II Dec, 1911-] Profitable Duck Farming. 791 



The Aylesbury is very popular in Australia. Birds of tliis breed 

 mature quickly, and lay a nice white-shelled egg, usually commencing in 

 May when the average hen is resting. Their eggs thus command excellent 

 prices during the period of greatest scarcity. 



For the benefit of those who cannot determine the Aylesbury from the 

 Pekin, the following descriptions are given. The illustrations will also 

 be helpful. 



Characteristics of the Aylesbury. 

 Head: — Tong and straight. Bill: — Long, broad and strong. The 

 Jiead and bill mensure from 6 to 8 in., and are well carried on a fairly 

 long neck of medium thickness and slightly curved. Eye : — Dark and full. 



Breast:— FuW and deej^, with good girth. Keel: — ^Very deep; quite 

 straight and extending from just behind the legs to breast. Back: Long 

 and broad. 



Wings: — Strong, and carried close to the side. 



Tail:— Short, and slightly elevated. There are two or three curled 

 feathers in the centre of the drake's tail. 



Legs and Feet: — Very strong and thick in bone; well set. so as to 

 evenly balance the body. Toes: Straight, connected by the Aveb. Plumage: 

 — Pure white throughout ; bright and smooth. 



Shanks and Feet : — Bright orange. 



Size and Weight: — The larger the better. The drake at six months 

 should weigh not less than 9 to 10 lbs. ; a duckling not less than 8 to 9 lbs. 

 Young Aylesburys when well fed, reach 7 lbs. live weight in about twelve 

 to thirteen weeks. In the second year, and afterwards, the duck should 

 equal the weight of the drake (between 10 and 11 lbs.). 



Characteristics of the Pekin. 



Head: — Large with broad and prominent skull, rising abiuiniy from 

 base of bill. Bill: — Short, broad, and thick; slightly convex; bright 

 •oiange colour, free from Ijlack spots or streaks. Eye: — Dark leaden hue, 

 and partiallv shaded Ijy heavy eyebrows. Neck: — Long and thick; carried 

 well forward, and well arched. 



Body:- — Medium length and broad. Breast. — Wide and prominent, 

 and descending even, solid and uniform from girth to paunch. Xo indi- 

 cation of keel. PauncJi: — Broad and to end of tail, forming a half circle 

 when standing erect. Back: — Broad. 



Wings: — Short and carried close to the sides. 



"Tail: — Well spread and carried high. The drak<' should ha\e two or 

 three curled feathers on top. 



Legs and Feet: — Strong and slout. set far back, causing erect carriage. 



Shanks: — Bright orange. Toes: — Straight, c<:nnected by web. 



General Shape and Carriage: — Almost upright in apjx-arance; elevated 

 in front ; sloping downwards towards the rear. 



Pluniagf : — Deep creamv white (olo'.ir throughout; |)ltnty of it. with 

 Sf>ft, downy feathers on thighs. 



Size and Weight: Drakes from 8 to 9 lbs. ; ducks from 7 to 8 lbs. 



Tmh.W Kl'NNERS. 



Whilst n-couni/ing tht- value of tl «■ Aylt-sbury ami tin- Pekin as the 

 U'st all round purix)se ducks, the Indian Runner lias tht^ pri(T rl.iim for 

 egg proiluction. It is <]uitr a common (Kcurnnce for n\ ny to l.iy .^.40 

 oggs in th«' year. 



The birds of this brtn-rl are small ; the drakrs w«'igh from 4 to 5 lbs., and 

 the ducks a little less. 'I'he plumage is rlo.se and t.ght, giving thmi that 



