MANAGEMKNT OP DUCKS. 237 



but in both cases bearing the same relation to them as Game 

 Bantams do to the Game fowl. The flesh is good ; but there 

 is too little to repay breeding them for the table, and their 

 only proper place is on the lake. 



The East Indian, or Euetws Ay res Black Duck, is a most 

 beautiful bird. The plumage is black, with a rich green lustre, 

 and any white, grey, or brown feathers are fatal. They should 

 be bred for exhibition as small as possible, never exceeding 

 five and four pounds. As they usually pair, equal numbers 

 should be kept of both sexes. The flesh of this duck is more 

 delicious than that of any other variety, in our estimation. 



Many most beautiful varieties of small foreign ducks are 

 often shown, the most common being the Mandarin and 

 Carolina; but it is needless to give detailed descriptions 

 here. 



The G/ommon Duck needs no description. We believe it to 

 be the Rouen more or less degenerated, or, rather, perhaps, 

 not bred up to the perfection of that breed. The same may 

 be said of the French Duclair Ducks. 



It should be remembered in keeping ducks that the mild 

 birds are monogamous, and not more than two or three be given 

 to one drake, if eggs are wanted for sitting. The duck usually 

 sits well, and always covers her eggs with loose straw when 

 leaving them, a supply of which should therefore be left by her. 

 The usual number laid is fifty or sixty ; but ducks have laid as 

 many as two hundred and fifty in a year ; and we believe with 

 care this faculty might be greatly developed, and their value 

 much increased as producers of eggs. At present they are 

 mostly kept for table. 



Ducks should have a separate house, with a brick or stone 

 floor, as it requires to be frequently washed down. Clean 

 straw should be given them at least every alternate night. 

 Other attention they need none, beyond the precaution of 

 keeping them in until they have laid every morning. This is 



