349 
head accurately delineated; the back of 
the head and cheeks assume a green colour; 
the back and some of the scapulars are 
still black; and often some brown and 
streaked feathers appear, mixed with 
the white ones of the neck. The bird in 
this dress is that which has been called 
the male King Duck." 
Such was the description given by an 
author, justly considered the most accurate 
of Ornithologists; in this particular, how- 
ever it appears that he was mistaken. 
The King Duck being so extremely rare* 
and the immature plumage of the Eider 
Duck at a particular age, being nearly 
similar to the description given of the 
other species, undoubtedly led to the error. 
In describing the birds met with during 
the recent voyage to the Arctic Regions, 
Capt. Sabine makes the following remarks: 
ff I am indebted to Mr. Skene, Midship- 
man of the Isabella, for the only male 
specimen of this most beautiful Duck# 
(Anas Spectabilis) which was shot during 
* This specimen is in the possession of Josh. Sabine, 
Esq. who kindly granted us permission to make a 
drawing from it for our work. 
