64 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



and, though apparently adult, often lack the knob 

 at the base of the bill. Their flight is slow and 

 measured, somewhat resembling that of geese and 

 swans. They are the wildest of fowl in open 

 weather, the tamest in frost. On a sandbank, 

 their favourite resort, they at times offer a tempting 

 shot, but are worthless when obtained, except to 

 unscrupulous dealers, who dispose of them as wild- 

 duck to the ignorant. They breed in rabbit-holes 

 in many parts of Ireland, sometimes at a depth of 

 from ten to twelve feet from the entrance of the 

 burrow. 



Various suggestions have been made as to the 

 origin of the name Sheldrake. 



First Gunner : " Because they feed on shells, or 

 from their tortoiseshell plumage." 



Second Gunner : " Because they have a lump at 

 the base of the bill like a shell."* 



Learned Professor : " It is most probable that 

 the name is derived from sheld, signifying pied 

 or parti-coloured, and therefore most appropriately 

 bestowed." 



The call of the Sheldrake is a low subdued pipe, 

 and does not in the least resemble that of a duck, 

 as might be expected from its size and shape. 



I once saw an amusing tugging match between 

 a female Shelduck and a young rabbit that had 

 invaded the hole which she had selected for her 

 eggs, the intruder at last being hauled out by the 

 ear and sent adrift. 



I never saw Shelducks inland, and seldom heard 



* This lump turns a pale pink during the breeding season, and 

 then bears a fanciful resemblance to a shell. 



