1905.] THOROUGHBRED POULTRY VERSUS MONGRELS. I55 



and in other desirable qualities, that hardly any two experi- 

 ments or series of tests would bring the same variety out in the 

 lead. We are all human, and, in a neck and neck race, most 

 of us would be inclined to give a friendly push to our favorite. 

 For this reason we are apt to do best with what we personally 

 prefer. You will make no mistake in choosing any one of the 

 five varieties named. 



In choosing a variety of ducks, we are not confronted by 

 such a bewildering array as with chickens. We do not need 

 to even consider the mongrel, or common puddle ducks, as at 

 maturity they are no larger than the Pekins are at eight weeks 

 of age. 



Everyone knowing even the rudiments of duck culture will 

 know that the Imperial Pekin Duck is raised by the thousand 

 in America, while all other varieties combined are raised by 

 the score. This is caused priricipally by the fact that, from the 

 growers' standpoint, they are an ideal duck. They are good 

 eating, Avith plump, well-filled-out breasts ; are quiet in their 

 habits, with neither ability nor inclination to fly ; while they are 

 splendid layers of hatchable eggs, hearty eaters, and put on 

 meat and flesh more rapidly than does any other duck. A 

 two-foot fence will retain them, so expensive yards are un- 

 necessary. These many good points make them profitable to 

 raise. 



The Rouen is colored very similarly to the Wild Mallard, 

 and is more delicate in flavor of its meat than is the Pekin. 

 They should weigh one pound more than the Pekin, but will 

 hardly average as large. They will not grow as rapidly, but 

 put on flesh very fast, it being quite hard to keep them in good 

 breeding order. Several farms are making a specialty of 

 growing them for private trade, and there is plenty of market 

 for a larger number every year. 



The Muscovy, white or black and white in color, has many 

 characteristics in common with chickens. They can fly as 

 well, though probably not as far, as can the wild ducks. Our 

 lake is about three-quarters of a mile wide opposite our farm, 

 and our young Muscovies thought nothing of flying across and 

 back for the exercise. Returning they would light in trees, 

 on roofs of buildings, or on the ground, as their fancy dictated. 

 Muscovies have been known to nest in hollow trees, up in the 

 manger in the barn, and in other places where they are not apt 



