BREEDS AND VARIETIES 



Wood duck is generally kept for ornamental pur- 

 poses. This duck is said to be a native of China. 



Classification of Breeds 



So far as the standard breeds and varieties are 

 concerned they may be divided into three classes 

 according to the purpose for which they are kept 

 and for which they are best suited. First is the meat 

 class which consists of the Pekin, Aylesbury, Mus- 

 covy, Rouen, Buff, Cayuga and Blue Swedish. These 

 breeds could well be termed general purpose ducks 

 for they are quite good layers in addition to produc- 

 ing excellent table carcasses and are therefore well 

 suited for general farm use. They are, however, 

 kept more particularly for meat production. 



The second class is known as the egg class and 

 consists of the three varieties of the Runner Duck, 

 formerly known as the Indian Runner. The Runner 

 Duck is much smaller in size than the birds of the 

 meat class, is longer in leg and more active, and is 

 not so well suited for the production of table ducks 

 but is a very prolific layer. With proper feeding 

 and management the Runner ducks will compare 

 favorably with hens as egg producers. 



The third class is known as the ornamental class 

 and is composed of the ducks which are kept and 

 bred principally for ornamental purposes. This 

 class consists of the Call duck with its two varieties, 



11 



