626 THE AMERICAN FARMER 



DUCKS. 



THE various breeds of domesticated ducks are supposed to be descended from the Wild 

 Duck or Mallard (Anas boschas) which is distributed so widely over Europe and a large 

 portion of North America. Although frequenting nearly all latitudes, its favorite 

 resort seems to be in the temperate zone. In color the Wild Duck resembles the Rouen, 

 although its form is more slender and upright, and its habits more active than the latter. It is 

 also much smaller in size than the domesticated bird. Ducks are profitable poultry for the 

 farmer to raise, if they can be given their liberty to forage, although they are not as profitable as 

 hens when kept in confinement, because they will consume more food, and lay a less number 

 of eggs. The ducklings are the most active insect hunters known, and in low, marshy grounds, 

 ponds, or streams, they will thrive on grass and plants, feed on myriads of insects and their 

 larvae that may be found in the water, imbedded in the mud or adhering to vegetation, 

 requiring an evening meal of grain or other food to entice them to return regularly to their 

 homes. In fields and gardens they are exceedingly valuable as insect destroyers, while they 

 are easily reared, their feathers are valuable, and their eggs and the young ducks bring a 

 good price in the market. 



As to which varieties are most profitable, or best adapted to the farm, breeders of these 

 birds differ in opinion, as some breeds possess certain qualities in a greater or less degree than 

 others. It is, however, considered by many that when flesh and feathers are the principal 

 objects desired some of the white breeds are to be preferred; but if the flesh alone is the 

 prime object, and handsome ornamental birds are wanted, the Black Cayuga and the Rouen 

 should be chosen. Rouen ducklings are thought to be the best insect hunters of all the duck 

 family among the large breeds, while the common gray duck is the best for this purpose 

 among the small breeds. The flesh of the Muscovy Duck is inferior to that of others, while 

 the Aylesbury, Rouen, Pekin, and Cayuga will nearly equal them in size, and are much 

 superior in quality of flesh. The illustrations of the last four in this department represent fine 

 birds from the breeding pens of Mr. J. Y. Bicknell of Buffalo, N.Y., who is one of the best 

 known breeders of this class of poultry in the country. 



Aylesbury Ducks. This is regarded as one of the best of the English breeds of 

 ducks. They have somewhat degenerated in size in this country, but by careful selection in 

 breeding, using for this purpose only the largest and strongest birds, this tendency may be 

 obviated. They are not quite as large as the Rouen variety, although they nearly equal the 

 latter in this respect, frequently attaining the weight of eighteen pounds per pair. Their 

 plumage is of a pure snow white throughout, with flesh-colored bills and legs of an orange 

 hue. They are oval in shape, with a broad, long back, full, round breast, strong wings, and 

 short, stout legs. The drake shows very handsome curled feathers in the tail. Their eggs 

 vary in color, some being quite white, while others are of a green or cream color. 



They commence laying in February, and continue for about five months with two or 

 three brief intervals. They are excellent foragers, but will return to their home regularly at 

 night. They are liable to fall down behind, owing to the stretching of the abdominal 

 muscles. In breeding, such birds should be avoided, whether male or female, as they are apt 

 to be sterile; besides, this is a disfigurement. As soon as this defect is noticed, kill and 

 dress such birds of whatever breed for market. 



Rouen Ducks. This breed of ducks most closely resembles the Wild Duck, or 

 Mallard, in plumage, of any of the duck family; domestication, has, however, increased its 

 size and weight, and given it a greater aptitude to fatten. It is the largest domesticated 

 variety known, and is supposed, as its name would indicate, to come originally from the city 



