pene Te 
THE SEA DUCKS. 503 
of a young cock, oe eek! oe eek! Their food consists principally of 
acorns, seeds of the wild oats, and insects. Their flesh is little 
inferior to that of the Blue-winged Teal. They are frequent in 
the markets of Philadelphia.” 
The eggs of the Summer Duck are of a dirty yellowish- 
white color. Their form varies from ovate to nearly oval ; 
and their dimensions vary from 2.20 by 1.55 (Wisconsin), 
to 2.10 by 1.55 (Maine), and 1.98 by 1.45 (Massachusetts). 
This species is easily domesticated, and soon becomes 
very tame. It breeds in confinement, and soon acquires all 
the habits of the domestic Mallard, but prefers a hollow 
tree or stump for its resting-place. 
Mr. O. Brewer, editor of the “ Boston Cultivator,” has, 
at his residence in West Roxbury, Mass., a large flock of 
these birds, which he has raised himself; and they are cer- 
tainly the most beautiful and interesting pets that I have 
seen. 
Sub-Family Furiguriwx.— The Sea Ducks. 
The chief character of the Fuligulinw, as compared with the Anatine, consists in 
the greatly developed lobe or membranous flap attached to or suspended from the 
inferior surface of the hind toe; the feet are usually enormously large, the tarsi 
short, the legs set far back, and the whole organization well fitted for swimming 
and diving: many of the species live on or near the seacoast, although most of 
them straggle more or less through the interior of the countries they inhabit. 
FULIX, SuNDEVALL. 
Fuliz, SuNDEVALL, Kong. Vet. Ak. Hand. (1835). (As restricted.) 
Bill longer than the tarsus, and about equal to the head, and to the middle toe 
without the nail; feathers of cheeks, chin, and forehead advancing but slightly, and 
to about the same distance; nostrils open, situated in the anterior portion of the 
basal two-fifths of the bill, not reaching the middle; edges of bill about parallel, 
or widening to the tip; profile gently concave to the nail, which is decurved; nail 
not one-third the width of the bill, and forming only the central portion of its tip; 
tarsus about half the middle toe and claw; bill as long as the feet; tail short, 
rounded, of fourteen feathers; head and neck black. 
