MANUAL ON POULTRY. 49 



The chicks are almost as tender as young turkeys, but on account 

 of the shyness of the old birds must be left to the care of the parent^ 

 who cares for them for six months. 



WATER FOWL. 



Under this head only ducks and geese will be treated as the only 

 birds of practical utility. Swan's are merely ornamental and require 

 more water for successful culture than is at the command of most 

 breeders. 



PER IN DUCKS. 



While ducks and geese may be successfully grown under domesti- 

 cation, without access to more water than an ordinary drinking 

 trough will afford, still in their natural state they live upon the 

 water, and under domestication will seek water if in reach. 



The five principal varieties of thoroughbred ducks are the Pekin, 

 Aylesbury, Rouen, Cayuga and Muscovy, each of which has its ad- 

 vocates among breeders. 

 4 



