BRITISH BIRDS. 
333 
TAME DUCK. 
[Anas domejlicaj Lin . — Le Canard domejllque, Buff.) 
This valuable domeftic owes its origin to the 
Mallard, the lafl defcribed fpecies, but has long 
been reclaimed from a date of nature. Many of 
them appear in nearly the fame plumage as the 
wild ones ; others vary greatly from them, as well 
as from each other, and may be faid to be marked 
with almofl all colours ; but all the males (Drakes) 
flill retain the unvarying mark of their wild origi- 
nal in the curled feathers of the tail. Long do* 
medication has, however, deprived the Tame Duck 
of that keen, quick, and fprightly look and fhape 
which diftinguifh the Mallard, and fubftituted a 
more dull and lefs elegant form and appearance in 
