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The Descent of Man

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230. Mr. J. Jenner Weir has lately given me an<br />

analogous case with ducks <strong>of</strong> two species.) states<br />

that out <strong>of</strong> a flock <strong>of</strong> twenty-three Canada<br />

geese, a female paired with a solitary Bernicle<br />

gander, although so different in appearance<br />

and size; and they produced hybrid <strong>of</strong>fspring.<br />

A male wigeon (Mareca penelope), living with<br />

females <strong>of</strong> the same species, has been known to<br />

pair with a pintail duck, Querquedula acuta.<br />

Lloyd describes the remarkable attachment<br />

between a shield-drake (Tadorna vulpanser)<br />

and a common duck. <strong>Man</strong>y additional instances<br />

could be given; and the Rev. E.S. Dixon remarks<br />

that "those who have kept many different<br />

species <strong>of</strong> geese together well know what<br />

unaccountable attachments they are frequently<br />

forming, and that they are quite as likely to pair<br />

and rear young with individuals <strong>of</strong> a race (species)<br />

apparently the most alien to themselves as<br />

with their own stock."

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