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GOLDEN-EYE DUCK. 
Fuligula clangula, Linn. 
PLATE CCCCVL— Male and Female. 
You have now before you another of our Ducks, which at least equals any 
of the rest in the extent of its migrations. Braving the blasts of the north, 
it visits the highest latitudes in spring, and returns at the approach of winter, 
spreading over the whole country, as if it seemed not to care in what region 
it spends its time, provided it find abundance of water. Now propelling 
itself gaily, it may be seen searching the pebbly or rocky bottom of the 
Ohio, or diving deep in the broad bays of Massachusetts or the Chesapeake. 
Presently it emerges with a cray-fish or a mussel held firmly, in its bill. It 
shakes its head, and over its flattened back roll the large pearly drops of 
water, unable to penetrate the surface of its compact and oily plumage. The 
food is swallowed; and the bird, having already glanced around, suddenly 
plunges headlong. Happy being ! Equally fitted for travelling through the 
air and the water, and not altogether denied the pleasure of walking on the 
shore ; endowed with a cunning, too, which preserves you from many at 
least of the attempts of man to destroy you ; and instinctively sagacious 
enough to place your eggs deep in the hollow of a tree, where they are 
secure from the nocturnal prowler, and, amid the down of your snowy breast, 
are fostered until the expected young come forth. Then with your own bill 
you carry your brood to the lake, where, under your tender care, they grow 
apace. The winged marauders, rapid as their flight may be, cannot injure 
you there ; for while your young ones sink into the deep water, you arise 
on whistling wings, and, swifter than Jer Falcon, speed away. 
In South Carolina the Golden-eye is abundant during winter, when it at 
times frequents the reserves of the rice-planters. I have also met with it on 
the water- courses of the Floridas at that season. From these countries west- 
ward and northward, it may be found in all parts of the Union where the 
waters are not frozen. It is seldom seen on small ponds entirely surrounded 
by trees, but prefers open places, and on the Ohio is generally found in the 
more rapid parts, on the eddies of which it dives for food. 
This species exhibits a degree of cunning which surpasses that of many 
other Ducks, and yet at times it appears quite careless. When I have been 
Vol. VlJL. — 10 
