267 
and are as difficult to shoot as most of the 
other water-fowl." 
Sonnini informs us, that <f the female 
begins to lay about the middle of April, 
and continues dropping every other day an 
egg, till she has twelve or fifteen. In the 
intervals she is observed to work at her 
nest, and arrange the materials. In thirty 
five days the brood is hatched. They lay 
two or three times a year in Guiana, and 
moult in Sept. and Oct. They are then so 
bare of feathers that they cannot fly, and 
suffer themselves to be taken by the na- 
tives." v- 
This bird like all others in a state of do- 
mestication, produces an infinite variety 
of colours, in different individuals. They 
are a thriving and prolific species, but the 
young are much more difficult to rear than 
those of the Common Duck, Their flesh 
is high-flavoured and on that account much 
esteemed by many. A mixed breed be- 
tween the Musk and Common species 
is not uncommon, but we have not been 
able to ascertain whether, or not, this pro- 
geny continues prolific. 
