58 



THE WILD DUCK. 



Wild ducks are very artful birds. They do not always build 

 their nest close to the water ; but often at a good distance from 

 it ; in which case, the female will take the young in her beak, 

 or between her legs, to the water. They have been known 

 sometimes to lay their eggs in a high tree, in a deserted magpie 

 or crow's nest ; and an instance has likewise been recorded of 

 one being found at Etchingham, in Sussex, sitting upon nine 

 eggs, in an oak, at the height of twenty-five feet from the 

 ground : the eggs were supported by some small twigs, laid 

 cross way s, 



Wild-duck-shooting appears to be a diversion by no means 

 calculated to promote health, since these fowls are chiefly to be 

 found in marshes and other wet places. 



The dog best calculated for this diversion is a water-spaniel, 

 which ought to be taught to fetch a duck out of the water. As 

 to a dog setting this kind of game, it is quite out of the ques- 

 tion. The places where the ducks are known to resort, should 

 be beat with as little noise as possible, and the sportsman must 

 take his chance of their rising within gun-shot. 



These birds may be shot in winter at the dawn of day, and 

 also at the dusk of the evening, when they fly in search of food. 

 In very severe frosts, they are compelled to seek those springs 

 and running streams that do not freeze, in order to find aquatic 



