CHAPTER III 



NOVEMBER 



TF your memory of ducks is of the old- 

 -* fashioned "puddler" which spent all its 

 time grubbing in the mud and mire of the 

 creek, wandering far from home, dropping 

 its eggs promiscuously everywhere to feed 

 water rats, and eventually ending an un- 

 profitable life a prey to some carnivorous 

 animal, the Imperial Pekin Duck will be a 

 revelation in its size and beauty. They are 

 almost as large as geese, with plumage which 

 is white, deepening to rich cream at the quill, 

 and bright yellow bills and legs. In fact, 

 they look just what they are the aristo- 

 crats of the duck species. At ten weeks old 

 they weigh from five to six pounds, bringing 

 an average price of 18 cents a pound. Their 

 addition to the farm is not a serious con- 



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