PO UL TR T- CRAFT. 



prolific layers of large white * eggs, and thrive in close confinement. Standard 

 .-.:) weights are: adult 



drake, 8 Ibs. ; young 

 drake, 7 Ibs. ; adult 

 duck, 7 Ibs. ; young 

 duck, 6 Ibs. The body 

 of the Pekin duck is 

 very long and deep, 

 well rounded and full, 

 both in breast and in 

 the rear. The plum- 

 age, which is softer 

 and more downy than 

 that of other varieties, 

 is of a faint creamy 

 white surface color, 

 with yellow sometimes 

 quite strong in the 

 under color. The beak 



Fig. 89. Pekin Drake. (By courtesy of A. J. Hallock). . g ^ yellow and 



according to the Standard should be free from black marks. In adult drakes, 

 black streaks and black knobs 

 (at the end of the upper man- 

 dible), are rarely absent. 

 Many breeders affirm that 

 the most vigorous drakes 

 usually show some dark color 

 in the beak. The legs and 

 toes should be of a reddish 

 orange color. The principal 

 faults are an exceedingly timid 

 disposition, and the coarse stri- 

 dent voice of the female. 



349. Aylesbury Ducks 



resemble the Pekins in a 

 general way they are large 

 white ducks, but have bodies 

 more oval shaped ; whiter, 

 harder plumage ; flesh colored 

 beaks, and light yellow feet. Pig. 90. Pekin Duck. 



* NOTE. From every large flock of Pekins, some green eggs are gathered. These are 

 usually rejected for incubating. The birds producing them are supposed to have a taint 

 of foreign blood. 



