Duck-shooting 117 



the fall we look for them in spots where acorns 

 drop into the water. On this food they quickly 

 fatten, and the bird in some localities goes by the 

 name of acorn duck. With the first threatenings 

 of winter they pass on toward the south and we 

 find them in our Gulf states, frequenting the 

 ponds and rivers. 



This bird is also known as the summer duck, 

 bridal duck, wood widgeon, and branchier in 

 Louisiana. 



Gentle and readily domesticated, the wood 

 duck deserves all possible protection ; but the 

 excellence of its flesh and demand for its feath- 

 ers expose it to a relentless persecution, and this 

 species is rapidly decreasing. 



