3i6 
SWIMMERS. 
disperse confusedly in every direction. In calm weather they 
fly high ; but when the wind blows hard they proceed within 
gunshot over the salt meadows, and may then be brought 
down in great numbers by the concealed gunner as they pro- 
ceed over their usual track. Their voice or quack resembles 
that of the common Wild Duck, and their flesh when well fed, 
notwithstanding the nature of their food, is scarcely inferior to 
that of any other species. 
The Black Duck is found throughout this Eastern Province, 
north to Labrador and the Hudson Bay region, breeding south to 
New England. 
Note. The Florida Duck (Anas fiilviguld) is a Southern 
race^ of the Black Duck, though it has been given specific rank 
within recent years. The plumage is similar to that of obscura, 
though fulvignla is varied somewhat with buff; the cheeks and 
throat plain buff; wing-patch bluish green. It ranges through the 
Gulf States and west to Kansas. 
