CANVASS-BACK DUCK. 
135 
to post themselves advantageously on the isthmus, and inter- 
cept the fowl, who, in roving from one feeding ground to an- 
other, 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 returning home, after a couple 
of days’ excursion, with fifty or sixty canvass-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 fowling-pieces, the bustle of 
the sportsmen, the fluttering of the fowl, and the plunging of 
the dogs, constitute a scene productive of intense interest. The 
dog in most esteem for this amusement is a large breed, par- 
taking of the qualities of the Newfoundland variety. They 
trust altogether to their sight, and it is astonishing what saga- 
city 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 mo- 
tion of their master’s hand is readily obeyed by them ; and 
when unable to perceive the object of their search, they will 
raise themselves in the water for this purpose, and will not. 
abandon the pursuit while a chance remains of succeeding. A 
generous, well-trained dog, has been known to follow a duck 
for more than half a mile ; and, after having been long beyond 
the reach of seeing or hearing his master, to return puffing and 
snorting under his load, which seemed sufficient to drag him 
beneath the waves. The Editor having been an eyewitness 
of similar feats of these noble animals, can therefore speak 
with confidence as to the fact. 
“ On the Delaware, but few of this species, comparatively, 
are obtained, for the want of proper situations whence they may 
be shot on the wing. To attempt to approach them, in open 
day, with a boat, is unproductive labour, except there be float- 
