118 
ANAS UNDULATA 
dry veldt at a distance from the water, and generally in dense brush (Layard, 
1875-84). That such positions are not always chosen is evident from Ayres (in 
Layard, 1875-84) who says that they build a substantial nest of flags among high 
rushes, and well elevated above the water. Masterson (1916) notices that the nest 
is made of rushes, grass and aquatic weeds and is usually placed in the rushes or 
reeds growing in or along the side of the water; but he once found a nest in long 
grass on a hillock about three miles away from water. 
Layard (1875-84) gives the normal clutch as six, but I am certain that this must 
be less than the average. Stark and Sclater (1906) place it at six to nine and as many 
as eleven have been reported. Rogeron (1903) bred many in captivity. He found 
them very abundant layers and reports that the clutch numbers ten to twelve. 
Closer observation will probably show that they do not differ much from the Mallard 
in this respect. The eggs are elliptical, smooth and vary in color from very pale 
brown to creamy or greenish white (Stark and Sclater, 1906; Masterson, 1916). The 
length of the incubation period seems to be unknown, but is almost certainly 
around twenty-six or twenty-seven days. 
Status. Recent writers still speak of the Yellow-bill as a very common bird, 
especially in South Africa, though the gradual settlement of the country unques- 
tionably results in local diminution. As long ago as 1888 it was described as rare 
where formerly common about King William’s Town (Clifton, 1888). The tend- 
ency of many of the great South African lakes to dry up must eventually lessen its 
numbers. On the other hand the sportsmen of South Africa are far more interested 
in close seasons than they used to be and are creating laws which are becoming 
effective. 
Damage. From its habit of feeding on grain it may occasionally do some damage 
to crops. 
Food Value. The flesh of this duck is described as excellent in all parts of its 
range, even when the birds are moulting (Buckley, 1874; T. Ayres, 1880; Ogilvie- 
Grant and Reid, 1901; G. H. Gurney, 1909; et al.). In his book on South Africa 
Bryden (1893) expatiates at length on the splendid condition and flavor of its meat 
when shot in the Botletle River country. 
Hunt. The use of boomerang-like sticks by the natives of Abyssinia has already 
been referred to. At Vogel Vlei in Cape Colony the farmers of the neighborhood used 
to assemble each year for a grand hunt after these ducks and the Red-billed Teal 
{Anas erythrorhyncha) . The shooters were posted at different parts of this long 
sheet of water, hidden among the rushes and the bush-covered rocks which jut out 
