PIGEONS. 145 



THE MUSCOVY DUCK. 



The portraits represent ducks of this breed, in possession 

 of Mr. Stephen Perkins, of Plymouth, and from the Rev. Mr. 

 Smith's stock, at Buffalo. These are very noble specimens 

 of the race. 



" This duck does not, as some suppose, derive its name 

 from having been brought from that country, but from the 

 flavor of its flesh, and should more properly be termed the 

 Musk duck, of which its other name is only a corruption ; it 

 is easily distinguished by a red membrane surrounding the 

 eyes, and covering the cheeks. These ducks, not being in 

 esteem, on account of their peculiar odor, and the unpleasant 

 flavor of their flesh, are not worth breeding unless to cross 

 with the common variety, in which case, let it be remarked, 

 that the Musk drake must be put to the common duck ; this 

 will produce a very large cross, but vice versa will produce a 

 very inferior one. 



The Musk duck is a distinct species from the common 

 duck ; and the hybrid race will, therefore, not breed again 

 between themselves, although they are capable of doing so 

 with either of the species from the commixture of which they 

 sprung." Richardson 



CHAPTER VII. 



PIGEONS. 



" PIGEONS," says a writer in the Monthly Journal of Agri- 

 culture, " are amongst the most ornamental and useful appen- 

 dages to a rural dwelling. If permitted to fly abroad to seek 

 their food, little expense will be incurred for their keep, while 

 the value of their young will be of some importance. The 

 13 



