138 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
AYLESBURY DUCK. 
(Anas boscas var). 
The well-known variety, known as the Aylesbury Duck, 
takes its name from the town in Buckinghamshire, where it is 
bred in large numbers for the table, this work being principally 
carried on by men called “ duckers,” who will eagerly buy up 
and give good prices for early-hatched ducks and fertile eggs. 
The subject of the market value and best methods of prepartion 
of these birds for the table does not enter into the intention of 
the present manual, so I will only advert to the Aylesbury 
Duck as an ornamental waterfowl. In this light we usually find 
it represented at poultry exhibitions, where liberal prizes are 
offered for the best specimens. The points required in a prize 
bird are pure white plumage, and long straight rose-pink or 
flesh-coloured bill; legs of a brilliant orange, and a massive 
frame. Water containing any taint of iron, much exposure to 
the sun, or digging in the earth, tend to discolour the bill; 
exhibitors therefore afford the birds considerable shelter, and 
restrict their liberty, in order to ensure the requisite size, and 
perfection of points. The application of vinegar and pumice 
stone, I am informed, is occasionally resorted to when the bill 
shows any imperfection. In the district of Aylesbury a 
particular sort of white grit, found in the locality, is placed in 
pans of water for the birds to shovel among, a process tending 
to whiten the bill. 
Male. —Entire plumage brilliant white ; two central tail- 
coverts wel] curled over; legs brilliant orange ; bill pale pink 
or flesh colour, free from discolouration or spot, Weight, about 
eight to ten pounds. 
Female.—Same as male, without curled feathers in tail ; 
inferior in weight. 
