A DESCRIPTION OF 
THE TEAL (Anas crecca,) 
Is the least of the duck tribe, weighing only twelve 
ounces. The lower part of the body is of a dingy white, 
inclining to a grey tint. The back and sides under the 
wings are curiously varied with lines of white and black j 
the wings are all over brown, and the tail of the same 
colour. This bird is common in England during the 
winter months, and it is still uncertain whether it does not 
breed here as it does in France. Dr. Heysham says it is 
known to breed in the mosses about Carlisle. The female 
makes her nest of reeds interwoven with grass ; and, as it is 
reported, places it among the rushes, in order that it may 
rise and fall according to the accidental height of the water. 
Their eggs are of the size of those of a pigeon, six or 
seven in number, and of a dull white colour, marked with 
small brownish spots : but it appears that they sometimes 
lay ten or twelve eggs, for Buffon remarks that that 
number of young are seen in clusters on the pools, feeding 
on cresses, chervil, and some other weeds, as well as upon 
seeds and small animated beings that swarm in the water. 
The flesh of the Teal is a great delicacy in the winter sea- 
son, and has less of the fishy flavour than any of the wild 
duck kind. It is known to breed and remain throughout 
the year in various temperate climates of the world, and is 
met with as far northward as Iceland in the summer. 
