^9G 



MR. P. L. SCLATER ON THE 



[June 15, 



11. List of the certainly known Species of Anatides, with 

 Notes on such as have been Introduced into the 

 Zoological Gardens of Europe, and Eemarks on their 

 Distribution. By P. L. Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., 

 Secretary to the Society. 



[Received June 14, 1880.] 

 Contents. 



A. Introductory Remarks, p. 496. 



B. Anseranatinje, p. 497. 



C. Cereopsinse, p. 497. 

 B. Anserinx, p. 498. 



E. Cygninte, p. 505. 



F. Anatin», p. 508. 



G. Fuligulinse, p. 524. 



H. Erismaturinse, p. 529. 



I. Merganettinoe, p. 530. 



J. Merginae, p. 531. 



K. Conclusions as to Introduction, 

 p. 532. 



L. EemarkB on the Geographical Dis- 

 tribution of the Anatidte, p. 532. 



J. Introductory Remarks. 



There is certainly no group in the class of birds that offers such ex- 

 cellent subjects for " accUmatizatiou," as it is often called (that is, for 

 introduction into foreign countries and reproduction in captivity), 

 as the Anatidae, There can be no doubt that nearly all of the 

 Geese, Swans, and River-Ducks may be easily tamed and bred in a 

 semidomestic state if proper means are employed ; and even of the 

 Sea-Ducks and Mergansers, naturally much more wild and less 

 suited for life in small ponds, some do exceedingly well in cap- 

 tivity. 



The Zoological Society of London have always paid great attention 

 to "Water-fowl," as they are commonly called, and have been the 

 first to import and breed in Europe many of the rarer exotic species. 

 I believe also that our collection of these birds is by far the most 

 extensive in existence. During the past twenty years, examples of 

 about 8G species of Anatidse have been exhibited in the Gardens, 

 and at the present time we have in them about 2/0 individuals, 

 belonging to 53 species. Being always anxious to increase our stock 

 of these beautiful birds, I have thought that it might be well to 

 draw up a list of the certainly known species of Anatidse, and to 

 add notes upon such as have been already introduced, and the date 

 of their introduction when known. By specifying the principal 

 species desideratce, I hope also in this manner to induce some of our 

 many excellent correspondents and friends in various parts of the 

 world to supply our wants. 



In former years, I should remark, before proceeding to my list, 

 the Thirteenth Earl of Derby, President of this Society, was the 

 great introducer of foreign Water-fowl in Europe. In his celebrated 

 ^lenagerie at Knowsley special attention was devoted to this group 

 of birds, and at the dispersal of that famous collection by auction, 



