THE YELYET DUCK 45 
nature, was the first person I met with who could give me any rational 
account of the Ducks which bred in his vicinity. 
A few of the Velvet Ducks breed on the Island of Grand Manan, and in 
other places about the Bay of Fundy, but rarely farther south, and the num- 
ber that remain in Labrador is comparatively small, as we did not observe 
there more than six or seven broods. They generally leave that part of the 
coast about the middle of August ; but that season they were still seen after 
the Eider Ducks had departed, which makes me think that they require 
more warmth than these birds before they begin to lay their eggs. Captain 
James Clark Ross, of the British Royal Navy, a gentleman, besides his 
professional merits, distinguished for his love of science, informed me that 
none of these birds were observed on either of his Arctic voyages. The 
extreme limits of their migrations remain unknown. 
The flight of the Velvet Duck is strong and sustained, although it usually 
flies low ; yet when pursued, or at the sight of gunners in a boat, it often 
rises to the height of forty or fifty. yards, describes elegant curved lines as it 
passes and repasses, and thus continues to fly until danger is no longer 
apprehended. Its movements in the air are performed by continued flap- 
pings, and when on^ving the white of the wings is beautifully contrasted 
with the dark hue of the rest of its plumage. It dives with as much agility 
as the Eider or American Scoter, and, when wounded, is equally difficult to 
be caught, nor can it be killed with certainty without a heavy shot. 
The Velvet Ducks enter the bays and estuaries to a greater distance than 
the Eiders. On land they move with more difficulty than those birds, and 
keep themselves in a more erect attitude, like that in which I have endea- 
voured to represent the male in the plate. They swim with more buoyancy 
than the Eiders, but at times seem to rise from the water with considerable 
difficulty. Their food consists of shell-fish and Crustacea, as well as sea- 
weeds, small fish, and spawn. Their flesh is extremely dark, tastes of fish, 
and is very unpalatable, although I have seen persons of great judgment in 
matters of this kind not only eat it with avidity, but praise it as highly 
as if it were equal to the most tender and juicy venison. They are sold in 
abundance in our eastern markets and those of the Middle States, at from 
fifty cents to a dollar the pair. 
This species is, in my opinion, very closely allied to the Eider, insomuch 
that I frequently call it the Black King-Duck. Along our coasts it com- 
monly receives the name of White-winged Coot. The female is smaller than 
the male. The young much resemble the female during the first year. The 
white spots of the head, however, are apparent, although mottled with dusky, 
and their feet now shew some of the redness of those of the old males ; but 
I am unable to say with certainty at what age they attain their full summer 
