526 



AIY GARDEN. 



more of a whistle, especially in the breeding season, and is not unlike 

 the whistle of the widgeon. The young call-ducks which were reared 

 last year, were taught by the gardener to dive for their food. It is very 



amusing to throw some bar- 

 ley into the lake and watch 

 them dive, and feed under 

 the water. The parent birds, 

 however, have never been 

 noticed to dive : I am un- 

 certain whether this habit of 

 diving is natural, or has only 

 FIG. 1127. widgeon. been acquired by training. 



During the winter season we have the Wild Duck (Anas Boschas, 

 fig. 1125), the Teal (Querquedula crecca, fig. 1126), the Widgeon (Anas 

 Penelope, fig. 1127), and the Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata, fig. 1128). 

 In January 1871, our gardener shot on the mill-head a female 

 Smew (Mci'gus albellns, fig. 1129). On the coast of Norfolk this bird is 



FIG. 1128. Tufted Duck. 



FIG. 1129. Smew or Since Duck. 



called the Smee Duck, but how it obtained our name I know not. 

 It is a remarkable fact that almost all the specimens of this bird 

 which have been shot in this country have been female or immature 

 birds, and it is probable that the adult males seldom visit our shore. 

 The adult male is an elegant and handsome bird. Although in 

 winter its plumage consists of only black and white, it is nevertheless 



