186 BREEDS. 



Aylesbury Ducks. 



The great beauty of this breed consists in its 

 snowy plumage; the delicate rose-coloured bill 

 must also be admired. To obtain it without 

 stain or blemish, free from yellow tinge, is the 

 great aim of all Aylesbury breeders. 



A ferruginous soil, as I have experienced, 

 affects the colour of the bill very much. Al- 

 though correct as to tint, when, brought to the 

 fatal spot, in a few days the yellow shade makes 

 its appearance, and can never be got rid of; 

 true, old age produces this colour on any soiL 



The Aylesbury is admirable for its pure white 

 downy feathers, and as it lays early, the duck- 

 lings are always first in the market. 



The eggs are white, and excellent in flavour. 



Mr Eowler says: — 



"Aylesburys — purest white plumage all over; 

 bills, delicate flesh-colour, long and broad, and set 

 on like the bill of a woodcock; any spots of black 

 or yellow hue must disqualify ; legs, deep orange ; 

 necks, fine and long. 



" Brake and duck quite alike, in form and 

 colour. 



