GADWALL 
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smaller than those of the domesticated variety, but 
of the same light creamy green. When the 
Mallard nests in a tree it has been wondered how 
it gets its young to the ground, since Ducklings 
leave the nest for the water as soon as they are 
hatched, and long before they can fly. The answer 
is probably simple : it drops them over the edge. 
At any rate, showers of Ducklings are often seen in 
spring in Kensington Gardens in London, where 
the tame Wild Duck nest in some of the old elms, 
and there is no reason to suppose that in this 
respect the habits of perfectly wild birds are not 
the same. The fluffy little Ducklings fall almost 
as lightly as thistle down, and are off to the Round 
Pond in no time. The Mallard feeds on water- 
insects, worms, frogs, etc., and is also extremely 
fond of ripening grain. It does not feed by day, 
and may often be seen flighting over in the evening 
from its daytime quarters to its feeding-grounds. 
GADWALL. 
(Jnas strepera,) 
This Duck breeds on a few waters in Norfolk 
and the Midlands, but is altogether rare. The 
Drake is rather smaller than the Mallard, and is 
chiefly flne mottled grey and brown in plumage, with 
