of a bird as much as artificial needs will allow. It looks rea- 

 sonable to me that the exercise of swimming must strengthen 

 the abdominal parts and legs, and make for better fertility in 

 the eggs, or at least, better hatchability. Also, that the water 

 bath would help to keep down inflammation, in case of straining 

 from laying extra large eggs, or other reason. 



It is also true that the sitting duck, in nature, probably 

 moistens her eggs each time she returns to the nest, because her 

 feathers are moist. This points to nests on the ground, or ground 

 at least sprinkled occasionally, to give moist atmosphere. Play in 

 the water gives vigor, delight, and activity, and the ducks often 

 mate while on the water. 



You will notice that ducks cannot keep their plumage in 

 good condition unless they can have a water bath, at least in 

 muddy weather. Yet, the water which is their greatest neces- 

 sity is also one of their gravest dangers. It is not at all safe 

 to allow the young the freedom of ponds, swales or any other 

 place which enemies haunt, until fully grown. Turtles and other 

 vermin make inroads into the flocks and dogs run ducks down 

 much more quickly and surely than they do hens, unless the 

 ducks take to flight. Hunters are even more dangerous and 

 lawless. 



A beginner cannot distinguish the sex till the sex feathers 

 come with the second coat — shown by the curl on the drake's 

 tail. With more experience, the size and breadth of bill and 

 general appearance will help some, and the coarser, heavy quack 

 of the duck will distinguish her, some weeks before the sex 

 feathers appear. 



Mr. Root says in his journal: "Both of my ducks have 

 blue bills, while the two drakes have yellow bills; this is prob- 

 ably accidental." [ !] He thinks the first edition of this book gave 

 too much space to native country, coloring "and ducks that lay 

 only white eggs instead of eggs that are slightly tinted green 



9& 



