THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



where it soon became nearly as tame as the 

 others. 



Late in the season the young duck was re- 

 moved, leaving the farm-raised drake with 

 the wild duck. They were not allowed their 

 liberty until the next spring, and subse- 

 quently they nested in the old winter shelter, 

 rearing their brood without any assistance 

 from us. 



The wire was entirely removed from around 

 the shelter in the marshy land early in the fall, 

 but one feed a day was still provided. The 

 birds became friendly with others of their 

 kind, and at one time we thought they had de- 

 serted us, but in the early spring they returned 

 to the old feeding ground, accompanied by 

 several wild birds. 



Stealthy watching and hunting revealed 

 eight nests that year. Eighteen eggs were 

 stolen in all and set under two hens, and six- 

 teen young ones raised. Eight were sold for 

 $10 a pair to a gentleman who owned a large 

 estate in Rockland County, and desired to 



262 



