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Devonshire, they appear to be extremely 
plentiful; as it is asserted that more of this 
species are taken in the decoys, in those 
counties, than of all the other species of 
Wild Fowl collectively. The Wigeon re- 
mains with us during the winter months, 
at the end of which the old birds pair, and 
the whole take their departure northward 
about the end of March or middle of 
April. These birds commonly fly in small 
flocks, during the night, and may be 
known from other species of Ducks by their 
whistling note while they are on the wing. 
They appear to be easily domesticated in 
places where there is plenty of water, and 
must be greatly admired for their beauty, 
sprightly look, and frolicsome manners. 
It appears to be a singular fact, that the 
female of this species will not perform the 
duties of incubation in a state of confine- 
ment, (instances are recorded that she will 
sometimes lay eggs, but that she generally 
drops them in the water, and of course 
takes no further care of them) while the 
other Sex has been known to pair with a 
female Pintail, even where there has been 
