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DUCK SHOOTING. 



used to breed also in suitable localities on the plains, and 

 its nests have been taken near Calais, in Maine, as well 

 as in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Its nest is built usu- 

 ally in thick cover, close to the water, and is a neater 

 structure than most ducks' nests. The eggs are usu- 

 ally of a grayish ivory white and number from eight to 

 ten. This species is occasionally taken on the Califor- 

 nia coast and also on that of New England, but it is no- 

 where common. Even in the South, in that paradise of 

 ducks, Currituck, Core and Albemarle sounds, these 

 birds are few in number. 



They decoy well and are easily killed when they come 

 up to the stools, although very swift fliers. 



It is said that this bird is more abundant on our in- 

 land waters than on the sea-coast. Even there, how- 

 ever, it can never be called an abundant species. Its 

 flesh, under favorable circumstances, is excellent eating, 

 and if it were more abundant it would be one of the 

 most desirable of our fowl. 



