126 
N£STS AND EGGS OF 
ing the young, at such times, is rather low and soft, and resembles the 
above sounds, only a little more prolonged. 
These beautiful birds have often been domesticated. At such times 
they become so unsuspicious and familiar as to allow themselves to be 
stroked upon the back with the hand. Instances are on record. Such 
being so, what is there to prevent the introduction of them into our yards? 
Nothing. Then let it be tried. A glance at the picture will show that 
no handsomer bird could he chosen. Look at the male as he stands upon 
an embankment on the right of the picture ready at any moment, so it 
seems, to plunge into the watery fluid below, and tell us if there is any- 
thing more beautiful in the world of swimming-birds. We aj)prehend not. 
His conspicuous size, some nineteen inches in length, and sco]3e of wing 
of two and one-third inches, make him a being of no mean proportions. 
But then it is the richness and variety of his colors that render him an 
object of attraction. Near the farther shore of the pond, with her shadow 
reflected in the water, like a thing of grace, floats his loved but less 
showy companion. She is nearly of the same size as he, but wanting in 
the same dignity of demeanor. On the other side stands an old tree, fes- 
tooned with vines, which represents the nest of these birds, with a female 
just in the act of entering. 
The eggs of the Wood Duck range from six to thirteen to a setting. 
Their shape passes from the ovate form to one that is nearly oval, and, 
indeed, specimens are often found which are almost perfectly elliptical. 
Eggs from Massachusetts measure 1.97 by 1.45 inches. Others from 
Michigan, 2.21 by 1.54; and some from Maine, 2.10 by 1.54. A set of 
ten from Iowa, but recently received, of a yellowish-white or creamy 
color, which seems to be the natural hue, are beautifully elliptical in con- 
tour, and have an average measurement of 2.08 by 1.59 inches; the largest 
being 2.19 inches long, and 1.59 wide, and the smallest, 1.96 in length 
and 1.63 in width. 
