SO|VHWEl{ DOCK. 



IpERHAPS no species of North American water-bird is 

 J- more highly esteemed by lovers of the beautiful in 

 nature than Aix sponsa the Summer Duck, or Wood Duck 

 and, when obtainable, is one of the first to find room in 

 the collection of amateur naturalists. With the epicure, how- 

 ever, he is of rather inferior standing, lacking as he does 

 the delicacy of flesh which makes the green-winged teal 

 and others of his tribe of such immense gastronomic value. 



Though truly an American species, yet this bird is more 

 generally found throughout the United States than any 

 other, nesting wherever suitable localities present them- 

 selves. North of the Potomac River, and in the various 

 States situated above the parallel of latitude which cuts its 

 head-waters, at least so far as the country east of the Rocky 

 Mountains is concerned, it is chiefly a migrant, arriving to- 

 wards the close of March, or in the beginning of April. South 

 of this line, from Maryland to Florida, and thence south-west- 

 erly through the Gulf States into Mexico, the birds are found 

 in more or less abundance during the entire year. 



Pairing commences in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, 

 we are told, about the first of March, but in New England 

 and the Middle States in favorable seasons from the first to 

 the fifteenth of April, whereas in the country bordering on 

 the Great Lakes and in the Western States generally, it does 

 not take place till the last of May or the beginning of June. 



Upon their arrival in our Northern States these birds, 

 strange to say, unlike many of their numerous family con- 

 nections, seldom frequent the sea-shore or the adjoining salt 



