SUMMER DUCK. 
ERHAPS no species of North American water-bird is 
more highly esteemed by lovers of the beautiful in 
nature than Azr sponsa—the Summer Duck, or Wood Duck 
—and, when obtainable, is one of the first to find room in 
the collection of amateur naturalists. With the epicure, how- 
ever, he is of rather inferior standing, lacking as he does 
the delicacy of flesh which makes the green-winged teal 
and others of his tribe of such immense gastronomic value. 
Though truly an American species, yet this bird is more 
generally found throughout the United States than any 
other, nesting wherever suitable. localities present them- 
selves. North of the Potomac River, and in the various 
States situated above the parallel of latitude which cuts its 
head-waters, at least so far as the country east of the Rocky 
Mountains is concerned, it is chiefly a migrant, arriving to- 
wards the close of March, or in the beginning of April. South 
of this line, from Maryland to Florida, and thence south-west- 
erly through the Gulf States into Mexico, the birds are found 
in more or less abundance during the entire year. 
Pairing commences in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, 
we are told, about the first of March, but in New England 
and the Middle States in favorable seasons from the first to 
the fifteenth of April, whereas in the country bordering on 
the Great Lakes and in the Western States generally, it does 
not take place till the last of May or the beginning of June. 
Upon their arrival in our Northern States these birds, 
strange to say, unlike many of their numerous family con- 
nections, seldom frequent the sea-shore or the adjoining salt 
