322 OUTDOOR LIFE IN ENGLAND 



one of the handsomest birds we have), yet during 

 the breeding season he lays aside his gay clothing, 

 assuming a plumage very similar to the female. 

 This change has been observed to take place in 

 the case of mallards which have been domesticated, 

 and at the usual time of year when the plumage 

 of the wild mallard undergoes its annual trans- 

 formation. In May the change commences, and 

 about the middle of October the normal dress is 

 resumed. 



Wild-duck often lead their broods into extra- 

 ordinary places, and a year or two ago a wild-duck 

 with her young ones strayed into the greenhouse 

 of a friend of mine. This season, a brood of 

 young wild-ducks was discovered in the very 

 centre of the village cricket-ground. A friend of 

 mine, supposing the old duck to have wandered to 

 a neighbouring withy-bed, took the tiny creatures, 

 which had evidently been very recently hatched, 

 to the brink of the river which, at the point oppo- 

 site the withy-bed, is both strong and wide, where 

 they immediately took the water, and, utilizing the 

 eddies in the stream to assist their passage, com- 

 pleted their voyage in safety, the duck joining 

 them shortly afterwards. 



It is not often possible to bring up young wild- 

 ducks under a hen. They thrive fairly well up to 

 a certain stage, after which they generally sicken 

 and die, though I have succeeded in preserving 

 them in health until about half-grown. The food 

 and confinement are alike unsuitable for them. 



