THE SEA DUCKS. 



503 



ming about and feeding. So close did we pass to some of 

 these, that if I had desired I could have almost touched 

 them with my outstretched hand. They were absolutely 

 dazed with the strong light that was thrown upon them. 



Several times we passed through, a family of young Ducks, 

 a part of the flock being on one side of the boat and the re- 

 mainder on the other, yet they did not become alarmed, 

 and I had a good opportunity to watch them in all their 

 movements. 



The eggs of the Summer Duck are of a dirty yellowish- 

 white color. Their form varies from ovate to nearly oval ; 

 and their dimensions vary from 2.20 by 1.55 (Wisconson) 

 to 2.10 by 1.55 (Maine) and 1.98 by 1.45 (Massachusetts). 



This species is easily domesticated, and soon becomes 

 very tame. It breeds in confinement, and soon acquires all 

 the habits of the domestic Mallard, but prefers a hollow 

 tree or stump for its nesting-place. 



Sub-Family Fuligulinje. — The Sea Bucks. 



The chief character of the FutigulincB, as compared with the Anatince, consists in 

 the greatly developed lobe or membranous flap attached to or suspended from the 

 inferior surface of the hind toe ; the feet are usually enormously large, the tarsi 

 short, the legs set far back, and the whole organization well fitted for swimming 

 and diving: many of the species live on or near the seacoast, although most of 

 them straggle more or less through the interior of the countries they inhabit. 



FULIX, SOHBEVALL. 



Fulix, Sundevall, Kong. Vet Ak. Hand. (1835). (As restricted.) 

 Bill longer than the tarsus, and about equal to the head, and to the middle toe 

 without the nail ; feathers of cheeks, chin, and forehead advancing but slightly, and 

 to about the same distance; nostrils open, situated in the anterior portion of the 

 basal two-fifths of the bill, not reaching the middle ; edges of bill about parallel, 

 or widening to the tip ; profile gently concave to the nail, which is decurved ; nail 

 aot one-third the width of the bill, and forming only the central portion of its tip ; 

 tarsus about half the middle toe and claw; bill as long as the feet; tail short, 

 rounded, of fourteen feathers; head and neck black. 



