1 86 Unexplored Spain 



Isolated thus, a mere speck of water iu the midst of tlie 

 arid table-lands of central Spain, yet these lagoons of Daimiel 

 constitute not only one of the chief wildfowl resorts of Spain, 

 but possibly of all Europe. Upon these waters there occur from 

 time to time every species of aquatic game that is known in this 

 Peninsula, while in autumn the duck-tribe in countless hosts 

 congregate in nearly all their European varieties. Those which 



RED-CRESTED POCHARD (Fi/lirj^i/,, rutHu) 



are found in the greatest numbers include the mallard, pintail, 

 shoveler, wigeon, gargany, common and marbled teal, ferruginous 

 duck, tufted duck, pochard, and (in great abundance) the red- 

 crested pochard or Pato Colorado. Coots also frequent the 

 lagoons, but in smaller numbers. There also appear at frequent 

 intervals flamingoes and black geese {Ganzos negros), whose 

 species we have not been able to identify, sand-grouse of both 

 kinds, sea-gulls, duck-hawks, grebes, and occasionally some 

 wandering cormorants. Herons and eo;rets in their different 

 varieties haunt the shores and the shallows. 



Lest any far-venturing fowler be induced by this chapter 



