462 THE TAME DUCK. 



numberless, and a few parties have been on the very brink of 

 success. Crosses between the Wild and Tame breeds have 

 answered better; but the progeny have retained their full 

 share of independent temper and movements. 



One of the most valid arguments in favour of the derivation 

 of the Tame Duck from the Mallard, is to be found in the 

 readiness with which the former returns to a wild or a half- 

 wild state. In Norfolk there is a breed called " Marsh Ducks," 

 more from their habits and place of birth than from any pe- 

 culiarity of race. They are mostly of plumage similar to the 

 Mallard, though an ornithologist would immediately dis- 

 tinguish them ; their size and the fineness of their bones are 

 intermediate between the wild bird and the common farm-yard 

 Duck. They are turned out on the marshes to forage for 

 themselves : indeed, it would be next to impossible to keep 

 them at home; and of the number which are annually lost to 

 their masters, it would seem likely, at first sight, that quite 

 as many assume an independent condition, as are killed by 

 birds, beasts, or men of prey; but I doubt the fact, and they 

 do not appear to be ever found actually and entirely wild. 

 They are frequently sent to market towards the close of sum- 

 mer, without being shut up at all to fatten, and afford a cheap 

 and relishing addition to the table. 



Similar instances on a smaller scale are frequent. "A 

 farmer in our neighbourhood (Wiltshire) has a Duck, of the 

 common black and white sort, that every year takes it into 

 her head to abscond to the river, where she lays her Eggs. 

 She does not, however, I believe, pair with any Wild Drake, 

 but remains the whole summer in a wild state with her young 

 ones, and then quietly returns to the yard in autumn. When 

 I have been taking a walk sometimes about four in the morning, 

 I have frequently seen her on the Down, about a hundred 

 yards from the water. On being alarmed, they would all run 

 and dart into the water with great rapidity : and this plan the 



