142 
British Diving Ducks 
pieces of water near the woods, and consequently secluded and well sheltered, a point rightly regarded as 
of the greatest importance. It is interesting to observe that the number of these ponds will be increased 
and a fresh series planned out for shooting purposes only. This is as it should be, as the site of a piece 
of water selected for suitability for sport might not necessarily be satisfactory for nesting purposes. 
" The system of controlling the water-supply is admirable, and all lovers of wild ducks realise the 
necessity for supplying frequent rise and fall in the water which these birds frequent. It is noticeable 
that most wild ducks are invariably to be seen either when a piece of water is rising, owing to a flush in 
the stream which feeds it, or later when the level falls and portions of land lately submerged become bare 
again. The reason for this is obvious ; when a rise occurs fresh food is sent down, and when the flood 
subsides it leaves behind numerous worms which have been drowned. It will be observed that the ponds 
are, for the most part, shallow — a very necessary provision. Ducks love a depth of water which enables 
them to reach their food without being completely submerged, and they always select shallow bays and 
inlets in preference to deeper water, always provided that the former are kept quiet. Wild ducks are 
surface-feeders, of course, but they love ' standing on their heads ' in water which is shallow, and where 
a gradually receding freshet supplies them with their favourite food. The planting of rushes and other 
covert in and around the ponds is very necessary. I have found that they do very well if planted in the 
early spring just at the edge of the shallow water ; as time goes on they spread and form excellent shelter. 
In addition to the ' flag,' as we call it here, we have bulrushes and very tall reeds. These latter grow to 
a height often of eight to ten feet, and ducks of all kinds prefer them to anything in a gale of wind or on 
a very cold day. They are not so easy to establish as the 'flag,' and appear to be more delicate, and I 
have noticed that considerable portions of a bed will die in a very severe winter. The experiment of 
planting made by Bell, the duck-keeper, is interesting and most original, and one would have expected 
the roots of the plants to be frosted and die if subjected to such treatment. The stunted willow locally 
called ' sally ' makes excellent covert, and its leaves harbour countless insects which provide good food 
later on. Water-cress, I notice, is recommended, and Wigeon in particular show great partiality for it. 
One wishes that duck-weed was to be had all the year round, as there is nothing which ducks like better, 
and if only there is a dike connected with the pond or lake, a plentiful supply will be washed down with 
each rise of water ; but the quantity will be larger if the stream is not too rapid, as under such conditions 
the weed thrives better." 
Commenting on the disease of purulent ophthalmia, so common in the young of all 
young ducks, Mr. Coape Gates attributes its cause to : 
"(i) Improper food, or, rather, insufficiency of animal food; (2) careless brooding and draughts; 
and (3) infection. To guard against it the young ducklings should be given a plentiful supply of worms 
in addition to their other food. Too many birds should not be crowded under one hen, and the foster- 
mothers should be carefully selected, while the coops and utensils must be carefully disinfected before use. 
One hopes that Sir Richard Graham may see his way to make a more extensive trial in breeding pure- 
bred Gadwall, one of the most beautiful of birds. The account of the hybrids is very interesting, and 
most people will feel some surprise and disappointment that the Teal has not been successfully crossed 
with the Garganey. The former is naturally the hardier bird, and as one travels farther East and into 
warmer climes the Garganey seems to outnumber the Common Teal. The system of crossing the 
varieties of wild ducks most nearly allied to the common bird with the latter, and recrossing back to the 
species which it was desired to establish, were extraordinarily successful, and appear to have given to the 
young birds just that desire to breed at home which was most wanted." 
Before alluding to the commencement and gradual increase of the more interesting 
.species of surface-feeding ducks now established at Netherby, it is necessary to point out 
that apart from the difficulty of getting the first birds to breed and return, it was found 
that the Mallard were a considerable hindrance to such smaller duck as Wigeon, Pintail, Teal, 
Shovellers, &c., owing to their greedy habits. When food was placed on the peninsulas 
and islands of the various ponds, it was found that the Mallard got most of it, and actually 
drove aside the weaker species, thus discouraging them from resorting to those waters in 
