ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. I4I 
described, the date of its introduction into this country being 
more recent. It has, however, been largely cultivated in North 
America for nearly fifty years, and is said by American 
exhibitors to have originated at that date from a cross between 
the Mallard and some variety of domestic Duck ; it takes its 
name from the lake Cayuga (New York), where it has been bred 
for a series of years by Mr. J. S. Clarke. The disqualifications 
in this variety are white feathers, incorrect bill, or small size. 
Mr. Woodham speaks very highly of the Cayuga Duck as a 
useful variety, being in his estimation the most delicious eating 
of all the breeds, possessing the additional advantage of great 
hardiness and a strikingly handsome appearance. A good pair 
usually weighs about sixteen pounds. 
Male.—Brilliant black throughout, with violet and green 
reflections on head, back, and wings; bill greenish-yellow, with 
clearly defined black bean at the extremity, not so straight as 
that of the Aylesbury, but somewhat retroussé at the tip ; the 
two centre tail-coverts curled ; legs dirty orange colour. 
Female.—Similar to male ; curled tail feathers absent. 
Young.—When hatched, blackish, with buff patches. 
Egg.—Very dark green ; fifty to ninety in number during 
the season. Incubation, twenty-eight days, 
DECOY OR CALL DUCK. 
(Anas boscas var). 
Poultry shows recognise two sorts of so-called Decoy 
Ducks, the white and the grey, the name having originated with 
the old practice of using tame ducks in a decoy (Dutch “ Kooi”) 
to attract wild ones. The grey variety resembles exactly the 
Mallard in colouring, or may be compared to a miniature Rouen 
Duck, with the exception that disqualification is not visited 
