A GUIDE FOR KEEPERS OF POULTRY 71 
a distinct breed is proved by the fact that crosses be- 
tween the other varieties of ducks and Muscovies are 
sterile. The Muscovy drake is considerably larger than 
the duck and is inclined to be quarrelsome with other 
poultry. These ducks are very strong of wing and de- 
light in flying about, frequently perching on trees and 
houses. We have them in two varieties in this country 
—the colored, lustrous blue black broken with white and 
pure white. They are not highly esteemed as layers, al- 
though occasionally a good layer is found among them. 
The flesh is fairly good when the birds are young, but 
later is rather coarse and tough. The drake weighs 10 
and the duck 7 pounds in good specimens. 
Indian Runner Ducks.—This is an old breed perfected 
in England, although first found in India. Importations 
have been made from India as lately as 1898, but they 
have become so well disseminated that it is not necessary 
to go back to their native country for new blood. This 
breed is noted for its laying qualities, the ducks fre- 
quently laying as many as 200 eggs in a year and a 
record of 160 eggs is not considered at all remarkable. 
The eggs are larger than those of hens, but not so large 
as those of other ducks. The drakes weigh up to 4% and 
the ducks to 4 pounds. The prevailing color is a pleas- 
ing shade of fawn. They have narrow heads, rather long 
necks, a very upright carriage and instead of waddling 
like other ducks they run very rapidly, a trait which gives 
them their name. While too small to make good market 
fowls, they are profitable on account of their laying quali- 
ties and are rapidly gaining friends in this country. 
These ducks are almost entirely silent, not being given 
to the loud and raucous quacking which is a disagreeable 
feature in keeping other breeds of ducks. They are re- 
