92



Mr. Frank Finn,



Gardens a pair of Mandarins and Carolina Drake, with which

latter the Mandarin Duck was mated, but they do not seem to

have bred. However, in difficult crosses there is nothing like

making frequent experiments, and now that Carolinas are dearer

than Mandarins, there is ample opportunity for such.


In disposition and habits the Carolina, as seen in captivity,

is much like its Chinese alty ; being active and hardy, much

attached to its mate, and well able to defend itself against even

larger species. The two species of ALx, although usually averse

to alliance, agree well together, and the Drakes admirabty set off

each other’s beauty. The Carolina, however, is less active,

restless, and excitable than the Mandarin, and the Drake does not

“pose” in the laughably self-conscious manner of that species.

His note is also quite different, resembling, to my ear, the word

“ An -nie” as called out with an exasperated inflection by an irate

matron to her errant offspring. He would seem also to be more

affectionate than the Mandarin Drake, for M. G. Rogeron, whose

book “ Res Canards ” is, for character-study, the best avicultural

work I have ever seen, has on more than one occasion known him

to die of grief for the loss of his mate. He also, according to

this gentleman, has the habit, unique, I believe, in the Duck

family, of calling the Duck to take any special delicacy he may

find in the shape of a worm or small fish; although it must be

admitted that, if she does not hasten, the temptation to swallow

the tit-bit will prove too much for her husband.


For breeding Carolinas in captivity the most suitable nest¬

ing-place is a hollowed stump with a little duck-ladder leading

to the cavity ; but other forms of covered nests will also serve, the

stump being of course the most natural. If the Duck can have

liberty with her brood on a piece of water safe from rats, crows,,

and predaceous fish, and well supplied with natural food, she

may be left to manage her own family, artificial food being added

in the shape of meal and dried flies thrown on the water. But if

artificial rearing is desired, the Carolina’s eggs should be set under

a steady light hen (such as the Silkie-Pekin cross), while the Duck

herself may be allowed to try her luck with Wild-Duck’s or Call-

Duck’s eggs. The young Ducklings which are being reared

artificially can be best managed, according to M. Rogeron, in



