104 VARIETIES. 



the tame kinds, no two of any species are exactly 

 alike ; different in their size, their colours, and fre- 

 quently in their general form, they seem the mere 

 creatures of art ; and having been so long dependent 

 upon man for support, they seem to assume forms 

 entirely suited to his necessities. 



The only variety of the common duck among us, 

 is the Rhone duck, imported from France, generally 

 of a dark-coloured plumage, larger size, and sup- 

 posed to improve our breed. They are of darker 

 flesh, and more savoury than the English ducks, but 

 somewhat coarse. Rhone ducks have been so con- 

 stantly imported for a great number of years, that 

 they are very generally mixed with our native breed. 

 The English duck, particularly the white variety, 

 and when they chance to have very light coloured 

 flesh, are never of so high and savoury flavour as the 

 darker colours. Muscovy and other foreign varieties 

 of the duck, are kept rather out of curiosity than for 

 the table. 



The white AYLESBURY ducks are a beautiful and 

 ornamental stock, matching well in colour with the 

 EMBDEN GEESE. They are said to be early breeders. 

 Vast quantities are fattened for the London markets, 

 where they are in great demand ; many families 

 in Bucks derive a comfortable living from breed- 

 ing and rearing ducks, the greater part of which, 

 the early ones, at all events, are actually brought 

 up by hand. The interior of the cottages of those 

 who follow this occupation presents a very curious 

 appearance to the stranger, being furnished with 

 boxes, pens, &c. arranged round the walls for the 



