203 



MALLARD. 



WILD DUCK. 



Anas hoscJtas, ..... Lixx^ts. 



BoscJias /era, ...... Bhissojt. 



Canard sausage, ..... Tesihds-ck. 



Anas — A Duck. Bosclias — Qufere. Bosko—Ta lead to pasture, from the Drake 



leading the Ducks to feed. 



The present species cannot be viewed without considerable interest, not so much on 

 account of its intrinsic value, as that it has undoubtedly been the origin of the great 

 bulk of our domestic Ducks; and notwithstanding the changes which have been induced 

 by their subjugation to the rule of man, one can hardly inspect any farm-yard without 

 remarking that many of the Ducks present unmistakeable evidence of a close affinity to 

 their wild relation. 



In former times the Mallard was much more numerous in Great Britain and Ireland, 

 than since the modern improvements in farming, by which so many thousand acres, 

 which used to be barren marsh or water, affording sustenance only to the ferae naturae, 

 have been rendered, by drainage, capable of producing luxuriant crops of corn, and other 

 valuable commodities. Still there are few parts of the country where Wild Ducks may 

 not now and then be seen; and in some they are yet abundant at certain seasons, and 

 a few may be met with throughout the year; indeed a certain number breed with us 

 regularly, in all suitable localities, such as extensive or secluded commons, where water- 

 is abundant; and occasionally along the banks of some of our quiet rivers and mountain 

 streams. Every year, however, late in autumn, or early in winter, large numbers 

 migrate to our shores from the northern parts of Europe, and added to those bred 

 amongst us, afford excellent sport to those gunners who do not fear exposure to cold 

 and wet: but of this, more anon. 



The Mallard is met with in the whole of Europe, and the northern parts of Asia. 

 It also occurs in America, throughout the whole of the United States in the winter, 

 even as far south as Florida, where, according to Wilson, "The Mallard is numerous in 



