Muscovy DUCKS. 277 



the Aylesbury. This duck has been bred to weigh 19 Ib. 

 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. 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. 



BLUE DUCKS, resembling Andalusians in colour, were 

 known in Lancashire many years ago, and no doubt origin- 

 ated (as in fowls) by crossing white ducks with some dark 

 breed. They have no special merit, and their colour is not 

 particularly attractive, but some attempt has lately been 

 made to revive them. They often occur by pure accident, 

 and are easily perpetuated. 



The Muscovy, or MUSK DUCK, appears to be a totally 

 distinct species ; the cross between it and other ducks 

 being, at least usually, unfertile. The drake is very large, 

 often weighing 10 Ib., and looking far more on account of 

 the loose feathering : but the female is less than the 

 Aylesbury, not exceeding about 6 Ib. 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 of the preceding, and cannot be considered 

 a very useful variety. 



