402 USEFUL BIRDS. 
Attracting Water-fowl. 
The water-fowl have been hunted until they have become so 
wild that attracting them seems at first sight an utterly hope- 
less task. Nevertheless, it can be accomplished if only a place 
can be found where they may rest and feed unmolested. Wild 
Ducks soon learn where they are safe. Along the water front 
at Titusville, Fla., no shooting is allowed, but out on the river 
gunning is not prohibited. About the wharves and along 
the beach at the hotel wild Scaup Ducks swim, dive, and 
dress their plumage as unconcernedly as if there were not a 
man in sight. They sometimes come ashore and walk about 
on the grass near the hotel. They swim at ease among the 
small craft at the wharves, and act much like domesticated 
Ducks; but when the same birds get out on the river beyond 
the dead line, they can hardly be approached within gunshot 
by a fast-sailing boat. Wild-fowl, if undisturbed, will settle 
in the most unlikely places. A pair of Wood Ducks came 
regularly toa small pool in the grove not far from our house, 
until disturbed by workmen passing by. Those who have 
large estates containing ponds, where Ducks can be protected, 
may attract them by scattering grain in the water and on the 
shores. This has been successfully tried. A few “ gray call 
Ducks” will prove an additional attraction. If the pond or 
stream has wooded shores, an attempt should be made to 
induce the Wood Ducks to breed. This may be done by put- 
ting up nesting boxes. One reason for the present scarcity 
of Wood Ducks in this portion of New England is, that sum- 
mer camps are now established on many of the ponds where 
these birds formerly bred. Another reason is, that there are 
few hollow trees in which they can breed. People having 
suitably located woodlands should put up nesting boxes made 
in imitation of hollow logs, for the Wood Ducks. A box for 
these birds should be at least two feet long. It may be 
placed either perpendicularly or at an acute angle, and fastened 
not far from the ground on a tree near the water. It should 
have an opening at least four inches in diameter. Everything 
possible should be done to prevent the extermination of this 
beautiful bird, and to secure an increase in its numbers. 
