Ducks 229 



when ten weeks old. The Aylesbury is an English 

 duck, which resembles very much the Pekin in 

 color and habit, but is not seen much in this coun- 

 try. The Muscovy came from South America, 

 and is of small value compared with the Pekin. 

 The Rouen is much favored in France. In size 

 and type it resembles the Pekin, but it has a gray 

 body color, reddish breast, and greenish back. It 

 is good, but not able to displace the Pekin. An- 

 other duck which is increasing on farms and in 

 yards in America is the Indian Runner, usually seen 

 in fawn and white patches, though they also come 

 with a white plumage. These are small, and lay eggs 

 freely, being kept for their eggs rather than meat. 

 Hatching. — Duck's eggs can be hatched with 

 the ordinary equipment used for chickens. They 

 may be placed in the incubator with the regular 

 hatch, and left a week longer, or they, may be 

 placed under the hens, who sit patiently the 

 required four weeks and then seem perfectly satis- 

 fied with these children, giving them all the care 

 required. Nine eggs are enough for any ordinary 

 hen. Provide moisture, as explained in the chap- 

 ter on incubation, as the long period of hatching 

 tends to dry the eggs. 



