somateria v -nigra Gray. (607.) Pacific Eider ; Large Pis- 
trak (llus.) Common at St. Michael's in the month of July, my observ- 
ations not extending earlier. Its range appears to be nearly as limited 
as that of L. Fischeri, though individuals are much more numerous, and 
large flocks of males are frequently seen near the fort. In September 
they have all assumed a uniform brown, with dark pencilings. The eye 
is hazel. They appear to leave in a body about the 1st of October. 
They breed abundantly, but I did not get the eggs. D. 
The species is extremely abundant on the North Coast, especially 
between the mouths of the Mackenzie and Coppermine. Baird. 
