DUCKS. 



635 



Crested White Ducks. These are of medium size, pure white in plumage, with 

 large snow-ball like crests on their heads, making them quite ornamental, as seen by the 

 illustration of this breed. Their bills are of medium sizo and yellow in color; legs light 

 orange. They are hardy, easily raised, good layers, and although comparatively rare, are a 

 profitable breed. There are other crested varieties, such as the Black Poland, the Crested 

 Amoor, and a rare species, said to be of American origin, and described by Latham as ashy 

 gray in color of plumage on the body, while that of the neck is of a straw yellow, mixed 

 with spots of a reddish brown. 



The Crested Amoor duck is found , in the northern province of Chinese Tartary, 

 where the Amoor River enters Songoria, and is quite unlike any of our wild or domesticated 



. CAYUGA DUCKS. 



breeds. It is described by a recent writer as follows: &quot; It is much larger than the Rouen, the 

 feathers on the neck and back of the drake are fine and plume-like, the crest is a pointed tuft 

 of stiff feathers, somewhat crispy and inclined to curl toward the head, the bill is black and 

 extremely long, the plumage is of a dark blue black prismatic, with fine gold dust colored 

 spots on the neck and throat, the wing speculum dark blue edged with white, the tail a dark 

 blue, and the under feathering ashy gray. 



These birds are represented to be very prolific. It is said, with proper care, that they 

 will lay eight months in the year. The drakes often attain ten to twelve pounds when well 

 fattened. Their flesh, though dark in color, is sweet, tender, and juicy, and for delicacy and 

 richness of flavor there is no aquatic fowl to surpass them.&quot; 



