630 THE AMERICAN FARMER 



more attention is paid to the breeding of poultry and fish than in this country. Many live 

 upon rafts or in boats, and keep large flocks of ducks as a means of subsistence. 



The Pekins, without doubt, come from the Mallard duck, and are the largest of all 

 its varieties. They cross readily with the Rouen and Aylesbury, making larger birds than 

 these, but not equal to the Pekins. Some of the Rouen grades come out clear white, but are 

 readily distinguished from the pure Pekins by the shape of their bills and smaller size. Some 

 of the grades are nearly solid black, and remarkable for their soft, glossy plumage. Others 

 come out looking very much like finely bred Rouens, only with a slight derangement of the 

 plumage. The cross with the Aylesbury seems more natural. The grades are readily dis 

 tinguished by their lighter bills, smaller size, and different build behind. After experimenting 

 with the crosses for many years, we do not find any improvement upon the Pekins in size, or 

 beauty of form or plumage. We claim for the Pekins a comely form of pure white, which 

 makes them a beautiful object upon the lawn, or for small bodies of water in ornamental 

 grounds. They are exceedingly domestic, easily controlled, and will come at call, when far 

 off upon the water, which makes them desirable pets for children. 



They are a very hardy breed, and, judging from the experience of several years, are 

 much more easily reared than Rouens or Aylesburys. They seem larger and stronger when 

 they leave the shell ; after a week with the hen may safely be put in flocks of about fifteen, 

 and with a barrel or box for shelter will take care of themselves. They are as easily raised 

 as chickens, and should always be hatched under a hen, as the ducks will pay much better 

 to be kept laying than to be used as mothers. The young ducks require no more room or 

 water than chickens, and do not need water to swim in until they are old enough to forage 

 for themselves. Their instinct leads them to seek their living in the water, and they will 

 wander away from the yard along brooks and ditches unless restrained, but they are easily 

 kept within bounds, being too heavy when grown to fly well, and having been bred for many 

 generations for flesh and eggs, their wings are very short. They mature very early, and in 

 the vicinity of our summer resorts can be marketed in July and August at very high prices; 

 are very prolific, laying, under favorable circumstances, two hundred eggs in a season. After 

 breeding and observing the Pekins from their first importation, we think that they are 

 entitled to the front rank among our useful aquatic birds.&quot; 



The Pekins commence laying in February, and continue to lay for about five months 

 with two or three brief intermissions. It is better that the ducklings should not have access 

 to water, except to drink, until they have a good growth of feathers. 



Cayuga Ducks. The Cayuga Duck is an American breed supposed to have originated 

 near Cayuga Lake, New York, from which they take their name, and where they abound in 

 great numbers. It has long been domesticated in the United States and Canada, and for several 

 years in England. They are decidedly a water duck, and rarely rise from the water, while 

 they are so clumsy on land that they seldom wander far. Their weight at maturity is from 

 twelve to sixteen pounds per pair. 



The head is small and slender; bill broad, short, and dark or black in color; neck of 

 medium length; back long and broad; breast full and prominent; body long, round, and 

 plump. Their plumage is metallic black throughout, with beautiful green reflections on the 

 head, neck, and wings; legs dark-slate or black. Their habits are quiet, while they are 

 extremely hardy, early in maturity, prolific layers, and their flesh has a rich, game flavor, 

 although a little dark ; and when dressed for market, their skin is quite yellow. In breeding, the 

 darkest males should be selected, since they incline to breed occasional white feathers in 

 plumage. For rearing entirely on land, they are not as good as the Rouen and some other 

 varieties; but in the vicinity of lakes, ponds, and streams, it is one of the best for all prac 

 tical purposes. 



