Incubation. 159 



quence need not be attached ; nevertheless, 

 the eggs may be appropriated to each, with 

 respect to colour ; since white and light- 

 coloured ducks produce similar coloured 

 eggs, and the brown and dark-coloured 

 ducks those of the greenish blue and lar- 

 gest size. At any rate, it is most safe that 

 the eggs be all of one colour, since I have 

 known some few instances of the duck 

 turning out with her bill, those eggs which 

 were not of her natural colour. The duck 

 swimming with her tail flat and level with 

 the water, indicates her egg being ready 

 for protrusion. 



During incubation, the duck requires a 

 secret and safe place, ratlier than any at- 

 tendance, and will at nature's call, cover her 

 eggs and seek her food, and the refreshment 

 of the waters. On hatching, there is not 

 often a necessity for taking aw^ay any of the 

 brood, barring accidents ; and having hatch- 

 ed, let the duck retain her young upon the 

 nest her own time. On her moving with 

 her brood, prepare a coop, upon the short 

 grassj if the weather be fine-, or under shcL 



