THE TAEROCK. 489 



however, in which a Bean Goose has paired with the common 

 domestic Goose. 



201. THE SCAUP DUCK. 



Anas Marila, LIN. Le Milloninan. BUF. Die Bergente, BECH. 

 Description. This Duck, which inhabits the northern re- 

 gions of Asia, Africa, and America, migrates southward in 

 autumn and winter; when it may be caught or shot, with 

 other species. It is exceedingly tame, soon becomes accus- 

 tomed to the farm-yard, and is fond of bread soaked in water, 

 dry or moistened oatmeal, groats, &c. It is almost as large as 

 the common Duck. Its prevailing colour is black ; but the 

 belly and speculum are white. The wings, shoulders, and 

 back are white, covered with five black transverse lines ; the 

 wings and tail are blackish. 



202. THE MALLARD. 



Anas Boschasfcra, LIN. Le Canard Sauvage, BUF. Die Wilde Ente, BECH. 

 Description. The Mallard is the original stock from which 

 our domestic Ducks are derived, and is found all over Europe. 

 It is two feet in length ; and the general colour of its plumage 

 is ashen grey, transversely striped, and mottled with brown 

 and white. The head and neek are dark green ; the breast 

 chestnut, and the speculum violet green. The female is grey, 

 like a Lark. 



Observations. Like all Wild Ducks, the Mallards divide into 

 pairs during the summer, and collect in large flocks only at the 

 approach of autumn. They build in reeds or in old stumps near 

 the water, and the female lays from twelve to sixteen eggs. In 

 the Thuringian forest, broods are often found, which have been 

 conducted by the parent birds to the nearest pond, and there left. 

 These, if the first joint of their wing be taken off, may be safely 

 left with the Tame Ducks ; will eat the same food, pair with them, 

 and follow them in the winter into the farm yard. They may 

 be taken with nets, or even fish hooks, and on the barn floor trap. 



203. THE TARROCK. 



Larus Tridactylus, LIN. La Monette Cendree, BUF. Die Wintermove, 

 BECH. 



Description. The Tarrock, which is fourteen inches in 

 length, changes the colour of its plumage every year till the 



