With thirty-one species of ducks recorded in Minnesota, twenty being common migrants, the need is great; for realizing our rich heritage, conserving our habitat, knowing the ducks, and finally plying our resources to this end---as the philosopher Montaigne wrote: "Why may not a waterfowl say thus: 'All the parts of the universe I have interest in; the earth serves to walk upon, the sun to light me; the stars have guiding influence upon me; I have advantage by the winds and such by the waters; there is nothing that yon heavenly room looks upon so favorably as me. I am the darling of Nature: it is not man that keeps, lodges, and serves me?"
