516 



ANATID^E. 



swimming securely in the offing ; and in the evening 

 great numhers resort to the fens and salt marshes, where 

 they feed on various kinds of animal matter, and the roots 

 and leaves of grasses and aquatic plants. As they are 

 considered good eating, and command a ready sale, they con- 

 tribute to the support of the seaside population, who, when 

 thrown out of work by the severe weather, wander about 

 the shore by day and lie in wait by night, armed with 

 guns of various calibre, for the chance of securing in one 

 or two Ducks the substitute for a day's wages. 



THE COMMON POCHARD. 



They are variously known in different places by the 

 name of Pochards, Pokers, Dunbirds, and Ked-Eyed 

 Pochards. On some parts of the coast of Norfolk I found 

 that they are included with the Wigeon under the common 

 name of " Smee-Duck/' 



The Pochard builds its nest among reeds, in Eussia, 

 Denmark, and the north of Germany, and lays twelve or 

 thirteen eggs. 



