THE VELVET DUCK.

Tur Velvet Duck is so called on ac-
count of the glossy and velvety appear-
ance of its black plumage. It is over two
feet in length. They breed along the cold
Arctic coasts and around Hudson’s Bay,
nesting adjacent to small fresh-water
pools, in the shelter of pine or juniper
bushes, and laying from eight to ten
white eggs. The young are guarded by
the mother until they are ready to fly.
These ducks are abundant in the northern
regions of the world, and at a certain sea-
son, visit the temperate countries. The
Chesapeake Bay is a favorite resort of

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