544 
The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 
placed before the preceding; but we mention it last of the large breeds on account of its evident 
relationship to the variety next mentioned. It has long been prized as a domestic bleed in 
Canada and the United States, but only recently has come into notice in England. It is no doubt 
descended from the Mallard ; breeding freely and producing fertile progeny, and possessing the 
curled feathers in the tail, which we have seen the Musk Duck does not. The general coloui as 
now bred is black all over, with as much green lustre as possible, which about the head is very 
conspicuous ; but the body is more dingy. 
Mr. W. Simpson, of West Farms, Westchester County, N.Y., sent to us the first specimens 
imported — two drakes and three ducks — which were purchased by Mr. J. H. Biaikenridge, of 
Chew Magna, Somerset. One of the drakes appeared injured in some way, as we have often found 
with imported fowls, especially if the weather has been bad on the voyage. They were all per- 
fectly black when they arrived ; but next season two of them moulted a great many white feathers, 
and one in particular became as nearly white as black. Our American correspondents tell us that 
it is usual to moult some white feathers on the breast and at the base of the bill the second year ; 
and it will be seen that Black East Indian Ducks offer a striking resemblance in this respect. 
In specimens long since described in American books on poultry, there seems to have been an 
indistinct white collar round the drake’s neck, which is obviously derived from the Wild Duck, or 
Mallard, but seems now bred out. Since the reception of our specimens, Mr. J. K. Fowler, of 
Aylesbury, has imported a trio, which were considerably larger than those sent to us ; and this 
gentleman has kindly furnished the following notes of his experience with them. It will be seen 
that regarding the appearance of white in the plumage, it is the same as the foregoing. 
“In colour they are nearly similar to the East Indians; their plumage being of a bright 
metallic black, with lustrous green reflections on head, neck, and wings. The bill is a blue-black, 
and has a very black splash in the middle of it. Legs a smoky orange or brown. 
“ Their shape is different from the East Indians, and more like the Aylesburys ; they have 
very lengthy necks, and a straight, long head and beak. Their size is quite equal to the Rouen 
or Aylesbury, and they can with little trouble be made to weigh upwards of twenty pounds 
the pair. The flesh has a rich game flavour, and when hung a short time in the winter they far 
surpass the Wild Duck. 
“ For the farmer they will be a very useful as well as ornamental breed, being hardy, and 
maturing at an early age. They are prolific layers, and of very quiet habits. It should be stated 
that, like other breeds of black fowls — Crevecoeurs, Spanish, and East Indian Ducks — the Cayugas 
show sometimes white feathers on the breast and elsewhere, which, however, does not point to any 
impurity of blood ; and though suggestions have been made that they are merely a cross-breed, I 
see no sound reason to doubt that they are a distinct variety, for I am told by a well-known 
fancier, who imported some two years ago, that though two of his old birds since moulting now 
display traces' of white feathers round the eyes, beneath the bill, and a few on the breast ; still the 
birds hatched last season and those reared from them this year show not a single fault, but bid 
fair to outrival their parents in beauty and size.” 
Mr. R. Teebay, of Fulwood, Preston, informs us that there was formerly a large black duck in 
Lancashire which bred true ; and, so far as he can remember, they closely resembled the Cayuga, 
if they were not identical with it. The question is difficult to settle now, but it would be curious 
if it should be so, as in that case there could hardly be any doubt that each originated from an 
independent black “sport,” or offshoot, of either the Mallard or Common Domestic Duck. That the 
breed was ever found wild round Lake Cayuga, as was at one time supposed, we think there is no 
good evidence to show. On this subject Mr. Teebay writes us as follows : — 
