THE CANVASS-BACK BUCK. 143 
or twenty yards of a flock of many thousands, among whom 
he generally makes great slaughter. 
Many other stratagems are practised, and, indeed, every 
plan that the ingenuity of the experienced sportsman can 
suggest, to approach within gunshot of these birds ; but, of 
all the modes pursued, none intimidate them so much as 
shooting them by night ; and they soon abandon the place 
where they have been thus repeatedly shot at. During the 
day, they are dispersed about ; but towards evening, collect 
in large flocks, and come into the mouths of creeks, where 
they often ride as at anchor, with their head under their 
wing, asleep, there being always sentinels awake, ready to 
raise an alarm on the least appearance of danger. Even 
when feeding and diving in small parties, the whole never 
go down at one time, but some are still left above on the 
look-out. 
When the winter sets in severely, and the river is frozen, 
the Canvass-Backs retreat to its confluence with the bay, 
occasionally frequenting air-holes in the ice, which are some- 
times made for the purpose, immediately above their favour- 
ite grass, to entice them within gunshot of the hut or bush 
which is usually fixed at a proper distance, and where the 
gunner lies concealed, ready to take advantage of their 
distress. 
A Mr. Hill, who lives near J ames river, at a place called 
Herring Creek, informs me, that, one severe winter, he and 
another person broke a hole in the ice, about twenty by 
