As I have already stated the ducks are divided into two subfamilies,
the one the =Anatinae=, commonly called fresh-water ducks, the other
the =Fuligulinae=, commonly known as the salt-water ducks. A
distinguishing feature of the salt-water ducks is the little flap or
web on the hind toe, which is not seen in the fresh-water varieties.
On our shooting grounds, however, whether the blind is on the
salt-water marsh or the fresh-water pond, both kinds are sure to fall
to the gun in almost equal numbers. Of the more common of the
fresh-water varieties the gadwall and the mallard are seen the least
on the salt marshes and the tide overflows, yet even these are quite
often met with in these places. So it is with the salt-water species.
All except the scoters are frequenters of the mountain lakes,
fresh-water ponds and overflows. The red-head, both species of the
scaups, the canvasback and the ruddy are commonly found on the
fresh-waters. The ring-neck, and, in fact, the red-head are much more
common on these waters than on the salt or brackish marshes.
With the exception, therefore, that certain species always predominate
at a given place at certain times of the season, the sportsman's aim
brings down a well-assorted bag, let him shoot where he may, on marsh,
pond or overflow, from Washington to Mexico.
[Illustration: CANVASBACK (Aythya vallisnaria)]