DOMESTIC POULTBT. 



Soon comes another peck ; but this time the duck is seen, and 

 aggrieved chanticleer dashes at him with all the anger of 

 three assaults combined. Down flops the duck on the ground, 

 tucking his head under his wing ; the cock runs over him in 

 triumph, walking once or twice over his prostrate enemy, and 

 returns to his meal in high spirits. Presently the duck draws 

 out his head, opens first one eye, then- the other, gets up cau- 

 tiously, saunters behind the cock, and salutes him with ano- 

 ther peck. The irritated bird again attacks his foe, again 

 meets with no opposition, again returns to his food, and is 

 again attacked in a similar manner, until he is completely 

 wearied out, and finally takes to flight, pursued by the trium- 

 phant duck, who has won, like Fabius, by delay." 



Several anecdotes are related of the attachment of the duck 

 to its young, some of which are rather remarkable and inter- 

 esting. Says a well-known naturalist : — " A farmer's wife had 

 a young duck, which by some acadent was deprived of its 

 companions, and from that moment seemed to concentrate all 

 its afiections on her. Wherever she moved, it followed her so 

 closely that she was in constant feat- of treading upon and 

 cnishuig it to death. As it grew older, its aflfections seemed 

 to strengthen rather than diminish ; it laid itself by the fire 

 and basked on the hearth, and when noticed seemed delighted. 

 This continued till some other ducks were procured, when, 

 being constantly driven out of the house, it gradually associated 

 itself with its more natural companions." 



The same authority relates a singular instance of a fierce 

 house-dog being greatly attached to a brood of ducks, " who, 

 notwithstanding his apparently savage disposition, soon became 

 so fond of him, that whenever, from his barking, they appre- 

 hended danger, they would rush towards him iot protection, 

 and seek shelter in his kennel." 



Naturalists count nearly a hundred species of the duck 

 genus, scattered over all parts of the world ; and there is little 

 doubt that the intending keeper of this profitable bird may 

 take his choice from at least twenty difierent sorts. No great 

 amount of knowledge neither is necessary in purchasing them, 

 as there is very little difference in the whole family, either as 

 regards hardiness, laying, or hatching, so that the most igno- 

 rant may indulge his fancy without being afraid of making a 

 bad bargain. 



The white Aylesbury duck is, and deservedly, a universal 

 favourite. Its snowy plumage and comfortable comportment 



