296 



ANSERES. ANATID.E. 



black curling tail, and the delicately pencilled 

 scapular-feathers that fall over his wings. It may 

 not be generally known, however, that in the 

 summer months this distinctive gorgeousness of 

 plumage is laid aside, and the Drake appears 

 for a season in the homely brown livery of his 

 mate. 



The tame Duck is almost omnivorous ; its indis- 

 criminate appetite, and its voracity equal those of 

 the Hog. In a natural state it is little more par- 

 ticular; fishes, and their young fry, or spawn, tad- 

 poles, slugs, water-insects, larvae, worms, many 

 plants, seeds, and all sorts of grain, are in turn 

 eagerly devoured by it. Its flesh is in high esti- 

 mation for the table, and various are the strata- 



