Cuass II. MALLARD. 
ducks; it is also to be observed, that in the 
above particular, wigeon and teal are reckoned 
but as one, and consequently sell but at half 
the price of the ducks. This quantity makes 
them so cheap on the spot, that we have been 
assured several decoy-men would be glad to 
contract for years to deliver thew ducks at 
Boston for ten-pence the couple. The account 
of the numbers here mentioned, relates only to 
those that were sent to the capital. 
It was customary formerly to have in the 
fens an annual driving of the young ducks be- 
fore they took wing. Numbers of people as- 
sembled, who beat a vast tract, and forced the 
" birds into a net placed at the spot where the 
sport was to terminate. A hundred and fifty 
dozens have been taken at once: but this prac- 
tice being supposed to be detrimental, has been 
abolished by act of parliament. 
— 263 
