CANVAS-BACK DUCK. 
347 
a pair of the finest Mallards that our waters could afibrd. But 
the delusion is now passed; every shooter and huckster knows 
the distinctive characters of the Canvas-back and the Red-head; 
and prejudice no longer controverts the opinion that this spe- 
cies is a common inhabitant of the Delaware; and epicures are 
compelled to confess that they can discern no diflerence be- 
tween our Canvas-back, when in season, and that from Spesu- 
tie, or Carrol’s Island, the notorious shooting ground of the 
bon-vivants of Baltimore. 
The last mentioned place, though commonly termed an is- 
land, is properly a peninsula, situated on the western side of 
the Chesapeake bay, a few miles from Baltimore. It is a spot 
highly favourable for the shooting of water fowl. It extends for 
a considerable distance into the bay; and, being connected to 
the main land by a narrow neck, the shooters are enabled to 
post themselves advantageously on the isthmus, and intercept 
the fowl, who, in roving from one feeding ground to another, 
commonly prefer crossing the land to taking a long flight around 
the peninsula. In calm weather the shooters have not much luck, 
the Ducks keeping out in the coves, and, when they do move, 
flying high; but should a fresh breeze prevail, especially one 
from the eastward, rare sport may be anticipated; and it is no 
unusual circumstance for a party of four or five gentlemen, re- 
turning home, after a couple of days’ excursion, with fifty or 
sixty Canvas-backs, besides some other Ducks of inferior note. 
The greatest flight of Ducks commonly takes place between 
daybreak and sunrise, and while it lasts the roaring of the fowl- 
ing pieces, the bustle of the sportsmen, the fluttering of the 
fowl, and the plunging of the dogs, constitute a scene produc- 
tive of intense interest. The dog in most esteem for this amuse- 
ment is a large breed, partaking of the qualities of the New- 
foundland variety. They trust altogether to their sight, and it 
is astonishing what sagacity they will manifest in watching a 
flock of Ducks that had been shot at, and marking the birds 
that drop into the water, even at a considerable distance off. 
When at fault, the motion of their master’s hand is readily 
