CANVASS-BACK DUCK. 
117 
this manner ; he was then a boy, and was not a little gratified with 
his uncommon acquisition. 
As the Vallisneria will grow in all our fresh water rivers, in 
coves, or places not affected by the current, it would be worth the 
experiment to transplant this vegetable in those waters where it at 
present is unknown. There is little doubt the Canvass-backs would, 
by this means, be attracted ; and thus would afford the lovers of 
good eating an opportunity of tasting a delicacy, which, in the 
opinion of many, is unrivalled by the whole feathered race. 
In the spring, when the Duck-grass becomes scarce, the Can- 
vass-backs are compelled to subsist upon other food, particularly 
shell-fish; their flesh then loses its delicacy of flavor, and although 
still fat, it is not esteemed by epicures; hence the Ducks are not 
much sought after ; and are permitted quietly to feed until their 
departure for the north. 
Our author states that he had had no certain accounts of this 
species to the southward of James’ river, Virginia. In the month 
of January, 1818, the Editor saw many hundreds of these Ducks 
feeding in the Savannah river, not far from Tybee light-house. 
They were known by the name of Canvass-backs ; but the inhabi- 
tants of that quarter considered them as fishing Ducks, not fit to be 
eaten: so said the pilot of the ship which bore the Editor to Sa- 
vannah. But a pair of these birds having been served up at table, 
after his arrival, he was convinced, by their delicate flavor, that 
they had lost little by their change of residence, but still maintain- 
ed their superiority over all the water fowl of that region. In the 
river St. John, in East Florida, the Editor also saw a few scattered 
individuals of this species ; but they were too shy to be approach- 
ed within gunshot. 
The Canvass-backs swim very low, especially when fat ; and 
when pursued by a boat, they stretch themselves out in lines, in the 
manner of the Scaup Ducks, so that some of the flock are always 
enabled to reconnoitre the paddler, and give information, to the 
2 G 
VOL. vin. 
