104 THE MALLARD. 



pond, stream, or ditch, amongst rushes or other herbage, 

 but it has been found in various abnormal situations, and 

 even in a tree. One which I discovered by the side of the 

 Whitadder on the 19th of April 1873 was on such a steep 

 bank that the young would have considerable difficulty in 

 reaching the water in safety. The eggs, which vary in 

 number from eight to thirteen, are of a dull greenish-grey 

 colour. 



The young are not able to fly for about two months 

 after they are hatched, and when nearly fledged are called 

 " flappers," Mr. Blackadder, Blanerne, has informed me that 

 flapper shooting at Billie Mire was a favourite sport of the 

 inhabitants of Chirnside long ago, who " used to go over 

 with their guns to the Mire in bands about the month of 

 August, when the young Ducks were nearly ready to fly, and 

 bring back loads of them." 



The following entries with reference to flapper shooting 

 appear in a diary kept by Captain Bell, of the Berwickshire 

 Militia, in 1812-14 : — " 1814, July 19th. — Went to Blacks- 

 mill Burn and up above Dirrington Law for young Ducks. 

 Got two young ones and two old ones. The young ones 

 were rather small, few feathers being on the wing. July 

 11th. — Went to Swinton Mill and tried for Wild Ducks. 

 Got four very fine ones and a Water Hen. Saw three or 

 four more." 



At the end of the breeding season a great change 

 takes place in the colour of the Drake; he then appears 

 in a dress like that of the Duck, though a little darker, 

 and the quills being cast simultaneously, he is rendered 

 incapable of flight ; but by the middle of October he 

 has again acquired his full plumage. 



Wild Duck shooting is most enjoyable, and a fine old 

 Drake in full plumage, besides being a very satisfactory 

 mark, forms a desirable addition to the contents of a game 



