Povuutry. 143 
V.—_THE DOMESTIO DUCK. 
The origin of the tame duck is not a well settled pomt 
Dixon supposes it to have been imported from India and China 
in or about the year 1498. 
Of the numerous varieties known to the poulterer, Mr. 
Giles, of Woodstock, Conn., whom we have already had occa- 
sion to quote, recommends, for those who desire to keep ducks 
for use and not for ornament merely, the Rouen, the Java, and 
the Aylesbury. 
The Rouen duck, originally from Rouen, France, is of a 
dark-brown plumage; legs and feet a dark dusky red; bill at 
the base black, tapering down toward the point a dark green, 
sometimes streaked with yellow; long in the body, with a 
small neck. The drakes are invariably the color of the wild 
Mallard drake, having a white ring around the neck; legs and 
feet a bright red; bill a bright yellow ; flesh darker and higher 
flavored than the common duck. Very prolific, hardy, and 
easy to raise; will weigh at full maturity from eighteen to 
twenty pounds a pair. 
_The Java duck, originally from Java. Plumage a glossy 
black; neck long; round body; legs and feet black, and black 
bill. Drakes are black, head and neck bordering on a dark 
green; yellow bill; with bright red legs and feet. The Java 
ducks will attain to nearly the same weight as the Rouens— 
flesh similar. 
The Aylesbury duck, originally from the town of Aylesbury, 
England. Plumage a beautiful white, with white bill; legs 
and feet a bright pink, ornamental in appearance; easy to 
propagate; producing white downy feathers, white skin, and 
delicate, savory flesh; will weigh from fifteen to eighteen pounds 
the pair. Sit the eggs under hens, and have them hatch out 
early. With care you can have large ducks, ; 
The Wild Mallard duck is often domesticated. It is a very 
beautiful bird and becomes quite tame, rearing broods like the 
common duck; but no permanent tame race has yet been de- 
Tived from them. 
