214 NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 



If you commence with fowls (instead of eggs), buy of 

 reliable men, who know what you want, and who will deal 

 honourably with you. Pay such a man his price get good 

 stock, of whatever variety it may be, and take care of it after 

 you get it. 



Keep but one kind at first, of whatever kind you may 

 fancy. When you can breed that well, try something else if 

 you get tired of this ; but don't venture upon too much in 

 the " variety line " at the commencement, or you will fail 

 with all. 



Don't attempt to raise five hundred birds within limits 

 fitting the needs of five dozen or less. Crowding fowls into 

 close quarters will breed thousands of lice, but precious few 

 chickens, remember. 



Select the best of your progeny for breeds. Sell your 

 patrons what you have to sell, honestly. If you dispose of 

 eggs, send off fresh ones, and pack them carefully. 



DUCKS. 



THERE are several varieties of ducks, but the two breeds 

 best adapted for general purposes are the Rouen and the 

 Aylesbury. The former is a dark plumaged bird, while the 

 latter is generally pure white. The average weight of these 

 birds should be six pounds for the drakes, and five pounds 

 for the ducks. Rouen ducks are grand table birds : they 

 will thrive with less water to swim in than any of the other 

 breeds. They are fairly good layers, beginning to lay early in 

 Spring, and continuing to do so for a couple or three months. 

 Ducklings hatched out in October, will, if well cared for, 

 commence to lay in March, and lay on till May ; the eggs 

 weigh 3^ ozs. The Aylesbury Duck is a good layer, and 

 is a better setter than the Rouen ; they have been known to 

 lay 150 eggs in the year, averaging 3 ozs. each. 



The Duck-house. Ducks should never be housed 

 with poultry, but should have a house to themselves. The floor 

 of which should be of brick, in order that it may be frequently 

 washed out. The crowding of ducks in their sleeping depart- 

 ment is as objectionable as it is in the case of fowls, being pro- 

 ductive of vermin and disease. The duck-house should 

 be washed out at least once a week. 



