THE MT'<!K riTTK. 563 



blew into the ditch. The reason of this was, that the rlucks always ^^referred swimming 

 against the wind ; otherwise, the wind blowing from behind catches and rnffles their 

 feathers. If many ditches were made in the same lake, thej' were so constructed as to 

 suit different winds, and were worked accordingly. The better to entice the fowl into 

 the ditch, hempseed was occasionally strewn on the water. 



Tliere are, however, for these birds times of freedom ; hence, one of our poets says : — 



•' Now o'er our heads compact they fly, — 

 See, as we speak, careering high, 

 A flock of wikl clucks clouds the air 

 In wedge-like shape triangular ; 

 And grey-geese there, outstretched, conAine 

 Their troop in one unbroken line. 

 Now in "mall bands dispersed, or each 

 His ])rey pursuing o'er the beach, 

 On their strong legs they wade ; divide 

 Deep down the gulfy food, and glide 

 Afar unseen ; or, rising, meet 

 The breasting wave with wary feet ; 

 llieir strokes alternately advance. 

 And cleave secure the deep expanse." 



THE do:mestic buck. 



This bird exceeds the wild one in size, but it is neither so alert nor graceful, an I 

 domestication has deprived it of many of its original instincts. Instead of pairing with 

 one mate, the male leads forth a troop of females ; but, unlike the gallant chanticleer, he 

 neither welcomes them to enjoy any delicacy, nor does he valiantly engage in their 

 defence. The domestic duck varies considerably in size and in the colour of the plumage. 

 The large white Aylesbtiry breed, which is prevalent in Buckinghamshire, where the 

 rearing of ducks forms a part of the business of many cottagers, is one of those particularly 

 noted. 



When duck-eggs are placed under common hens, these fowls do not distinguish the 

 spurious from the natural brood. But great is the agitation of the hen when she sees the 

 ducklings betake themselves to the water, and fearlesslj' plunge into it. It is, however, 

 an error to allow them to do so too soon, as rats, weasels, pike, and eels are their 

 formidable foes, and when they have but little strength, the}' more easily make them their 

 prey. Chickens, more exposed to observation while traversing the fields and farm-yard, 

 escape many dangers which assail these little water-birds. Exempt froin these, they are 

 easily reared, having no fastidiousness of appetite, and becoming plump without penning 

 or cramming. When they cannot do mischief by devouring delicate salads or young 

 sprouting vegetables, a troop of ducks does good service in a kitchen-garden. Most 

 industriously do they revel amidst snails and slugs, -wood-lice and millipedes ; and on 

 some of these they will positively get fat. 



THE >n'SK DfCK.* 



The tame duck intermingles with a common species often called the Muscovj' Duck, 

 but the proper name of which has just been given. This one exceeds the ordinar}- kind • 

 in size, differing greatly in colouring and in the form of the head and body. The male 

 is much larger than the female. Tlxo general colour is glossy blue-black, varied more or 



* Anas Mosehata. 



2o2 



