APPENDIX. 



295 



The sixth genus, that of Dafila, or pintailed ducks, affords 

 two or three large and very beautiful ducks. Dafila acuta, 

 our common gray duck, is occasionally domesticated. 



The seventh, and most important genus of this order, is that 

 of Anas, or ducks proper. The common tame duck is derived 

 from A. boschas, or Mallard, a species common to Europe 

 and North America, which is occasionally crossed with A. 

 obscura, our common black or dusky duck, and with A. 

 Moschata, the Muscovy duck. This last belongs more prop- 

 erly to a different genus, that of Cairina, and is of con- 

 siderable value in the poultry-yard. 



The eighth genus, that of Querquedula, and the ninth, that 

 of Pterocyanea, to which belong our green and blue-winged 

 teal, might be of some value to the amateur poulterer. To 

 these might perhaps be added the Cereopsis, or Bustard 

 goose, of New Holland ; the Gadwall and Shoveller ducks, 

 and some species belonging to the Fuligulinae, or sea ducks ; 

 in fact, I have heard that the Eider duck makes very excellent 

 poultry, when domesticated. 



The committee cannot resign their labors without a few 

 words to those who came forward so handsomely, on the occa- 

 sion of the exhibition, to lend it their countenance and support. 

 To those gentlemen we would have had much pleasure in 

 paying personal compliments, had such been within the limit 

 of our functions. It is doubtful whether a more satisfactory 

 reparation could be made to them for their time and trouble, 

 than the assurance that their example has induced thousands 

 to determine on imitating their efforts, whose circumscribed 

 knowledge, previous to the exhibition, would never have sug- 

 gested an attempt. This promise of improvement is the result 

 of the public spirit of the gentlemen exhibitors alluded to, and 



