DUCKS AND GEESE 87 



the light of day. In form it resembles a miniature swan. 

 It stands ven' high on its legs and presents a wonderfully 

 curious and graceful appearance as it walks along the shore, 

 feeding on shellfish and decaying matter. 



" Owing to the nature of its diet, which consists chiefly 

 of grain, roots, and water plants, the flesh of this bird is 

 esteemed as an article of food, and many are killed for 

 such. 



"Nest: Located in the hollow of a tree, the bottom of 

 the cavit}'^ usually being lined with feathers. They lay from 

 ten to fifteen pure white eggs, and as manj' as thirty-two 

 have been found in one nest, but these were probably laid 

 by two or more females." 



