. American ornithology, or, The natural history of the birds of the United States [microform]. Birds; Oiseaux. t llf,«.. "f 76 THE MALLARD. puffing out from the left side. The intestines measure six feet, and are aa wide aa those of the Canvas-back. The windpipe is of uniform diameter until it enters the labyrinth. This is the original stock of the common domesticated Duck, reclaimed, time immemorial, from a state of nature, and now become so serviceable to man. In many individuals the general garb of the tame Drake seems to have undergone little or no alteration ; but the stamp of s
. American ornithology, or, The natural history of the birds of the United States [microform]. Birds; Oiseaux. t llf,«.. "f 76 THE MALLARD. puffing out from the left side. The intestines measure six feet, and are aa wide aa those of the Canvas-back. The windpipe is of uniform diameter until it enters the labyrinth. This is the original stock of the common domesticated Duck, reclaimed, time immemorial, from a state of nature, and now become so serviceable to man. In many individuals the general garb of the tame Drake seems to have undergone little or no alteration ; but the stamp of slavery is strongly imprinted in his dull indifferent eye, and grovelling gait; while the lofty look, long tapering neck, and sprightly action of the former, bespeak his native spirit and independence. The common Wild Duck is found in every fresh-water lake and river of the United States in winter; but seldom frequents the seashores or salt marshes. Their summer residence is the north, the great nursery of this numerous genus. Instances have been known of some solitary pairs breeding here in autumn. In England these instances are more common. The nest is usually placed in the most solitary recesses of the marsh, or bog, amidst coarse grass, reeds, and rushes, and generally contains from twelve to sixteen eggs of a dull greenish white. The young are led about by the mother in the same manner as those of the tame Duck; but with a superior caution, a cunning and watchful vigilance peculiar to her situation. The male attaches himself to one female, as among other birds in their native state, and is the guardian and protector of her and her feeble brood. The Mallard is numerous in the rice fields of the Southern States during winter, many of the fields being covered with a few inches of water, and the scattered grains of the former harvest lying in abundance, the Ducks swim about and feed at pleasure. The ilcsh of the common Wild Duck is in general and high estima- tion ; and the in
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectbirds, booksubjectois
