THE GAME-DUCKS. 



185 



and a certain amount of sea-grass and green weed grows. 

 Here they may often be seen by day moving actively about 

 in search of Crustacea, small shell-fish, and the like, keeping 

 up the while a constant low sibilant note. The night is, 

 however, their more regular feeding time, and by day they 

 are commonly found passing away the hours at rest on the 

 wide open sands already described as a favourite diurnal 

 resort of the Mallards. However sleepy they may then 

 appear, there is always a sentinel on duty, even if their 

 company be only four or five strong, and it is not often 

 possible to approach within shot, though I have occasionally 

 done so, even in mild weather. 



Like the rest of the surface- ducks, the " Skells," when 

 feeding afloat, frequently turn up vertically in order to reach 

 the bottom. 



