246 CASARCA FERRUGINEA 



The species, if well cared for, will live for many years. In 1883 the London Gar- 

 dens possessed a pair which had been bred there twenty-four years before, in 1859 

 (Sclater, 1883). Radde (1854, 1884), who kept many for at least twelve years, 

 says that they gradually became more brown-black, some having pale black backs, 

 and others a wide black belt on the upper breast. The heads of both sexes became 

 lighter, and in old age were nearly white. White feathers also appeared on the wings. 



In both Europe and America these birds were easily obtained, the price being 

 about $25.00 the pair in the United States and, according to Hubbard (1907), at 

 40 shillings to £4 in England. They are of course more expensive and more difficult 

 to obtain since the War, which is the case with nearly all desirable species. 



Historical Note. As has been noted above, this species is held sacred by the 

 Mongols and Kalmucks, possibly on account of its clarionet-like whistle, and priest- 

 like plumage. Keller (1913) thinks it may be identified with the Duck of Pontus of 

 the ancients, which was said to be poisonous, and to have medicinal value. In 

 Tibet it is called the Duck of Lama (Lama Shubu) and is held to be sacred by the 

 followers of the Lamaistic religion. It is not held sacred in India, but it is the 

 national bird of the Burmese, and is considered deserving of especial honor. 



