PINTAIL DUCK. 197 



lum is dusky green, margined behind with white. 

 The primary quills grayish-brown. The lower parts 

 are of a light brownish-yellow, the sides variegated 

 with brown ; the bill is black ; the iris brown ; 

 the feet light bluish-gray. 



Length, 22£ inches ; extent of wings, 34 ; weight, 

 1 pound 9 ounces. 



The sprigtail, the most graceful and symmetri- 

 cally formed of the whole duck tribe, like the mal- 

 lard, is found in nearly every State in our Union, 

 with the exception of Maine and the New England 

 States in general, and it is often made a cause for 

 wonder amongst sportsmen that they do not fre- 

 quent these States more, and Maine more especial- 

 ly, as it would seem its hundreds of lakes and 

 streams, with acres of marsh-lands adjoining, might 

 prove enticement sufficient ; but simply because 

 their proper food is not to be found in these 

 lakes or thereabouts in needed abundance is the 

 sole and ample reason for their non-appearance. 

 The timber of Maine consists chiefly of pine ; 

 oak is very scarce, and pin-oaks, whose tiny acorns 

 are greedily sought for by mallards and sprigtails, 

 are unknown. Smart-weed, cockle-burrs, and wild 

 oats never grow there, and corn is not raised 

 in sufficient plenty to afford food for them. 



