240 BIRDS IN THEIR RELATIONS TO MAN. 



inland birds, feeding upon insects, mollusks, nuts, grass, and 

 grain. In the West they visit the vast grain-fields in harvest- 

 time and soon get in excellent condition for the table. 



"The WOOD-DUCK, or SUMMER DUCK," writes Dr. A. K. Fisher, 

 "is the most beautiful of all the members of the large and diver- 



HEAD OF DUSKY DUCK. 



sified duck family, and, on account of its beauty and lack 

 of shyness, is one of the best-known species in the country. 

 It is not seclusive, often making its abode near towns, or 

 perhaps in the vicinity of farm-houses, where it may be found 

 feeding or associating with barn-yard ducks. It takes kindly 

 to domestication, and is easily tamed and induced to breed in 

 captivity. Its favorite haunts are small lakes, weedy ponds, 

 or shady streams in the midst of, or in close proximity to, 

 scattered woodlands, and, except during migration, it is rarely 

 met with about open bays or large bodies of water. 1 ' 



