PREFACE. 9 



eagerly devours. The first notice taken of these 

 birds, is to be found in the Bible, (2 Chron. ix. 21,) 

 where we are told that they made part of the 

 cargoes of the rich and valuable fleet which every 

 three years imported the treasures of the east to 

 Solomon's court. 



Our domestic GEESE are descended from the 

 Marsh or Fen goose, which is a species more easily 

 tamed than some others, particularly if taken 

 young. How many benefits we derive from it, 

 in various ways, we all know, and many particu- 

 lars respecting this bird in its domesticated state 

 are given in that part of the volume on British 

 Water Birds which refers to the wild species. 



Our common tame DUCK also owes its origin to 

 the wild species called the Mallard, but has long 

 been domesticated ; and has lost in the process 

 the quick, keen, sprightly look and shape, which 

 distinguish the wild bird. It is said that the 

 Chinese, of all people in the world, are the most 

 skilful in the management of poultry, particu- 

 larly of ducks ; and there seems little doubt that, 

 by proper management, much improvement might 

 be made in this, as well as in others of our 

 domestic birds. 



