120 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 
cellent broilers. This particular breed has been 
discussed at length because it is less well known than 
the Pekin and because it has qualities which com- 
mend it especially, the writer believes, to the ama- 
teur. Most beginners, at least, do not care to raise 
poultry purely for the table. The suggestion of 
taking life is made too emphatic. The Indian Run- 
ner may be raised mainly for the eggs produced, 
with the meat supply as a supplementary item. 
It is true that breeders of Pekin ducks often are 
able to sell the young birds alive, although at a de- 
creased profit. There is no question that Pekins 
are money-makers; perhaps they are the most 
famous of market fowl, for they are distinctly a 
meat breed. Being pure white, they dress to good 
advantage and the feathers are worth forty cents 
or more a pound. If properly grown, these ducks 
are ready for market at ten weeks or a little more, 
when they weigh five or six pounds. 
Pekin ducks and ducklings may be given the 
rations and general care described for Indian Run- 
ners, except that a larger percentage of corn meal 
is needed when the ducks are being fattened for 
the table. The ducklings are -timid and _ easily 
stampeded, sometimes piling up in a corner when 
