BIRDS HUNTED FOR FOOD OR SPORT. 85 



always are gray. This character appears to be constant in 

 both sexes. Dr. John C. Philhps has pubHshed, in Forest 

 and Stream, a drawing that shows at a glance the appearance 

 of the axillars in each species, drawn from adult male speci- 

 mens. These are reproduced herewith. If, with this distinc- 

 tive mark in view, sportsmen will make careful examination 

 of the Widgeons or Baldpates taken in this country, it may 

 prove that the European species is less uncommon than 

 hitherto has been supposed. Dr. Phillips has found, by com- 

 paring the axillars, that four birds taken at Wenham Lake 

 are referable to the European species. The probability is 

 that this bird is a permanent resident in North America, and 

 breeds on this continent. 



