THE WOOD DUCK 321 



the AVood Ducks come and search the forest for 

 suitable places for their homes. It may be that, 

 closely hidden, silent, motionless, and scarcely 

 breathing lest you disturb the beautiful visitors, 

 you have watched the birds flit from tree to tree 

 along the watercourse; have seen them peep 

 into the hollows of the dead stubs to see if the 

 interiors were dry, cosy and suitable to hold 

 the treasures which their fond hopes promise 

 them. Anxious and eager, they squeeze their 

 lithe bodies through each narrow opening and 

 inspect the inner chambers with all the care of 

 a newly-made bride on her first ''house-hunt- 

 ing" expedition, and when at last one finds a 

 spot which seems fitting how quickly it is com- 

 municated to the other! At once the two set 

 to work to furnish the snug little home, enlarg- 

 ing the entrance and smoothing down interior 

 angles and corners. Soon all is prepared to re- 

 ceive the eggs, and anon the full number is 

 ready for the hatching. This plucky little 

 knight, ordinarily the gentlest of creatures, is 

 now brimful of fight if he is disturbed in his 

 home by any other of his kind, and there is a 

 good prospect for trouble if the intruder does 

 not leave at once. 



