PLATE CXCVII. 



About fifteen years ago, or rather more, our much esteemed friend 

 the Rev. Thomas Rackett, F.L.S. informed us, that the Summer 

 Duck had been then very recently found in a wild {rate hi Dorfet- 

 fliire. Upon this unqueftionable authority, we firft introduced the 

 fpecies into our Lift of Britifli Birds. We have flnce that period be- 

 come poffeffed of a whole family of thefe intereiting Birds which had 

 bred in England* 



The Summer Duck is fo named by the inhabitants of North Ame- 

 rica, becaufe it reaches that part of the globe in the fpring, and 

 refides there during the whole of the fummer; it is alfo called the 

 Tree Duck from its ufually building its neft in the hollow trunks of 

 trees, or between their furcated branches, a peculiarity in the habits 

 of the Duck tribe truly lingular, but which is neverthelefs not wholly 

 confined to this fpecies. In Mexico, and the iflands contiguous, 

 these birds are conilant inhabitants throughout the whole year. 

 The flefli is efteemed delicious. 



Dr. Latham informs us, the natives of Louifiana ornament their 

 pipes or calumets of peace with the fkins of thefe birds ; thofe of the 

 male birds doubtlefsly, as thefe are extremely beautiful ; the colours 

 about the head and fine pendent creft in particular are uncommonly 

 £ne. 



The total length of the male bird is about nineteen inches ; the 

 female is fomewhat final ler. 



PLATE 



DS1 



