210 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
from the African type by the absence of the blackish-brown 
collar, in having no white spot on the chin, and by the absence 
of the narrow white lines, and small white dots, which are 
present upon the back and scapulars of Vyroca africana. 
I am unable to give any details regarding the female or 
young. 
AUSTRALIAN POCHARD. 
(Nyroca australts ). 
I have not been able to examine any skins of this species, 
and for description refer my readers to Salvadori’s “ Catalogue 
of Birds,” vol. 27, page 350. 
BROWN DUCK OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
(Nyroca brunnea. Fuligula brunnea). 
This bird inhabits Southern Africa, from the Cape to 
Angola on the west, and to Shoa on the east. It was first 
purchased by the Zoological Society in November, 1851, but it 
appears now to be extinct in the Gardens. 
Layard, in his “ Birds of South Africa,” states that it is 
“‘a periodical visitant to this end of the Colony. I saw a pair 
in Zoetendals Vley in November, 1865, apparently breeding in 
the vast bed of rushes at the south end of the Vley.” 
Male.—The accompanying description is taken from 
Salvadori’s ‘‘ Catalogue of Birds,” somewhat abridged :—Head 
and upper part of neck dark chestnut with a purple gloss ; 
upper part of head and nape darker, almost black ; lower neck 
black, changing to brown-black on the upper parts; breast 
