79° 



Journal of Agriculture, Vicinria. [ii Dec, 191 i. 



A one-sided ration will not suffice. Nitrogen (meat), mineral salts, 

 vegetables, with a fair amount of carlbo-hydrates, are all requisite. Then 

 again, coarse sand, mortar, burnt bone, and crushed oyster shells must be 

 available at all times ; otherwise soft-shelled eggs will result. 



A good ration is formed by equal proportions of pollard, barley meal, 

 and bran ; and about one-third of lucerne chaff (scalded over-night) ; with 

 half an ounce, for each adult bird, of minced animal food, such as ox 

 liver, beef scraps, or rabbit. Twice a week add finely chopped raw onions. 

 The meat should be boiled over-night, the soup being used in mixing the 

 whole to a crumbly consistency. A little sand and ground oyster shell may 

 be added to the meal occasionally. The less moisture there is in the food 

 the better. 



Occasionally give a little grain at night, but not more than three times 

 a week — on alternate nights. Many duck breeders prefer giving soft food 

 only. 



ROUEN DUCKS. 



It is not advisable to make drastic changes in the diet. Instances are 

 on record where pea-meal and bran have been given with bad results to a 

 flock accustomed to having pollard, bran, potatoes, &c. The safest change 

 of food is that of two parts maize flour, one part rice meal, and one part 

 bran, with the vegetables and meat added as before. 



Ducks are naturally insectivorous. They haunt creeks, working through 

 the mud, seeking water insects, worms, &c.' Therefore, in a breeding-pen, 

 they must have double the quantity of animal food that fowls require. 



Breeding Pure Stock. 

 The Rouen is perhaps the most perfectly marked duck in existence; 

 but from a utility point of view it is not comparable with those already 

 referred to. Neither does the colour of egg — green — appeal to the public. 

 The Rouen certainly has been successfully crossed with Aylesbury and 

 Pekin for market purposes. 



