states, Black Ducks, Mallards, and Wood Ducks breed in more 

 or less abundance, and it is hoped through the establishing of 

 many sanctuaries, to induce other species now nesting farther 

 north to spend the summer in this locality. Wild Ducks of all 

 species need absolute protection from disturbance on their feeding 

 grounds, the planting of food-plants as given in the chapter de- 

 voted to " Aquatic Plants," and particularly for the Wood Duck, 

 artificial nesting-sites. The Mallard and the Black Duck nest upon 

 the ground, and all that can be done for them is to render their 

 chosen nesting-sites immune from all disturbances during the 

 period of incubation. The Wood Duck is a hole-nesting species, 

 and the storms of winter or other causes frequently destroy nesting 

 places that have been used annually by these birds for many 

 seasons. Nesting-boxes should be constructed of rough boards or 

 hollowed logs, and fastened to trees in the vicinity of ponds and 

 streams. Place in the bottom of these nesting-boxes enough old 

 weathered sawdust or particles of rotted wood to form a layer three 

 inches deep, topped off with some fine, dried grasses. To this 

 foundation the female may add other nesting-materials, before 

 plucking the finishing lining of down from her own breast. 

 Throughout its entire range the Wood Duck has become so re- 

 duced in numbers as to be threatened with the grave danger of 

 becoming extinct. Of all the various species of Wild Ducks found 

 throughout the world, none excel the Wood Duck in beauty of 

 plumage or grace of form and movements, and strenuous efforts 

 should be made to save this most interesting, and typically 

 American species from extermination. 



In many sections throughout Southern New England, where 

 twenty years ago the Virginia Deer was locally unknown, it has 

 now become plentiful, both in wild or forest lands and in the cul- 

 tivated farming country. For many years Deer have been protec- 

 ted in Massachusetts, and also in the adjoining state of Vermont, 

 where they increased in such numbers as to become more or less 

 of a menace to the agriculturist. Many of these Vermont Deer 

 drifted south into Massachusetts and from thence into the states 

 of both Connecticut and Rhode Island. 



Our Massachusetts game laws now allow an open season of one 



[57] 



