ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 185 
extending round the chin, inhabits North America in general, 
but chiefly the Eastern Provinces, where it is esteemed as game, 
the flesh being delicate and tender. On the Guatemalan 
Lakes it is found in great numbers. 
The work on “ American Ornithology,” by Wilson and 
Bonaparte, states that the Blue-winged Teal arrives in North 
America early in Sebtember from its breeding place in the 
north. 
“The nest is made on the ground, in a thick patch or 
tussock of grass usually in meadows, the border of ponds or 
streams and swampy places. It is composed of soft pieces of 
grass and weeds, lined with down and feathers from the breast 
of the bird” (Davie). 
These birds were to be seen on the banks of the river 
Delaware, crowded together in such vast numbers that quanti- 
ties are killed by the single discharge of a gun. They fly 
rapidly, and in alighting drop suddenly, like the Woodcock, 
among the reeds. They feed on vegetables, and are fond of 
the wild oat, committing also vast depredations on the rice 
fields of the Southern States, where they are caught alive in 
traps. 
Mr. Harting informs me that examples are reported to 
have been shot in Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire, as well as at 
Drumlanrig in Dumfriesshire. 
Mr. Jamrach states that between 1900 and 1904 he 
imported from thirty to forty pairs, which were offered at 43 
the couple; but that they are scarce at the time of writing ; 
I do not find any record of their acquisition by the Zoological 
Society, and I have not heard of their being bred in this 
country. 
The breed is somewhat delicate, being very susceptible 
of cold. It has not yet been offered alive in England, though, 
