1^3 



enumerate sixteen species of wild ducks, and six 

 of geese. Among the former^ the royal duck 

 (anas regia) is principally distinguishable; it is 

 much larger than the common duck, the upper 

 part of the body is of a beautiful blue, and the 

 lower part grey ; the head is adorned w ith a large 

 red comb, and the neck with a collar of beautiful 

 wliite feathers. ' 



Of the geese, the most remarkable is the coS' 

 coroba, (anas coscoroba). It is highly esteemed 

 ])oth for its size, and for the ease with which it is 

 tamed, as it becomes strongly attached to those 

 who feed it, and follovvs them around like a dog. 

 The plumage is entirely white, the ^eei and bill 

 are red, and the eyes of a fine black. 



The swan of Chili (anas melancoripha) is 

 nearly of the same size with that of Europe ; its 

 form is likewise similar, but its plumage is dif- 

 ferent, that on the head and upper part of the 

 neck being black, and the residue of a snowy 

 white. The female has six young at a brood, 

 which she is careful never to quit, but takes them 



-.shich has a long, straight, nariow, scarlet bill, flat upon the 

 fipper fei'le, and a stripe of the sarac colour over the eyes; the 

 feet are like those of the ostrici), and tht; llesli is very good 

 eating. Parrots are in plenty, and there are some swans and 

 llainingocs, whose feathers are iiig'iiv pri/ed by the Indians for 

 ornamenting tlieir heads upon public occasions; these are of a 

 beautiful white and carnation, colours that are ia the greatest 

 <:5tiination among them. i^rat;ic^r'i ^'o^a^e, vo). i, 

 VOL. I. O 



