122 FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
formed their intended end. I by no means consider the point 
decided. 
The naturalists of Europe have designated this little Duck 
by the name of American Teal, as being a species different from 
their own. On an examination, however, of the figure and de¬ 
scription of the European Teal, by the ingenious and accurate 
Bewick, and comparing them with the present, no difference 
whatever appears in the length, extent, color, or markings of 
either but what commonly occurs among individuals of any 
other tribe,* both undoubtedly belong to one and the same 
species. 
“ This, like the preceding, is a fresh water Duck, common 
in our markets in autumn and winter, but rarely seen here in 
summer. It frequents ponds, marshes, and the reedy shores of 
creeks and rivers ; is very abundant among the rice plantations 
of the Southern States ; flies in small parties, and feeds at night; 
associates often with the Duck and Mallard, feeding on the 
seeds of various kinds of grasses and water plants, and also on 
the tender leaves of vegetables. Its flesh is accounted excel¬ 
lent.”— Wilson's Ornithological Biography. 
I have myself repeatedly shot this bird on both continents, and 
am now thoroughly convinced that the two species are perma¬ 
nently and invariably distinct. In my first edition I recorded a 
contrary opinion, but subsequent examination of many specimens 
has led to a correcter judgment. The transverse lunated bar 
on the shoulder of the American species, as exhibited in the 
accompanying cut, is the distinctive mark, and I am not sure 
but that our bird is somewhat the larger. 
THE WOOD DUCK—SUMMER DUCK. 
Anas Sponsa. 
“ Male, 20£.28. Female, 19i 
u Breeds throughout the country from Texas to the Colum- 
