112 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



feathers on the neck and sides of the head, in the male, 

 that constitute the ruff and auricles, are of short dura- 

 tion, for they are scarcely completed in the month of 

 May, and begin to fall the latter end of June. The 

 change of these singular parts is accompanied by a com- 

 plete change of plumage ; the stronger colours, such as 

 purple, chestnut, &c., vanish at the same time, and they 

 gradually assume the winter plumage, which is largely 

 made up of white and chestnut. 



The female is about ten and a half inches in length, is 

 devoid of the ruff, and the entire plumage is more uniform 

 in colour than the male. They do not otherwise differ 

 much in plumage. 



These birds are still considered excellent for the table, 

 and were, in the times of our ancestors, regarded as very 

 great delicacies indeed. Most of those seen in British 

 markets come from Holland, where they are very plentiful. 



