92 ScientifiG Proceedings, Royal Dublin Society. 



safe piece of water where they will not be disturbed, and during 

 the day visit the neighbouring fields. I have observed they are 

 rather late in leaving their retreat in the morning, seldom ap- 

 pearing until the sun is rising. They leave for the north in 

 spring. 



Anas boschas (Linn.) Mallard. — This widely distributed bird 

 is a winter visitor only, in the district, and leaves very early in 

 spring, but during its stay is not uncommon. 



Aix SPONSA (Linn.) Summer Duck. — They generally appear 

 about the beginning of March. In the early part of that month 

 tbey are common in pairs in the woods round my house, and 

 may then often be seen perched on the trees. They are j)robably 

 looking for a suitable nesting place. The earliest arrival I 

 have noted is the 27th of February. They are common all the 

 summer, and remain until late in autumn. 



