242 PROFITS IN POULTRY. 
tance from the pond and hidden from view by a screen of 
evergreens planted for the purpose. Among the birds 
regarded as both ornamental and useful are the 
_ 
SEBASTOPOL GEESE. 
This is a most peculiar variety of the goose, one of its 
peculiarities being that no one knows why it is called 
“Sebastopol.” It is said to come from the Black Sea 
country, but even this is doubtful. The characteristic 
of the breed consists in having a large share of its pure 
white feathers, especially of the back, wings, aud tail, 
very long, lax, curled, waved, and frizzled. These 
feathers give the birds a somewhat bedraggled look, 
when on land, but impart a most elegant appearance 
when they are on the water. For the rest, though rarely 
weighing ten pounds, they are useful table birds, are 
hardy, prolific, and good sitters and mothers. 
—+1o+-— 
THE WHISTLING DUCKS 
are among the ornamental ducks, in which beauty of 
plumage is regarded rather than weight. They are 
from South America, and there appear to be several 
sub-varieties, distinguished mainly by the color of the 
bill, but all agree in having a peculiar whistling note. 
All are very domestic, and remarkably quaint and amus- 
ing in their habits and movements. ‘he birds shown 
in the engraving are known as the ‘‘ Widow Whistler” 
and the *‘ White-faced Whistler.” Their general color is 
a light shade of chocolate, with black below; the head, 
neck, and bill are also black, making the white face all 
the more conspicuous and very attractive. 
