The Worst About the Indian Runner 



CHAPTER V 



If we are to tell the best about a breed, it is only fair 

 defense of those who cannot exercise sound judgment as to their 

 own chances, to tell the worst, also. Let us plunge in, therefore, 

 and have the worst over! 



"The Worst", please note, falls under two heads: that 

 brought out by experience, and that brought forth by guesses, or 

 on general principles, or in fear that this natty little duck is going 

 to hurt the sales of hens, or even in order to attract attention 

 and rush in where the experienced "angels" fear to tread. 



In my own correspondence, one person wrote as follows, 

 speaking of "enthusiastic" correspondents: "I know the breed. 

 Ours is a land of liars. No sooner does a man tell a good story 

 than his neighbor considers it a duty to go him one (I should 

 rather say three) better. Just now. Runners are on the run, 

 and Leghorns are getting a rest. My 31 produced eleven eggs 

 yesterday (a banner day) ; to-day, three. Be amiable in spite 

 of this. You see, I love them in spite of all." This was written 

 in March. Also in March, he said: "I think the Indian Runner 

 an over-estimated bird. From 33 ducks, I am getting only eight 

 eggs a day." Later, this correspondent was himself enthusiastic 

 about the Runners. 



Recently, a Runner breeder wrote to this effect: "Did you 

 see how Rigg is hammering Indian Runners? What's he but- 

 ting in for?" Mr. Rigg is a dignified, experienced journalist 

 and poultry writer, whose honesty of intent no one questions. 

 When asked to explain what he meant by his "warning in regard 

 to the Indian Runner Duck boom," he said : 



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