11 Nov., 1918.] The Rearing of Duels. 673 



Thermometers should be tested every season, as they are very liable to 

 get out of order. 



The best age at which to market ducklings is from nine to eleven 

 weeks, and while they are in their first feather. 



Farmers, in sending birds to market, should grade them as near to 

 age, weight, and condition as possible. Condition and uniformity in 

 size Tvill always top the market, either in London or locally. 



The best months for matured ducks in our local markets are June, 

 July, and August. 



The best months for shipping ducklings from Melbourne to the 

 London market are November, December, and January. 



Indian Runners and Muscovy Ducks. 



The breed of ducks known as Indian Runners is now bred in two 

 colours — ^faAvn and whites. As layers they have no equal, being easily 

 the best egg-producers of the duck family. They are also hardy and 

 easily reared, and, although the quantity of flesh on them is not nearly 

 equal to that on the larger breeds, a well-fattened runner drake is very 

 fine eating. The fawn runners are the better known, and for this reason 

 are kept in greater numbers than the "whites. The latter are, however, 

 very productive layers, and the colour of the skin is somewhat lighter 

 than the fawn, making the dressed birds more attractive to the eye. 



In Indian Runners, as in many other breeds, the type has been 

 slightly altered through breeders paying too much attention to exhibi- 

 tion points and neglecting the utility side. But there are still many 

 flocks of runners, which, although tbey could not score in the show 

 pen, have retained their egg^producing qualities, combined with fairly 

 good table properties. For this reason, I would recommend that this 

 type be kept by the poultry farmer who relies on eggs as a source of 

 profit. In mating runners, from five to six ducks can be. allowed to each 

 drake. It is better to err on the safe side by reducing the number of 

 ducks to five or six, as suggested, as this not only means a bigger 

 percentage of ducklings, but is also an important factor in the production 

 of strong, vigorous, and healthy stock. Adult or second-year ducks may 

 be mated to young drakes. 



Muscovy ducks, either reared pure or crossed with Pekins, Ayles- 

 burys, or Rouens have very deservedly acquired a reputation for table 

 purposes. They are also good sitters and careful mothers, qualities 

 which have made them favorites with many poultry keepers. Being 

 extremely hardy and easily reared, Muscovys are equally suitable for 

 the house where a few fowls are run, and for the poultry farm. They 

 grow and fatten very quickly. Being of a quiet nature, they do not 

 run about much or lose condition by excessive exercise. When fattened 

 and properly dressed, they are very attractive in appearance, and are in 

 every way good table birds. From five to six ducks may be mated with 

 one drake. 



Money in Ducklings. 



A couple of years since, one Melbourne firm alone exported 10,000 

 frozen ducks, and this number would probably have been ten times 

 greater if the quality of the birds sent in to market had been of the 



16848.— 2 



