FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 259 



will mount every half-submerged tree or branch, every water-soaked log that comes in 

 the way, stand erect, flip their wings and preen for an instant (they are always fussing 

 with their plumage) before swimming on. These half-submerged limbs and logs make 

 what the muskrat trappers call " likely places," and many a bright little wood-duck 

 has come to grief in the trap so carefully placed thereon. 



That "Ishmael of the woods," the mink, also takes toll of them, while huge pike 

 and pickerel are lurking below ready to engulf their fledglings with sudden swirl and 

 splash among the lily pads. 



Watching a happy family of these birds is a delightful way to pass the time. The 

 tender concern shown by the female in the welfare of her young, the scraps of conver- 

 sation carried on with her consort in soft, liquid tones to which he replies with a quiet 

 peet ! peet ! are in keeping with the wood-life they lead. Like the rustle of the soft 

 leaves and tendrils of the spring, they do not break the charm of their surroundings; 

 on the contrary, they add a witchery that is in perfect accord. 



The rapid growth of feathers makes a heavy drain on the strength of the 

 youngsters ; we find them therefore possessed of voracious appetites, always on the go 

 after food, as an immense amount is absolutely necessary to sustain them. The supply 

 is unlimited and varied, from bugs and beetles, to buds and berries, and those 

 innumerable little nothings which defy your closest scrutiny. Autumn adds the 

 acorns, mast and other dainties to their list. In perpetual motion the fuzzy little 

 bodies wriggle and dart hither and yon, in one long, restless seeking and eating. 

 Presently you will see one of the little puffs of down draw its head between its 

 shoulders, give a gulp or two, and float motionless on the water as though that last 

 morsel had been too much for it. With the glass you may see the sharp little eyes, 

 like ink spots in the yellow fluff that covers its head. Should a luckless insect happen 

 along just then, it will surprise you to see how quickly that "ducklet" will rouse and 

 put after it. After some weeks of hearty feeding they have gained in size and 

 strength, they take longer trips with their parents, and are finally piloted down to the 

 marsh where the stream enters the lake. Should you come upon the family at this 

 time in the open water, the old birds will take wing, while the youngsters, with 

 prodigious flapping of wings and spattering of feet, make all speed for the shelter of 

 the marsh. They make for cover in different directions and the calm water is streaked 

 with as many wakes as there are individuals in the family. Too fat and adolescent to 

 fly they flap along, and hence the name they bear at this time of life is " flappers." 



They breed throughout the States, though the New England and Middle States 

 are perhaps more favored localities. Migrant with us they leave soon after the first 

 frost pinches the woods, to return early in spring during March and April and again 

 take up their ideal life in familiar haunts. 



