190 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



in appearance certainly six months after they could have been 

 associated with a Leghorn cock. 



DUCKS. 



There are three strains of ducks which are especially valuable 

 — the White Aylesbury, Black Cayuga and Rouen. The first 

 of these commands the highest price in the London markets. 

 They differ from other white ducks in their greater size and the 

 flesh-colored tint of their bills and legs. 



The Black Cayugas are large ducks, so nearly black that they 

 appear entirely so to the casual observer. The only white about 

 them should be under the belly, though there is a tendency to a 

 few spots on the breast. 



A flock of White Aylesburys and Black Cayugas in the same 

 pond present a beautiful contrast. 



The Rouen is larger than either of the above, and in color is 

 precisely the same as the Wild Mallard. 



The wild black, or dusky duck of Audubon, is a valuable 

 duck to cross with one of the larger species. 



The varieties of geese are so well known that it is hardly 

 necessary to mention them. The large Bremen, or Embden 

 geese, are perhaps the finest breed known — certainly the hand- 

 somest to our eye. 



We trust the above hints may be of some service to those of 

 the society who take an interest in this subject. We have 

 selected a few of the prominent points concerning which we 

 believe there is need of enlightenment. There is an increasing 

 interest rapidly developing itself in this county with regard to 

 pure-bred poultry. Let every farmer remember that it costs no 

 more to feed a pure-bred fowl than a mongrel, while the results 

 in the former case are far more certain. Let him consider what 

 breed will be most profitable for him in his circumstances. 



If we were asked to condense our experience in a few words, 

 we should say the Brahmas and Dorkings for the table, the Leg- 

 horns and Hamburgs for eggs, the Games and Dorkings where 

 all qualities are required of a high degree of excellence ; and if 

 pure-breeds are not wanted, at least a game cock to improve the 

 stock of any yard. The Houdan, La Fleche and Crevecoeur 

 breeds are undoubtedly capital breeds, being plump, compact 

 birds and excellent layers, but they have not yet been sufiiciently 



