56 



BRITISH BIRDS 



It is an uncommon winter visitor but a few remain to 

 breed in secluded localities. It is considered to be very 

 good eating, and breeds freely in confinement. A free 

 supply of ants' eggs is conducive to a successful rear of 

 the young brood, and this remark applies equally to all 

 the other members of the Duck sub-family here considered. 



The Smew. 



This Duck, whose name is probably a corruption of 

 Sea-mew, is black and white in colour, with light slate 

 blue primaries and sides ; the tail is greyish blue, which is 

 also the colour of the bill. It is a winter visitor, but is 

 supposed to breed sometimes in the north of Scotland. 



Smew, 



Like all the other members of the family to which it 

 belongs, it is readily tamed, and will breed in confinement 

 if judiciously fed on a due admixture of animal and 

 vegetable food. 



