140 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



sive days. This was in 1823-4. The egg of the duck is by 

 some people very much relished, having a rich piquancy of 

 flavor, which gives it a decided superiority over the egg of the 

 common fowl ; arid these qualities render it much in request 

 with the pastry-cook and confectioner three duck eggs being 

 equal in culinary value to six hen eggs. The duck does not 

 lay during the day, but generally in the night ; exceptions, 

 regulated by circumstances, will, of course, occasionally occur. 

 While laying, the duck requires more attention than the hen, 

 until they are accustomed to resort to a regular nest for depos- 

 iting their eggs ; once, however, that this is effected, she will 

 no longer require your attendance. 



The duck is a bad hatcher ; she is too fond of the water, 

 and is, consequently, too apt to suffer her eggs to get cold : 

 she will, also, no matter what sort of weather it be, bring the 

 ducklings to the water the moment they break the shell, a 

 practice always injurious and frequently fatal ; hence the very 

 common practice of setting ducks under hens. The eggs of 

 the duck are thirty-one days in hatching ; during incubation, 

 they require no turning, or other attention ; and when hatched 

 only require to be kept from water for a day or two : their 

 first food may be boiled eggs, nettles, and a little barley ; in a 

 few days they demand no care, being perfectly able to shift for 

 themselves ; but ducks at any age are the most helpless of the 

 inhabitants of the poultry-yard, having no weapons with which 

 to defend themselves from vermin, or birds of prey, and their 

 awkward, waddling gait precluding their seeking safety in 

 flight ; a good, stout, courageous cock, and a sharp little terrier 

 dog, are the best protectors of your poultry-yard. The old 

 duck is not so brave in the defence of her brood as the hen ; 

 but she will, nevertheless, although Mr. Waterton thinks 

 otherwise, occasionally display much spirit. I have witnessed 

 this repeatedly, and I recollect a striking painting, illustrative 



