THE RUDDY DUCK 419 
I must confess to a certain fondness for this 
small citizen. He is a most interesting little 
chap and a mighty sweet morsel to put before 
your company at the table. His flesh is really 
very good and of delicate flavor. He is a vege- 
table feeder when he may have his choice in the 
matter. 
The ‘‘Ruddy’’ is much less suspicious of his 
enemies than most waterfowl, and the de- 
stroyer, if he chooses, may sit up without any 
precaution and paddle close up to their flocks 
on the water, delivering his fire at what range 
he may prefer. If there are any survivors 
from the first discharge it will not commonly 
be a matter of difficulty to get another shot, for 
they will probably spatter along the water for 
a hundred yards or so, making a great fuss 
about getting under way, and as soon as they 
are fairly into the air dropping into the water 
again without checking their speed, sliding 
along the surface and scattering spray like a 
‘‘whistler,’’ but allowing the second approach 
to be made with hardly more trouble than be- 
fore. The wings are small in proportion to 
their chunky little bodies and their flight at the 
outset is heavy and labored, but once fairly 
