430 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



number, if kept from sitting. They are much larger than 

 those of the hen, and equally rich and nourishing, but far less 

 delicate. They are careless in their habits, and generally drop 

 their eggs wherever they happen to be through the night, 

 whether in the water, the road or farm-yard ; and as might 

 be expected from such prodigality of character, they are indif- 

 ferent sitters and nurses. The ducklings are better reared, 

 by setting the eggs under a sedate, experienced hen, as the 

 longer time necessary for hatching, requires patience in the 

 foster-mother to develop the young chick. They should be 

 confined for a few days, and away from the water. At first 

 they may be fed with bread, or pudding made from boiled 

 oat, barley, or Indian-meal ; and they soon acquire strength, 

 and enterprise enough to shift for themselves, if afterwards 

 supplied with pond or river water. They are fit for the table 

 when fully grown, and well fattened on clean grain. This 

 is more economically accomplished by feeding it cooked. 

 The light grey, the white duck, and some of the tufted, are 

 prolific, hardy and profitable. We omit further notice of 

 other varieties, and of the swan, brant, pigeons, &c., as not 

 profitable for general rearing, and only suited to ornamental 

 grounds. 



