270 FARMING FOR LADIES, [chap, xiii, 



nature calls, in any spot whatever — even 

 in the water — without reference to the nest 

 which may have been prepared for her ; 

 though there can be little doubt that, were 

 she not confined, she would make a nest for 

 herself, and hatch her ducklings. We have 

 indeed witnessed a stray duck, with a brood 

 of twelve only recently hatched, which came 

 sailing down a small rivulet which bounded 

 our late father's garden, and, being probably 

 attracted by the cries of the poultry in the 

 stable-yard, very composedly landed with her 

 young family, and there took up her future 

 residence ; nor, although inquiries were made, 

 could her owner be discovered. She, however, 

 usually lays during the night, or very early in 

 the morning of every second day ; and, by 

 not allowing her to go out until she has 

 layed her egg, these accidents may be guarded 

 against. A nest should, however, be made 

 for her in the same manner as for the goose ; 

 and, if any shed be appropriated to her use, 

 and that of her companions, it should be well 

 littered with straw, which should be weekly 

 removed to the dung-heap. 



If the weather be fine, she naturally begins 



