104 SHOOTING IN CHINA 



than once been shot by mistake. "The 

 breast feathers are covered with tiny crescent 

 shaped pencillings which are a sure means 

 by which to recognize the species. Ordin- 

 ary weight 2 Ibs. 



The Common Teal (Querquedula crecca) 

 most delicious of table birds, is found in 

 great numbers throughout China. Its dis- 

 tinguishing marks are rich, chestnut brown 

 head, upper half of face dark, glossy green ; 

 lower half rich chestnut. Above and below 

 the eye run two narrow streaks of buff 

 sharply dividing the green and chestnuts. 

 Breast tinged with purple and covered with 

 circular black spots. Weight 14 oz. to i Ib. 



The Garganey Teal (Querquedula circia) 

 is not a common bird in China, but still it 

 may now and again be met with. It is a 

 striking looking duck with its glossy green 

 black crest, black bill, white band from eye 

 to back of neck, breast mottled brown and 

 black : long fine wavy black feathers centred 

 with white. Weight i Ib to I ^ Ibs. 



The Spectacled Teal (Eunetta formosa) 

 very common on the Yangtze, is not im- 

 properly named from its markings in the 

 region of the eye to chin. Its chin and 



