NATITE DUCKS. 



253 



CRESTED, OR TOP-KNOT DUCK. 



Latham says of this species : 



This inhabitant of the extremity of America, is of the size of the 

 wild duck, but is much longer, for it measures twenty-five inches in 

 length; a tuft adorns its head; & straw yellow, mixed with rusty 

 colored spots, is spread over the throat, and front of the neck ; the 

 wing speculum, blue beneath, edged with white ; the bill, wing, and 

 tail are black ; the irides, red, and all the rest of the body ashy grey. 



THE ROUEN DUCK. 



This variety came originally from Rouen, in France, hence 

 the name. They are said to be preferred to the native breeds 

 of England, are more prolific, and their flesh is of a better 

 flavor. They are dark-colored, similar to our native ducks, but 

 are larger. 



NATIVE DUCKS. 



Our native ducks are too well known to require a description. 



The rearing of ducks is a pleasant and profitable business, 

 where a pond or stream of water is convenient. If no pond 

 or stream be near, a tub may be sunk in the ground, with 

 a plug-hole to let out the water when impure, the earth 

 being excavated some inches below the tub. A few stones 

 should be placed on one side of the tub, (inside,) to allow the 

 ducks to get out with facility, when the water is low. 



