294 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
aud the bill nearly or quite black. His length is from eighteen to nine- 
teen inches, and wing about eight. 
From her lord the female differs somewhat in size, being smaller, and 
in a most marked degree in plumage. The two are easily distinguished. 
The compact, erect, semi-circular and side-compressed crest is smaller and 
less rounded ; the head and neck are brown ; back aud sides dark brown, 
with paler edges to the feathers, and white on wings of less extent. The 
lower mandible is reddish at base. Upon comparison with the above de- 
scription of the immature bird, it will he observed that a striking resem- 
blance obtains between the two. Where the sexes materially differ in 
plumage, the rule seems to be that the young males take on the charac- 
teristic dress of the mother before assuming that which is to distinguish 
them later in life. 
The disposition of the Sheldrakes to nest in obscure situations, remote 
from the haunts of man, and often difficult of access, perhaps, has much 
to do with the ignorance that enshrouds their history. Were they better 
known, and more easily approached, they might be subdued by the skill 
of man, and be made to associate with the Mallard, whose ancestors still 
live in a feral state. A little patience is all that is necessary to carry the 
project to completion, if it should be. attempted, and reasoning from the 
success of the plan in the case of the Wood Duck — a species remarkably 
similar in general habits — we entertain no doubt as to its practicability. 
But would the plan be feasible? This is a question that we are not pre- 
pared to answer. At any rate, it is worthy of an effort. If the trial has 
ever been made, we are not aware of it, nor can we find anything in the 
literature of ornithology to warrant us in saying that it has. Beautiful in 
plumage, and noted for their grace, skill and ease upon the watery ele- 
ment, they might become interesting denizens of man’s surroundings, even 
though they should never, by their usefulness, fully repay him for the 
care and expense which he would necessarily be compelled to bestow uj)on 
them. 
