136 
THE SUMMER DUCK. 
The Summer Duck seldom flies in flocks of more than 
three or four individuals together, and most commonly in 
pairs, or singly. Their flesh is inferior to that of the blue- 
winged teal. They are frequent in the markets of Phila- 
delphia. 
Among other gaudy feathers with which the Indians 
ornament the calumet or pipe of peace, the skin of the head 
and neck of the Summer Duck is frequently seen covering 
the stem. 
This beautiful bird has often been tamed, and soon 
becomes so familiar as to permit one to stroke its back with 
the hand. I have seen individuals so tamed, in various 
parts of the Union. Captain Boyer, collector of the port 
of Ilavre-de-Grace, informs me, that, about forty years ago, 
a Mr. Nathan Nicols, who lived on the west side of Gun- 
powder Creek, had a whole yard swarming with Summer 
Ducks, which he had tamed and completely domesticated, 
so that they bred and were as familiar as any other tame 
fowls ; that he (Captain Boyer) himself saw them in that 
state, but does not know what became of them. Latham 
says, that they are often kept in European menageries, and 
wiU breed there. 
