THE MALLARD. 93

greatest skill, and contrive to pick up
their own food. The wild ducks feed
and migrate usually in the night. About
dusk, the rustling wings often mark
their progress. Their flight is generally
in the form of a wedge, and being very
cautious, they never alight until they
have wheeled several times around a spot.
During the day, they roam at large on
the lakes or rivers, far from the shores,
resting or sleeping till twilight. In a
domestic state, though their habits awe
much changed, they are very watchful
and noisy in the evening and at dawn.