THE DUCK EGGS HATCHING. 107 



laid, some will EXAMINE HER, but it is better avoided, 

 as her appearance and weight behind, or otherwise, 

 may be trusted to by constant observers. Accus- 

 tomed to a nest she will not forsake it. 



It has been formerly directed, to give each duck 

 her own eggs, to which, however, much consequence 

 need not be attached ; nevertheless, the eggs may 

 be appropriated to each, with respect to colour ; 

 since white and light-coloured ducks produce si- 

 milar-coloured eggs, and the brown and dark-co- 

 loured ducks those of the greenish blue and largest 

 size. At any rate, it is most safe that the eggs be 

 all of one colour, since I have known some few in- 

 stances of the duck turning out with her bill, those 

 eggs which were not of her natural colour. The 

 duck swimming with her tail flat and level with the 

 water, indicates her egg being ready for protrusion. 



In April 1823, a duck, the property of Mr. John 

 Morrel, of Belper Dally, laid an egg every day for 

 eighty-five successive days. 



During INCUBATION, the duck requires a secret 

 and safe place, rather than any attendance, and will, 

 at nature's call, cover her eggs and seek her food, 

 and the refreshment of the waters. On HATCHING, 

 there is not often a necessity for taking away any 

 of the brood, barring accidents ; and having hatched, 

 let the duck retain her young upon the nest her own 

 time. On her moving with her brood, prepare a 

 coop, upon the short grass, if the weather be fine, 

 or under shelter if otherwise : a wide and flat dish 

 of water, often to be renewed, standing at hand ; 

 barley, or any meal, the first food. In rainy wea- 



F6 



