XV. 



WILD-DUCKS, WATER-BIRDS, AND 

 SEA-FOWL. 



IF you chance to know any quiet 

 bit of water, either in the shape 

 of small pond or enlargement of 

 a little stream, pretty well sur- 

 rounded by rushes, sedges, and 

 foliage, you are certain now and 



then to find a wild-duck upon it, diving and dabbling 

 about in search of food. Some of them are very pretty 

 in plumage. The mallard is every way a fine bird, 

 with its lovely colours and tufted tail. When in full 

 plumage, his head is velvety green, and his body and 

 wings varied of the finest tints of grey and brown and 

 purple. But during the summer months, as if nature 

 had resorted to a device to save the species, or to 

 ensure the maintenance of numbers, the cock-mallard 

 is stripped of his beauty and reduced to a likeness to 

 his " womenkind." This is owing to a very severe 

 and unusual moult. All the primary wing feathers 

 come off at once, and he thus assumes sober colours 

 till he can fly again. Were it not for this arrange- 

 ment of subdued colouring, he would be too easily 

 recognised, and too easily hunted and shot. No doubt 

 this is a " protective" arrangement in great measure. 

 The mallard is fond of marshy lands, and in the winter, 



