Anas Boschas fera, LINNÆUS; Le Canoel sauvage, BUFFON; Der
wilde Ente BECHSTEIN.
Our domestic ducks derive their origin from this species. It is spread
throughout Europe on lakes, ponds, and rivers. Its length is two feet;
its plumage ash grey, striped and waved transversely with white and
brown; the head and neck are bright green, known by the name of
duck-green; the breast is chestnut brown; the speculum violet green. The
female is brown, like a lark.
OBSERVATIONS.--Like other birds of the same order, the wild ducks
unite in large flights in the autumn, but divide into pairs in
summer, and build their nests either near the water, among the reeds
and bushes, in the trunks of old trees, or sometimes even in the
depths of woods. They lay from twelve to sixteen eggs. In the forest
districts of Thuringia, the young ones are met with in considerable
numbers, being led to a neighbouring pond by the parent birds. If,
after having mutilated or lamed the end of the wing, they are put
into a pond with domestic ducks, they live and pair with them, become
accustomed to their mode of life, follow them in winter into the
house, without any decoy but being fed plentifully. Wild ducks are
taken in nets, snares, and even with fishing-hooks.
By pairing a mallard with a female domestic duck, a very fine middle
race is obtained, which remains domestic[125].