THE WOOD DUCK 321 
the Wood Ducks come and search the forest for 
suitable places for their homes. It may be that, 
closely hidden, silent, motionless, and scarcely 
breathing lest you disturb the beautiful visitors, 
you have watched the birds flit from tree to tree 
along the watercourse; have seen them peep 
into the hollows of the dead stubs to see if the 
interiors were dry, cosy and suitable to hold 
the treasures which their fond hopes promise 
them. Anxious and eager, they squeeze their 
lithe bodies through each narrow opening and 
inspect the inner chambers with all the care of 
a newly-made bride on her first ‘‘house-hunt- 
ing’’ expedition, and when at last one finds a 
spot which seems fitting how quickly it is com- 
municated to the other! At once the two set 
to work to furnish the snug little home, enlarg- 
ing the entrance and smoothing down interior 
angles and corners. Soon all is prepared to re- 
ceive the eggs, and anon the full number is 
ready for the hatching. This plucky little 
knight, ordinarily the gentlest of creatures, is 
now brimful of fight if he is disturbed in his 
home by any other of his kind, and there is a 
good prospect for trouble if the intruder does 
not leave at once. 
