Class II. MALLARD. 263 



ducks; it is also to be observed, that in the 

 above particular, wigeon and teal are reckoned 

 but as one, and consequently sell but at half 

 the price of the ducks. This quantity makes 

 them so cheap on the spot, that we have been 

 assured several decoy-men would be glad to 

 contract for years to deliver their ducks at 

 Boston for ten-pence the couple. The account 

 of the numbers here mentioned, relates only to 

 those that were sent to the capital. 



It was customary formerly to have in the 

 fens an annual driving of the young ducks be- 

 fore they took wing. Numbers of people as- 

 sembled, who beat a vast tract, and forced the 

 birds into a net placed at the spot where the 

 sport was to terminate. A hundred and fifty 

 dozens have been taken at once : but this prac- 

 tice being supposed to be detrimental, has been 

 abolished by act of parliament. 



