The Water-fowl Family 5 



universally, it is specially pleasant to see these 

 instances of protection. In countries where parks 

 and gardens afford refuge, the wild duck are 

 always quick to take advantage. In the United 

 States, the Yellowstone Park is the best instance 

 of this protection, and here every lake along the 

 highways is patronized by ducks and geese as 

 tame and unsuspecting as barnyard fowl. In one 

 instance I saw a flock of Canada geese circle 

 around one of the hotels, and alight in the yard, 

 where they fed without the slightest concern. 

 About the same hour daily this flock of fifteen or 

 more would appear for their evening meal. 



Many different varieties of wild fowl are seen 

 in various parts of our country in a state of do- 

 mestication, particularly where decoy shooting is 

 afforded. The Canada goose quickly makes the 

 most of circumstances and poses as a certain lord 

 among the domestic ducks and geese, often mating 

 with a barnyard goose. The offspring have the 

 general coloring and characteristics of the wild 

 bird, but like most hybrids are regularly barren. 

 This is a present instance of the relationship of our 

 barnyard geese and ducks to their wild ancestors. 

 The progenitors of the domestic race can be traced 

 to a comparatively few species. Among the most 

 notable are the bean goose, the mallard, and mus- 

 covy ducks ; these being the varieties most common 

 in countries where ancient civilization existed. 



