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WILD DUCK. 



COMMON WILD DUCK. MALLARD. 

 PLATE CXCI. — FIG. II. 



Alias hoschas, . . . Pennant. Montagu. 



The nest of this species, constructed the latter end 

 of April, is, unless in a few rare exceptional instances, 

 placed on the ground in a dry place, often near, but 

 on the other hand not unfrequently at a distance 

 from water; in some cases under a hedge, and in others 

 in an open field, or in a wood, but under shelter of 

 some kind. It is small in size, little more than six 

 inches in the inner Avidth, and regularly formed of dry 

 grass or other vegetable materials; the lining being 

 down, to the thickness of between two and three 

 inches. 



The greater number of these birds go north to breed, 

 but not a few remain here and there throughout the 

 country all the year, and build. 



The eggs are usually eleven in number; sometimes 

 ten, and sometimes twelve; and as many as fifteen are 

 said to have been found in one nest. They are smooth 

 and of a very pale green colour. 



The old birds are supposed to remain in pairs through- 

 out the year, but the male leaves the female as soon 

 as she begins to sit. The hen covers the eggs with down 

 and other substances if she leaves the nest for a time. 



