296 THE MALLARD. 



marfcably concave, and curled upwards to a complete circle; 

 belly and sides a fine gray, crossed by an infinite number of 

 fine waving lines, stronger and more deeply marked as they 

 approach the vent; legs and feet orange red. 



The female has the plumage of the upper parts dark brown 

 broadly bordered with brownish yellow; and the lower parts 

 yellow ochre spotted and streaked with deep brown; the chin 

 and throat for about two inches, plain yellowish white; wings, 

 bill, and legs, nearly as in the male. 



The windpipe of the male has a bony labyrinth, or bladder- 

 like knob puffing out from the left side. The intestines mea- 

 sure six feet, and are as wide as those of the Canvas-back. The 

 windpipe is of uniform diameter until it enters the labyrinth. 



This is the original stock of the common domesticated Duck, 

 reclaimed, time immemorial, from a state of nature, and now 

 become so serviceable to man. In many individuals the gene- 

 ral garb of the tame Drake seems to have undergone little or 

 no alteration; but the stamp of slavery is strongly imprinted in 

 his dull indifferent eye, and grovelling gait; while the lofty look, 

 long tapering neck, and sprightly action of the former, bespeak 

 his native spirit and independence. 



The common Wild Duck is found in every fresh water lake 

 and river of the United States in winter; but seldom frequents 

 the seashores or salt marshes. Their summer residence is the 

 north, the great nursery of this numerous genus. Instances 

 have been known of some solitary pairs breeding here in au- 

 tumn. In England these instances are more common. The 

 nest is usually placed in the most solitary recesses of the marsh, 

 or bog, amidst coarse grass, reeds, and rushes, and generally 

 contains from twelve to sixteen eggs of a dull greenish white. 

 The young are led about by the mother in the same manner as 

 those of the tame duck; but with a superior caution, a cunning 

 and watchful vigilance peculiar to her situation. The male at- 

 taches himself to one female, as among other birds in their na- 

 tive state, and is the guardian and protector of her and her fee- 

 ble brood. The Mallard is numerous in the rice fields of the 



