172 
NATURAL HISTORY 
DUCK. 
The Duck is divided into two classes, the 
wild Duck and the tame Duck, the latter 
being but the same species altered by do- 
mestication. The difference between both 
is very trifling, save that the colour of the 
Mallard, or Wild Duck, is constantly the 
same in all the individuals, whereas the 
tame ones, or drakes, are varied in their 
plumage. The females submit respectively 
to that general rule of nature, which ordered 
that they should not share with the males 
the beauty of feathers: and the admirable 
scarf of glossy green and blue which sur- 
round the necks of drakes and mallards, is 
an exclusive prerogative of the male sex. 
There is alsosx curious and invariable pecu- 
liarity belonging to the males, which consists 
of a few curled feathers rising upon the rump 
