174 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTUEE. 



POULTEY. 



BRISTOL. 



From the Rejport of the Committee. 



We were pleased to observe a very great improvement iu 

 the coops of clucks and geese. The Rouen seems to be the 

 favorite, and deservedly so, as no breed is more beautiful, 

 and it is one of the largest and most prolific. The drakes of 

 this variety are especially handsome, their markings being iden- 

 tical with the wild Mallard. Nothing, except perhaps the 

 hues of the peacock, can excel the beauty of tlie iridescent 

 green of their heads and necks, the lower part of which, 

 girdled by a ring of pure white, presents a delicious contrast 

 of color. There is perhaps no family included under the head 

 of poultry more interesting than our aquatic fowl, whether we 

 regard them for their beauty or for their valual)le qualities 

 under favorable conditions. For one who has the eye of a 

 naturalist, or is a lover of nature, who loves to investigate the 

 haunts and habits of the Black Duck, Mallard or Eider, there 

 is a never-failing source of amusement and instruction in the 

 breeding of these beautiful birds. 



As iu former reports much has been said concerning the 

 gallinaceous fowl, we hope a little space devoted to our aquatic 

 birds will not be without interest to some who have as yet 

 turned their attention chiefly to Brahmas, Dorkings, and that 

 ilk. Perhaps a poet's description of the Mallard, of which 

 the Rouen is the improved progeny, may not be out of place : 



" Oft as the sun's last lingering ray 

 Gleams faintly o'er the fading scene, 

 By some still lake I bend my way, 

 Where decked in plumage browTi and gay 

 The Mallard oft is seen ; 

 With glossy neck of emerald hue, 

 And wings baiT'd with the deepest blue 

 That sapphire gives ; and ruddy breast, 

 By the clear dimpling waters press'd ; 

 To sedgy covert swimming near 

 "N^Tiere on her nest of rushes made. 

 His mate in humble garb an-ay'd, 

 Broods o'er her eggs with anxious care." 



