132 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
same bird when killed in the Potomac. The Canvass-back, 
killed on the bays, is a worthless bird; and it is a singular fact, 
that, although greatly superior to the Red-head, when both can 
obtain their favorite food, the Valisneria Americana , it is here 
as far inferior to it. This brings me to fowl shooting, as it is 
practised on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, which abounds 
with all the finest varieties of wild-fowl in their finest condition, 
above any other region of the known world, and on which more 
sport is enjoyed by gentlemen, and more fowl slain by profes¬ 
sional gunners, than in any other waters of America, from the 
noble and glorious Swan, down to the tiny Diver. 
But here, as I have never enjoyed an opportunity of partici¬ 
pating in this delightful recreation, I quote an admirable de¬ 
scription of the sport furnished by Dr. Sharpless, of Philadel¬ 
phia, to Mr. Audubon, and by him inserted in the “ Birds of 
America.” 
