THE BLACK DUCK 285 



As soon as the ice of the inland lakes breaks 

 up in the spring the Black Duck finds it out in 

 some mysterious way, and no devotee of rod 

 and reel — trout fisher or salmon killer — is ear- 

 lier upon the scene than is he. Forsaking the 

 sea, unmindful of its kindly shelter and gener- 

 ous living when all the fresh water ponds and 

 lakes refused him sustenance, he hurries away, 

 like the fickle fellow he is, to the swamps and 

 bog-holes of the interior as soon as ever he can. 

 Here, during the merry days of spring and sum- 

 mer, he lives like a lord in the fullness and 

 plenty of the good things of life, and the sea 

 knows him no more until the fall migration com- 

 mences. 



This species nests in May or June, according 

 to locality and seasons, raising a brood vary- 

 ing in number from six to ten. The nests are 

 commonly made upon the ground, though oc- 

 casionally upon the top of some decayed stump. 

 The youngsters appear during June, or July at 

 latest, and are as lively a family of infants as 

 any proud parent could wish. Any person who 

 doubts their abilities should try to catch some 

 unfledged duckling. If there is cover enough 

 anywhere near in which to hide, rest assured 



