BOOK VIII. XIV. ii-xv. 3 



is often brought to a plump condition in forty- 

 days." 



XV. A place for rearing ducks requires similar Ducks. 

 attention but is more costly. For mallard, teal, 

 pochard and coots and similar birds, which root 

 about in pools and marshes, can be kept in captivity. 

 A level space is chosen and is provided with a wall 

 fifteen feet high; then it is covered in by having 

 lattice-work or nets of a large mesh placed over it, 

 so that there may be no opportunity for the tame 

 birds to fly away or for eagles or hawks to fly in. 

 The whole of the wall is made smooth by plastering 2 

 it inside and outside, so that no cat or ferret may creep 

 through it. Then in the middle of the duck-yard a 

 pond is dug, two feet deep, and as much space is 

 assigned to its length and width as the local conditions 

 permit. 



The edges of the pond are paved with plaster, so 3 

 that they may not be damaged by the violence of the 

 water when it overflows (for it ought to be always 

 running in), and they should not be raised in the 

 form of steps but should slope down gradually, so 

 that there may be an easy descent as if from the 

 shore into the water. The floor of the pond along 

 the circumference to the extent of aljout two- thirds of 

 its whole dimension must be constructed with stones 

 well rammed down and plaster, so that it may not be 

 able to put forth any vegetation and may keep the 

 surface of the water clear for the fowls which swim 



the passage is imitated by Palladius, R.R., Chapter XXX : 

 melius jAnguescimt in ienera aetate. Polenta dabitur in die ter. 

 Large vagari liceniia prohibetur. Loco obscuro claudentur et 

 calido. Sic maiores etiam secundo mense pinguescunt ; nam 

 parvuli saefe die irigesimo. 



397 



