THE MALLARD 
tended most carefully by the duck and she is most 
courageous in shielding them from harm. 
I need not take up space by describing this species in 
detail, as it is only too well known, but mention may be 
made of the curious eclipse which the drake enters whilst 
moulting his flight feathers. He then assumes a dress 
very similar to that of the female, probably from motives 
of protection, when he is unable to fly, and when his 
ordinary gay attire would more readily betray him to 
enemies. ‘The purple speculum in the wing is a diag- 
nostic character of the Mallard. Length about 24 inches. 
ag 
