128 BIRDS 



Wild Ducks 



When the hardiness, simple wants and surpassing beauty 

 of many ducks are considered, one is not surprised at their 

 increasing popularity, but rather that their keeping has not 

 become more general. 



For most species water is a necessity. The pond need 

 not necessarily be large, but it is of the greatest importance 

 that the water be fresh and clean. If a running stream 

 or natural pond is available, only some slight adapta- 

 tion is necessary. If neither is to be had, the construc- 

 tion of a small, concrete pool is a matter of no great 

 difficulty. 



At any rate, means for securing a constant supply of 

 water must be secured, and if it is possible to arrange for 

 complete drainage of the pond, so much the better. It is a 

 great advantage to be able to remove all of the water on 

 occasion. 



If the sides of the pool are of soil, it will be necessary 

 to build them up firmly with stone and gravel. Ducks have 

 a habit of working at the banks with their beaks, and their 

 feet also rapidly wear down the soil as they enter or leave 

 the water. 



The planting of various edible aquatic plants, such as wild 

 celery (Vallisneria) , wild rice {Zizania), etc., is desirable, 

 but not practicable in a small pond, as they will be destroyed 

 quickly by the ducks. In large bodies of water, on which 

 a small number of birds are quartered, such cultivation is 

 perfectly possible. 



The pond and as much adjoining land as is available 

 should be surrounded by a wire fence. A three-foot fence 

 will restrain most pinioned water-fowl, but a greater height 

 is recommended to exclude dogs, foxes, etc. If attacks of 

 rats, cats and other marauders are feared, precautions in 



