POUL TRY-CRAFT. 239 
and good layers. In color they are a lustrous greenish black,—the flight 
feathers of the females sometimes brownish. In most sections of the country 
they are rare. 
352. Call Ducks are bantam ducks. There are two varieties: the Gray, 
in color resembling Rouens, and the White. They are kept only by fanciers, 
and as ornamental fowls. 
353. Black East Indian Ducks are small black ducks, not common, 
and kept mostly for ornamental purposes. 
354. Crested White Ducks are almost sufficiently described by their 
name: they are of medium size, and quite rare. 
355. Muscovy Ducks are specially distinguished by the bare face with 
much carunculated skin, giving them a savage appearance, and a reputation for 
viciousness which the males, at least, richly deserve. Standard weights are: 
adult drake, 10 lbs.; young drake, 8 lbs; adult duck, 8 lbs.; young duck, 
7 \bs. They are reputed very poor layers. Before the advent of the Pel in 
the White variety of this breed was used by Long Island duck growers. 
There are two varieties: Colored Muscovy Ducks are black and white, irregu- 
larly marked, the black generally predominating; with dark colored bills, 
and legs ranging from yellow to black. White Muscovy Ducks have pure 
white plumage, flesh colored beaks, and yellow legs. 
356. Indian Runner Ducks were but recently introduced into this coun- 
try. They are small; Standard weights: males, 44 lbs.; females, 4 lbs. Their 
color is a light fawn (or gray). They are valued chiefly for laying qualities. 
Rare, and not likely to become popular. 
357. Buying Stock.—The remarks on buying stock, J 111, 112, apply 
to ducks as well as to chickens. Prices of ducks and of duck eggs, while 
ruling about the same as prices of chickens, for good breeding and ordinary 
exhibition stock, (113), never reach the extreme high prices mentioned for 
chickens. As to starting with eggs or with stock, the remarks in § 114 apply, 
except that Pekin duck breeders sometimes advise starting with eggs rather 
than stock when the shipment has a long distance to go. The ducks go off 
badly on a long journey, and are not likely to be worth much as breeders the 
first season in their new home. 
358. Points on Breeding.—As much of the information contained in 
Chap. X., 1 193—214, as is of general application, applies to duck breeding: 
Points requiring special mention are :— 
