10 



the Mergansers, we frequently see drakes little changed to their 

 full plumage far into the spring. Probably, the reason why the 

 mature drakes are so seldom seen in comparison is, that you 

 have the old duck, and perhaps from six to eight young in the 

 immature plumage, which reduces the chance of an old drake 

 being met with. The difference in size between the old drake 

 and a young duck is puzzling, in consequence of her being so 

 much smaller than might be expected. 



No sooner does the cold weather disappear and spring come, 

 than ducks commence to moult, and before the end of March 

 they become thickly clothed with down under their feathers. 

 This is for the purpose of enabling them to supply their nests. 

 The old drakes do not commence to moult till much later in the 

 season. 



I feel quite certain that very little is known about the migra- 

 tion of any single species, and should these remarks be the means 

 of calling the attention of any one to the subject, I am also cer- 

 tain, though it may be considered of little use, he will find its 

 pursuit amusing, and certainly not disagreeable. C. M. A. 



