The Indian Runner and the Farm 



CHAPTER VII 



Because I see no future before the Indian Runner, eventually, 

 except as a farm duck, I am especially glad to get the farm point 

 of view. 



There are already many modifications of the types of Indian 

 Runners in the country, entirely aside from the two very distinct 

 and opposing types to which so much reference has already been 

 made. It is almost impossible for any breeder to put his hand to 

 a breed without transforming it to some extent. This is abund- 

 antly shown even in the references to the "strains" of different 

 breeders, and to the differing claims made by advertisers. How 

 are these changes made ? Often — very often — by "hocus-pocus." 

 That is, by putting in a dash of any blood which a breeder may 

 think will bring the birds nearer to his ideal — usually an ideal ari 

 to feathers and form, rather than as to production. Production 

 cannot be ignored, to be sure, but it is made to take at least third 

 place; for color comes first with the average fancier, then form, 

 then, if he has no other hobby to work out, production, possibly. 

 On most farms production must count above all else. But what 

 when production depends on type? 



It is wholly true that no two breeders can take even the 

 same strain, with birds very similar, and, working entirely apart, 

 show the same type of birds at the end of five years. Each puts 

 his own stamp upon the breed, or variety. It may be that all the 

 change has been made by selection of eggs. It may be that it 

 has been made only in the selection of birds to carry on his work. 

 The fact remains that each worker is practically certain to put his 



