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]. THE TARROCK. Larus tridactylus, LINNÆUS; Larus rissa, cinereus et nævius, LINNÆUS; La Monette cendrée, BUFFON; Der Wintermeeve, BECHSTEIN. These birds, about fourteen inches in length, change their plumage till they are four years old, which occasions great variety. In the old ones, the beak is yellowish green on the outside, and orange within; the feet are olive, and are without the back toe; the head, throat, neck, the rest of the upper part of the body, and the tail, are white. There is often a blackish streak behind the ear; the back and wing-coverts are pale grey or bluish; the quill-feathers are white; the primaries are tipped with black; those that have a dark grey crescent on the neck have not attained their fourth year; those streaked are young ones. OBSERVATIONS.--The tarrocks remain in the north of Europe during summer, and go south in winter. In February, when snow comes after mild weather, great numbers are seen to stop on the ponds and rivers in Germany, where many perish; they may then be taken with nets and snares placed on the banks, after removing the snow. Though their proper food is fish and aquatic insects, they are contented, in the poultry-yard, with bread and other food; are easily tamed, and live equally well on the water or the land; in winter, they should be kept in a moderately warm situation; they may even be left in the court, driving them in the evening into the place appropriated to them for the night. [Illustration] FOOTNOTES: [1] See reasons for doubting this conclusion in Professor Rennie's DOMESTIC HABITS OF BIRDS, Chap. xvii.--TRANSLATOR. [2] This previous recording, as it is termed, is not uniform. Mr. Blyth informs as that he had, in the year 1833, a blackcap which struck up all at once into a loud song.--TRANSLATOR. [3] Phil. Trans. vol. lxiii. 1773.