36. Tail of _Hirundo riparia_, 595 37. Tail of _Hirundo serripennis_, 595 38. Part of outer primary of _Hirundo serripennis_, 595 39. Cœcum and cloaca of _Ardea Egretta_, 606 ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY. CANVASS-BACK DUCK. _FULIGULA VALISNERIANA_, STEPHENS. PLATE CCCI. MALE AND FEMALE. The range of the celebrated Duck with the history of which I commence the fourth volume of my Biographs, may be considered as limited on the one hand by the mouths of the Mississippi, and on the other by the Hudson or North River. Beyond the latter it is rarely seen at any season on our eastern coasts; and this circumstance, conjoined with its being now and then observed on the upper waters of our Western Districts, and its breeding in great numbers on the borders of Bear River, which flows into the salt lake of Timpanajoz in upper California, as well as in the marshes and along the banks of streams in many parts of the Rocky Mountains, induces me to believe that the individuals of this species, instead of proceeding along the shores, pass overland towards their breeding grounds, however far northward they may be situated. According to DR RICHARDSON, it breeds in all parts of the Fur-Countries, from the 50th parallel to their most northern limits. While in our Atlantic Districts, it is found in much greater numbers on the Chesapeake and the streams that flow into it, than any where else. Indeed it is not more than twenty years since its regular appearance and sojourn on the waters of the Southern States has been observed or at least acknowledged. Although at New Orleans, where it goes by the name of _Canard Cheval_, it has been known to the oldest duck-shooters now alive, from their earliest recollection, it is not more than about fifteen years since it began to rise, from a very low price to two dollars the pair, at which it sold during my visit in March 1837.