THE BLACK DUCK 285 
As soon as the ice of the inland lakes breaks 
up in the spring the Black Duck finds it out in 
some mysterious way, and no devotee of rod 
and reel—trout fisher or salmon killer—is ear- 
lier upon the scene than is he. Forsaking the 
sea, unmindful of its kindly shelter and gener- 
ous living when all the fresh water ponds and 
lakes refused him sustenance, he hurries away, 
like the fickle fellow he is, to the swamps and 
bog-holes, of the interior as soon as ever he can. 
Here, during the merry days of spring and sum- 
mer, he lives like a lord in the fullness and 
plenty of the good things of life, and the sea 
knows him no more until the fall migration com- 
mences, 
This species nests in May or June, according 
to locality and seasons, raising a brood vary- 
ing in number from six to ten. The nests are 
commonly made upon the ground, though oc- 
casionally upon the top of some decayed stump. 
The youngsters appear during June, or July at 
latest, and are as lively a family of infants as 
any proud parent could wish. Any person who 
doubts their abilities should try to catch some 
unfledged duckling. If there is cover enough 
anywhere near in which to hide, rest assured 
