CHAPTER Vlll. 



MORNING MALLARD SHOOTING FALL. 



The Mallard [Anas hoschas). — Adult Male : 

 Bill about the length of the head, higher than 

 broad at the base, depressed and widened toward 

 the end, rounded at the tip. Upper mandible 

 with the dorsal outline sloping and a little con- 

 cave ; the ridge at the base broad and flat, to- 

 ward the end broadly convex, as are the sides; 

 the edges soft and rather obtuse ; the marginal 

 lamellae transverse, fifty on each ; the ungius 

 oval, curved, abrupt at the end. Nasal groove 

 elliptical, sub-basal, filled by the soft membrane 

 of the bill ; nostrils sub-basal, placed near the 

 ridge, longitudinal, elliptical, pervious. Lower 

 mandible slightly curved upward, with the angle 

 very long, narrow, and rather pointed, the lamel- 

 lae about sixty. 



Head of moderate size, oblong, compressed. 

 Neck rather long and slender. Body full, de- 

 pressed. Feet short, stout, placed a little behind 



