240 Farm Poultry 



that the plumage of both young and old birds 

 will be kept in a somewhat cleaner condition if 

 the ducks have access to ponds or streams, but 

 this is a matter of minor importance in the rear- 

 ing of ducks for the market. Some hold that 



Fig. 75. White Pekin drake, young (one-eighth size). 



if the breeding ducks have access to water, a 

 larger proportion of fertile eggs is secured. 

 Other breeders, however, are able to conduct 

 their business satisfactorily without such water, 

 and consequently it may be said that the value 

 of ponds or running water for breeding ducks 

 may be somewhat questionable. 



