VARIETIES OF DOMESTIC DUCKS. 



1195 



they should have a pool of clear water to play in, however small it may 

 be. Their food may be the same as that of young chicks, and if placed 

 where insects abound, they will soon rid the squash, melon, cucumber, or 

 other patches of these enemies of the oardener. 



III. Aylesbury Ducks. 



Of all the English breeds, the Aylesbury is undoubtedly the best, and, 

 taking into consideration the color of the feathers, it is one of the most 

 useful of the species introduced into the United States. They are 

 scarcely so heavy as the Rouen, but eighteen pounds per pair is not unu- 

 sual. They are prolific in eggs of pure white color, and quite thin in 



WHITE PEKIN DUCK. 



the shell. The Aylesbury is rather inclined to fall down behind from 

 the stretching of the abdominal muscles. In breeding, always avoid such 

 birds, and as soon as it is noticed, kill and dress them for market, since 

 as soon as this becomes the case they are generally sterile. This will 

 apply to all ducks, and hence, in the selection of the male, take those 

 that are especially free from this disability. 



rv. Rouen Ducks. 



This name is probably a corruption of Roan duck ; at all events there 

 is no evidence that the breed originated at the French town of this name. 



