Breeds of Poultry 319 
male weighs from seven to ten pounds and the female from six to 
eight pounds. These fowls have certain advantages over chickens 
that make them favorites with some persons. Ducks have a 
phlegmatic temperament, are difficult to frighten, and are easily 
confined. They are com- 
paratively free from cer- 
tain diseases that often 
trouble chickens. It i 
important to remember 
‘that the duck lacks the 
distinct crop or craw of 
the hen, and that the food 
passes more directly into 
the digestive organs. The 
food, therefore, does not 
undergo so complete a 
softening as that con- 
sumed by the hen. For 
this reason it is of the ut- 
most importance that the food be consumed in a soft condition. 
In nature, ducks gather a large proportion of their food from 
streams, ponds, and marshy places (Fig. 130). 
502. Geese. — These are also web-footed, short-legged, thick- 
bodied water-fowls raised for their meat and feathers, and to some 
extent for ornamental purposes. The Standard of Perfection rec- 
ognizes six breeds and seven varieties, varying considerably in 
size, shape, and color. These fowls are much larger than ducks, 
adult males weighing from twelve to twenty pounds and females 
from ten to eighteen pounds. In this respect, they rank second 
to the turkey. Geese are not raised so extensively as ducks. 
Possibly this is due to the fact that to thrive they should have 
free range and access to water, such as ponds, streams, and the 
like (Fig. 131). 
503. Guinea-fowls. — These are rather deep, plump, round- 
nm 
Fic. 130.— The Pekin duck. 
