WILD DUCK 295 



the morning. The soft food should, however, be con- 

 tinued for some time after removal to the water, and 

 a few coops should be taken to the water's edge. It 

 should be borne in mind that everything possible should 

 be done at this time to accustom the ducks to their new 

 surroundings, to give the place a homelike appearance, 

 and to ensure their remaining in it. A few pinioned 

 ducks and good food will do more to attain these 

 objects than anything else ; moreover, other birds will 

 be attracted by their calls, and later on in the season, 

 about evening feeding-time, many may be shot coming 

 in to join their companions. After the ducks are a 

 month old, oatmeal may be added to the prepared food, 

 to make up a more substantial meal, and the birds 

 should always be let out of their coops early in the 

 morning before the dew is off the ground, as they will 

 then amuse themselves by catching the worms and slugs. 

 After it is desired to give up the soft food, Indian corn 

 or maize will be found the most suitable diet. This 

 should be supplied regularly once a day, in the morning, 

 and thrown near the water's edge. There are many 

 other forms of food, however, such as acorns and the 

 dried insides of rabbits, which if chopped up will be 

 found most appetising and a pleasant change of diet. 

 The great enemy of the duckling is the rat, and these 

 voracious animals are sure to be found wherever there 

 is maize ; great pains, therefore, should be taken to kill 

 them before putting down the ducks. About the time 

 of the harvest the ducklings will be able to take care 



