36 PROCURING STOCK BIRDS AND EGGS 



per hen. I believe it is more economical to purchase 

 the hens. 



Wild ducks for propagation should be purchased in 

 the Autumn or Winter in order that they may become 

 accustomed to their new surroundings ; otherwise they 

 may not breed the first year. Birds which have been 

 reared in captivity are more likely to breed than freshly 

 caught wild birds are. 



I believe it is advisable to purchase the stock ducks 

 from several widely separated dealers, since in this way 

 an admixture of blood from two or more different flocks 

 is secured, and this is known to be desirable in breeding 

 all animals. 



Mallards and black ducks were sold last season (1909) 

 at from $3 to $3.50 per pair. Sprig-tailed ducks and teal 

 sold for a little more. Wood-duck brought several times 

 as much, but the prices undoubtedly will be lowered as 

 the birds become plentiful in the markets. It seems 

 likely that American game farmers will not be able to 

 supply all the sprig-tails, widgeon, teal, and other fowl 

 needed on the preserves next season, and it might be 

 well for the preserve owners to purchase some English 

 teal and sprig-tailed ducks. These can be procured 

 through the dealers I have mentioned, and they should 

 breed the first season provided they be purchased in 

 the Winter. I expect to make an experiment with these 

 ducks next Spring, and I would strongly advise others 

 to do so, since a mixed bag is desirable. 



The gamekeepers say it is well to purchase ducks not 

 over two years old, and reliable dealers may be relied 

 on to send the birds ordered. 



I plucked some of the feathers from one wing of the 



