116 THE BIRDS OF BRECONSHIRE. 
WILD DUCK, Anas boschas. 
Common, breeding all over the county 
on the numerous hill-bogs, on the Usk 
near here, and in quiet places adjoin- 
ing our streams. JI have flushed a 
Wild Duck in a green lane not far 
from the Usk, and from her move- 
ments, as she declined leaving the place, 
allowing me to catch her, I am certain 
she had a nest in the hedge there, but 
not wishing her to forsake it, I did not 
further disturb her. A great many 
breed in the bogs about Devynock, and 
the large bog called the Trath, near 
Brecon, is a favourite place for them. 
Some years since, happening to be on 
the highest point of the hill near 
Merthyr Cynog, and walking over a 
small bog, an old duck suddenly rose 
near me, and looking down I saw a 
young one, quite grown and in full 
feather, squatting in a little “form” in 
the reeds, like a hare, its neck drawn 
back, its head resting on its back, and 
its tail up, evidently endeavouring to 
make itself look as small as possible. I 
put my hand cautiously down, and easily 
caught it, when it seemed all at once to 
