THE SWIMMERS. 



153 



carried on with unrelenting perseverance. It would lead us too far from our subject were we here 

 even to glance at the multiplied contrivances whereby they are killed or captured, sometimes 

 in immense numbers. The markets of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Egypt, are, during the winter season, 

 filled to overflowing with Ducks of all descriptions, among which the Wild Duck is by far the most 

 plentiful ; they are then everywhere to be purchased for a few pence. In Greece, however, the mode 

 of catching them is somewhat peculiar. On many of the lakes in that country, which are for the most 

 part covered with vegetation, there are generally long patches of open water, indicating those parts 



THE WOOD OR SUMMER DUCK [Ai.x spotisa). ONE-FOURTH NATURAL SIZE. 



which are too deep to allow of the growth of plants from the bottom. As winter sets in these open 

 spaces are closed by nets prepared for the purpose, and during the passage of the Ducks the evenings 

 are devoted to their capture. When it begins to grow dark, two boats, efficiently manned, and each 

 of them furnished with a lantern and a bell, put off in opposite directions towards the enclosed space, 

 and as they row slowly along, display their lanterns, ring their bells, and thus drive before them the 

 Ducks which, instead of taking flight, crowd outwards towards the nets, with which they are ultimately 

 enclosed. From Von der Miihle and Lindermayer we learn that they are sometimes also taken by 

 means of a casting-net. To accomplish this, the sportsmen, having ascertained the position of the 

 Ducks, row slowly towards them with muffled oars, at the same time occupying their attention 

 by displaying a lighted lantern suspended at the end of a long pole, carried at the bow of the boat 

 The curiosity of the Ducks being thus excited, they approach the light in great numbers without 

 vol. iv. — 138 



