62 MANDARIN TEAL. 



The Mandarin Teal, or Een-ytong of the Chi- 

 nese, is also much and justly admired. The 

 plumage of the drake is remarkably elegant, 

 that of the female plain and undecorated. The 

 male bird, however, during four months of the 

 year, that is, from May to August, changes its 

 beautiful plumage, and bears a close resemblance, 

 at that time, to the female. This change is not 

 confined solely to the tints of the feathers, 

 but extends even- to the epidermis of the man- 

 dibles. This bird, unlike the tribe, generally 

 roosts in elevated situations, upon trees, high 

 rocks, or over the windows of the aviary. 

 These little creatures are regarded by the Chi- 

 nese as emblems of conjugal fidelity, and are 

 usually carried about in their marriage proces- 

 sions. 



The following curious instance of fidelity was 

 mentioned to me, as having occurred in the 

 instance of two birds of this species : — A drake 

 was stolen one night, with some other birds-, from 

 Mr. Beale's aviary ; the beautiful male was alone 

 taken ; the poor duck, in spite of her quacks 

 during the distressing scene, was left behind. 



England as a specimen of China manufacture. Do not we 

 see these foUies committed by our countrymen almost every 

 day at Paris ? 



