158 



powder-down upon its plumage etc. Anatomical research lias 

 confirmed this conclusion. 



The photo gives but a poor idea of the actual display. I 

 have on several occasions seen it, when the whole of the 

 feathers of the nape have lieen raised, not merely perpendicu- 

 larly, but leaning well over to the front (somewhat so ~~\ ), in 

 a complete crescent, imparting to the bird quite a striking 

 and fine appearance. 



(TorresponDence. 



NOTEvS ON WILD DUCKS {juith plate.) 



Sir, — The enclosed photographs may interest some of the 

 readers of Bird Notes. I have about twelve wild ducks, and 

 they make their nests in the Pampas grass near a stream, 

 under the spreading branches of the trees. About a month 

 ago I found two ducks had made their nests close together, 

 having between them twenty-two eggs. I then separated the 

 nests, as I was afrai<l of the eggs not being properly covered. 

 I put them about two feet apart placing a branch between 

 them and leaving eleven eggs in each nest. In two days they 

 had removed the branch and joined the nests togetlier again. 

 One egg disappeared and to-day twenty young ducks have 

 hatched, and the otlier egg contained a fully developed, but 

 dead duckling. 



The ducks were completely hidden from view by the 

 drooping branches of the Cedrus deodara under which they 

 had built. Both photographs were taken while the branches 

 were being held up ; the camera being placed within three feet 

 of the sitting ducks, and as they fancied they would escape 

 being seen by keeping perfectly still, I was able to take a time 

 exposure. 



As soon as the eggs hatch, we collect the young ones and 

 shut them up with the mother in a rat proof enclosure until 

 they are old enough to take care of themselves. 



I have now over loo young wild ducks. The parents are 



