126 MRS. BASLEY'S WESTERN POULTRY BOOK 



considers their flesh better than that of any other variety of ducks. 

 In plumage the Aylesbury are a pure spotless white, with hard, 

 close feathers that glisten in the sunlight like satin. The ad- 

 vantages claimed for this breed are the easiness with which it is 

 acclimated, its early maturing, its great hardiness, its large size, 

 being heavier than any except the Rouen, its great prolificacy and 

 its beauty. 



The Pekin 



The Pekin is undoubtedly the most popular breed on the large 

 duck ranches in the East, where thousands of them are fattened and 

 turned off every season. This breed is variously called the Imperial 

 "Pekin and the Mammoth Pekin and Rankin's Pekin. It was 

 brought to this country from China in the early seventies and im- 

 mediately took the first place as the most prolific and rapidly grow- 

 ing duck on the market. In shape and carriage the Pekin has a dis- 

 tinct type of its own, which by some is described as resembling an 

 Indian canoe, from the keel-like shape and the turned-up tail. 

 Though Pekin ducks may not merit all that is claimed for them by 

 enthusiastic breeders, it is certain that the duck business could 

 not have attained its present proportion without the Pekin duck, 

 and that as a market duck this breed takes the lead. They are 

 hardy, quick growers, thrive in close confinement, and are ready 

 to market at ten weeks of age. The plumage is soft, more downy 

 than that of other varieties and is of a creamy white in color. The 

 beak is of a deep orange yellow, and, according to Standard, should 

 be free from black marks. The shanks and toes are reddish orange 

 color. 



