VARIETIES. 97 



somewhat coarse. Rhone ducks have been so con- 

 stantly imported for a great number of years, that 

 they are very generally mixed with our native breed. 

 The English duck, particularly the white variety, 

 and when they chance to have very light-coloured 

 flesh, are never of so high and savoury flavour as 

 the darker colours. Muscovy, and other foreign 

 varieties of the duck, are kept rather out of curiosity 

 than for the table. * *iu 



The white AYLESBURY ducks are a beautiful and 

 ornamental stock, matching well in colour with the 

 EMBDEN GEESE. They are said to be early breeders. 

 Vast quantities are fattened for the London markets, 

 where they are in great demand and fetch good 

 prices ; many families in Bucks derive a comfortable 

 living from breeding and rearing ducks, the greater 

 part of which, the early ones at all events, are ac- 

 tually brought up by hand. The interior of the 

 cottages of those who follow this occupation present 

 a very curious appearance to the stranger, being fur 

 nished with boxes, pens, &c. arranged round the 

 walls for the protection of the tender charge of the 

 good wife, whose whole time and attention are taken 

 up with this branch of domestic economy. 



The CANVASS-BACKED ducks of America, bred 

 only on the Potowmac and Susquehanah rivers, are 

 supposed to be the best in the world. I believe 

 they have never yet been imported into Europe. 

 DUCKLINGS are not safe in waters stocked with 

 EELS, 



