236 TURKEYS, ORNAMENTAL POULTRY, AND WATER-FOWL. 



the breed now is a good size, and black all over, with as much 

 green lustre as possible in fact, as nearly as possible a large 

 edition of the Black East India Duck. The shape, however, is 

 not nearly so short as that of the East India Duck, but more 

 resembles that of the Aylesbury. 



This duck has been bred to weigh 1 9 Ibs. per pair. It is 

 hardy and matures early ; is quiet in habit, and a very good 

 layer. The flesh has a gamey flavour which most people like, 

 and surpasses most wild ducks in this respect. It is very apt 

 to moult out white feathers after the first year or two. This 

 fault should be avoided, and the legs chosen as dark as 

 possible. 



The Muscovy, or Music Duck, appears to be totally a distinct 

 species; the cross between it and other ducks being, at least 

 usually, unfertile. The drake is very large, often weighing 

 ten pounds, and looking far more on account of the loose 

 feathering : but the female is less than the Aylesbury, not 

 exceeding about six pounds. The plumage of this variety 

 varies greatly, from all white to a deep blue-black, but usually 

 contains both. The face is naked, and the base of the bill is 

 greatly carunculated. The drake is very quarrelsome, and we 

 well remember the injuries inflicted by an old villain of this 

 breed belonging to a relative, upon a fine Dorking cock in the 

 same yard. When excited, the bird alternately depresses and 

 raises its head, uttering most harsh and guttural sounds, and 

 with the red skin round the face, presenting an appearance 

 which has been justly described as " infernal." 



The flesh of the Musk Duck is very good eating ; but it is 

 far inferior as a layer to either the "Rouen or the Aylesbury, 

 and cannot be considered a very useful variety. 



Call Ducks are principally kept as ornamental fowl. The 

 voice of the drake is peculiar, resembling a low whistle. They 

 vary in colour, one variety precisely resembling the Aylesbury 

 in plumage, but with a yellow bill, and the other the Roueu; 



