^"^^^^imk^h^^-^l^h. 



ANAS BOSCHAS. MALLARD, OR WILD DRAKE. 



ALLARDS are widely disseminated over 

 almost every habitable portion of the globe, 

 and their flesh is alike esteemed in all 

 ^ parts ; and wherever they make their ap- 

 pearance, sportsmen resort to all kinds of 

 expedients to secure them. At a glance, 

 it will be seen that the wild drake is the 

 original stock from which is sprung the 

 puddle-duck of our barnyards, as they differ but little in plumage 

 and general form. The wild bird, however, is a much more noble- 

 looking fowl than those of the same race that have been enslaved 

 by man; and instead of the silly, discordant quack.' quack! 

 quack! lazy waddle, inactive life, and singular propensity for 

 dabbling in the filthy oozes of the stable-yard, common to our do- 

 mestic duck, they pursue a cunning, silent, active, and free life. 

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