DUCKS. 



637 



Muscovy Ducks Sometimes known as the Musk duck. This breed seems to be a 

 distinct species, as the progeny of a cross between this and the common varieties is generally 

 unfertile. The name musk duck is derived from the fact that the odor of musk pervades 

 the skin, which, however, is not present in the flesh when cooked. Muscovy is supposed to 

 be a corruption of this term. While the Mallard duck is found wild in the northern 

 regions of America, Europe, and Asia, the wild Muscovy is found only in the warmer 

 regions of South America, while it is never known to migrate. The drakes are larger than 

 those of any other variety, frequently reaching eleven to twelve pounds, while the ducks are. 

 rather small in size, not averaging much over six pounds. There are two varieties, the white 

 and colored. 



WHITE CALL DUCKS. 



The former are pure white throughout in plumage ; the latter is a very dark and rich 

 blue-black, sometimes broken with white, of which there is a bar on each wing, and more or 

 less about the head and neck. The darker plumage is exceedingly lustrous; the feathers on 

 the back of the drake being quite fine and plume-like in appearance. They are very peculiar 

 in their appearance, the head and face being carunculated or covered with bright red protu 

 berances, that is, the cheeks are naked, with a scarlet fleshy space around the eyes, and the 

 base of the bill is also carunculated. Mr. Wright says of the drake of this species: &quot;The 

 breed is very large, and the carunculated appearances are in lines far more conspicuous, and 

 give to him in conjunction with a peculiar leer we have never seen in any other creature with 

 feathers on, an aspect almost diabolical.&quot; 



They never quack, and are favorites with those who admire what is odd in nature. 

 Their flesh is good, and they may be said to fairly equal any other breed in egg-production. 

 They care little for water, are good foragers, and are said to be very useful in devouring 



