TYPES AND BREEDS OF DUCKS 



445 



corresponding to the comb in fowls. There is a tuft of feathers on 

 the head which can be raised or depressed at will.^ Another con- 

 spicuous feature is the difference in the size of the sexes, the males 

 being commonly much larger than the females. The Muscovy 

 Duck has greater power of flight than other domestic ducks, and 

 frequently perches on branches or elevated places. The color of 

 the wild race is black with some white on the head. In domes- 

 tication black, black and white, blue, and white are found. The 

 American Standard varieties are the colored (black and white) and 

 the zvhite. 



Table XXIII. American Standard Weights of Ducks 



Note. The improved races of ducks are all rapid growers, and of large size 

 compared with the common duck. For special duck plants the Pekin is the 

 only duck now considered in America. Its color, hardiness, fecundity, and 

 docile disposition make it far superior to any of the others for the conditions 

 of production on a large scale and for the requirements of the market. Prior 

 to the advent of the Pekin, the White Muscovy and the Aylesbury Duck were 

 used by growers producing for the New York market. The Aylesbury in this 

 country has never been a favorite. At different times, duck growers have 

 tried the experiment of crossing the Aylesbury and Pekin, but have invaria- 

 bly discarded the results, considering the produce inferior to the Pekin. In 

 England the modern Aylesbury has some Pekin blood, but how much it 

 is impossible to say. Aylesbury breeders declare that there is very little. 

 Others assert that the modern Aylesbury is practically nothing else than a 



1 This is true as to the feathers on the heads of fowls, ducks, and geese, but 

 when there are only a few very small, short feathers on the head, they simply 

 appear rough when elevated. I have frequently observed Pekin Ducks -with the 

 feathers on the head elevated so that it appeared deformed. In some the action, 

 or attitude, was so constant that it was practically a deformity ; in others it was 

 only occasional. 



