THE DUCK 



computed at from fourteen to fifteen hundred birds. 

 They originated, as described, some years ago, and have 

 spread all over West Norfolk, wherever they could find 

 shelter and protection and were allowed to breed freely, 

 and are now as frequently seen on the wing as any other 

 species. They are purely wild in Norfolk, and this shows 

 how one of the most beautiful and rare of our migratory 

 ducks may be acclimatised in suitable localities. 



It is calculated that upwards of a thousand pairs 

 of gadwall now breed annually in south-west Norfolk. 

 The gadwall, a surface-feeding duck, is to be recog- 

 nised by its general plumage of richly -mottled and 

 pencilled grey, and the three bars of chestnut, black 

 and white, upon its outstretched wing. In length the 

 gadwall is about 20 inches. It is known locally as 

 the grey duck. On the table it is excellent. 



Food: animal and vegetable in great variety, in- 

 cluding grain and aquatic insects. 



THE PINTAIL (Anas acuta) 



The pintail, often called the sea-pheasant, has, 

 like the shoveller, a feature which renders its identifi- 

 cation easy. This feature is the long tail, from which 

 the bird's name is derived. The two middle tail 

 feathers, which taper to a sharp point, project about 



