. Hound the mouths
of the rivers that run into this bay, there are extensive shoals of
brackish water; these favour the growth of a certain plant of the genus
_vallisneria_--a grass-like plant, standing several feet out of the
water, with deep green leaves, and stems, and having a white and tender
root. On this root, which is of such a character as to have given the
plant, the trivial name of "wild celery," the canvas-back feeds
exclusively; for wherever it is not to be found, neither does the bird
make its appearance. Diving for it, and bringing it up in its bill, the
canvas-back readily breaks off the long lanceolate leaves, which float
off, either to be eaten by another species--the pochard--or to form
immense banks of wrack, that are thrown up against the adjacent shores.

It is to the roots of the wild celery that the flesh of the canvas-back
owes its esteemed flavour, causing it to be in such demand that very
often a pair of these ducks will bring three dollars in the markets of
New York and Philadelphia. When the finest turkey can be had for less
than a third of that sum, some idea may be formed of the superior
estimation in which the web-footed favourites are held.

Of course, shooting the canvas-back duck is extensively practised, not
only as an amusement, but as a professional occupation. Various means
are employed to slaughter these birds: decoys by means of dogs, duck
boats armed with guns that resemble infernal-machines, and disguises of
every possible kind. The birds themselves are extremely shy; and a shot
at them is only obtained by great ingenuity, and after considerable
dodging. They are excellent divers; and when only wounded, almost
always make good their escape. Their shyness is overcome by their
curiosity. A dog placed upon the shore, near where they happen to be,
and trained to run backwards and forwards, will almost always seduce
them within shot. Should the dog himself not succeed, a red rag wrapped
around his body, or tied to his tail, will generally bring about the
desired result. There are times, however, when the ducks have been much
shot at, that even this decoy fails of success.

On account of the high price the canvas-backs bring in the market, they
are pursued by the hunters with great assiduity, and are looked upon as
a source of much profit. So important has this been considered, that in
the international treaties between the States bordering upon the
Chesapeake, there ar