POULTRT-CRAFT. 239 



and good layers. In color they are a lustrous greenish black, the flight 

 feathers of the females sometimes brownish. In most sections of the country 

 they are rare. 



352. Call Ducks are bantam ducks. There are two varieties : the Gray, 

 in color resembling Rouens, and the White. They are kept only by fanciers, 

 and as ornamental fowls. 



353. Black East Indian Ducks are small black ducks, not common, 

 and kept mostly for ornamental purposes. 



354. Crested White Ducks are almost sufficiently described by their 

 name : they are of medium size, and quite rare. 



355. Muscovy Ducks are specially distinguished by the bare face with 

 much carunculated skin, giving them a savage appearance, and a reputation for 

 viciousness which the males, at least, richly deserve. Standard weights are : 

 adult drake, 10 Ibs. ; young drake, 8 Ibs ; adult duck, 8 Ibs. ; young duck, 

 7 Ibs. They are reputed very poor layers. Before the advent of the Pel :n 

 the White variety of this breed was used by Long Island duck growers. 

 There are two varieties : Colored Muscovy Ducks are black and white, irregu- 

 larly marked, the black generally predominating ; with dark colored bills, 

 and legs ranging from yellow to black. White Muscovy Ducks have pure 

 white plumage, flesh colored beaks, and yellow legs. 



356. Indian Runner Ducks were but recently introduced into this coun- 

 try. They are small ; Standard weights : males, 4^ Ibs. ; females, 4 Ibs. Their 

 color is a light fawn (or gray). They are valued chiefly for laying qualities. 

 Rare, and not likely to become popular. 



357. Buying Stock. The remarks on buying stock, ^^ in, 112, apply 

 to ducks as well as to chickens. Prices of ducks and of duck eggs, while 

 ruling about the same as prices of chickens, for good breeding and ordinary 

 exhibition stock, (^[113), never reach the extreme high prices mentioned for 

 chickens. As to starting with eggs or with stock, the remarks in ^ 1 14 apply, 

 except that Pekin duck breeders sometimes advise starting with eggs rather 

 than stock when the shipment has a long distance to go. The ducks go off 

 badly on a long journey, and are not likely to be worth much as breeders the 

 first season in their new home. 



358. Points on Breeding. As much of the information contained in 

 Chap. X., ^[f 193 214, as is of general application, applies to duck breeding. 

 Points requiring special mention are : 



