336 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



Mallard, and in flocks of from twenty to forty, 

 commonly in a close compact body, whereby they 

 may be easily distinguished from the triangular- 

 shaped flocks of the Wild Duck, as well as by the 

 difference of the noise of their wings. 



The few attempts which have been hitherto made 

 to domesticate this species have failed of success. 

 They do pretty well where they have plenty of 

 water, but it is said that they cannot "bear walking 

 about on hard pebbly ground. 



