268 • FARMING FOR LADIES, [chap. xm. 



that of the drake is inward, harsh, and 

 feeble. 



Although naturalists enumerate so many 

 different families of the wild duck, yet the 

 domestic breeds commonly reared in our 

 poultry-yards seldom exceed two or three ; of 

 which one is a fine dark species, frequently 

 imported from Rouen and the coasts of Nor- 

 mandy, and vulgarly known in this country 

 as the " Rhone duck." The grey duck and 

 the Rouen drake are, in our opinion, the 

 best sort to breed from, as they will produce 

 the finest flesh ; or, if a drake of that kind 

 cannot be had, then, that of the darkest 

 plumage should be chosen. 



The " Muscovy duck " is a distinct species. 

 Although not long introduced into this coun- 

 try, it was, however, known on the continent 

 in the sixteenth century ; but with its origin 

 we are not acquainted, for it is called in 

 some places by different names ; and in France 

 it is universally termed the " Barbary duck." 

 It is larger than our common duck, and, 

 though it fattens easily, requires more food : 

 neither is its flesh in quite so much esteem ; 

 but its size renders it valuable, and therefore 



