284 Second Annual Keport of the 



THE POND. 



Fortunately for mallard breeding, an elaborate or costly plant 

 is not necessary. The three things that are absolutely indis- 

 pensable are a pond, a bit of meadow, and a certain amount of 

 brush-covered ground, or a tract of rank grass. 



The main reason for the pond is obvious — to keep the birds 

 clean and in good health. Any farm that is traversed by a run- 

 ning brook is eligible for duck-farming operations. In case a pond 

 does not exist, one can easily be made. A large pond will last a 

 long time without being emptied and cleaned; but if the pond 

 must be a small one, then the owner should establish it on such a 

 basis that it can easily be emptied and thoroughly cleaned. For 

 a small pond, the ideal bottom is one covered with concrete, so 

 that the work of cleaning is rendered both easy and effective. If 

 a pond has a gravelly bottom, it does not require any concrete ; 

 but a bottom of black earth, or swamp muck, should be paved in 

 some manner, at the earliest moment. In constructing a pond 

 for aquatic birds or mammals, its bottom should slope toward the 

 outlet in such a manner that when the outlet is opened, the entire 

 area will be quickly drained. 



So long as the water in a pond can be kept reasonably clean, it 

 will support a really large population of ducks. Although we never 

 have tested the matter, we believe that in commercial duck-raising 

 it will be sufficient to allow two square yards (18 square feet) of 

 water surface to each duck. Thus a pond 100 feet square would 

 be sufficient for 555 ducks. It is to be carefully noted, however, 

 that the water is to be kept reasonably clean ; which means that a 

 deep layer of excretions must not be allowed to accumulate on the 

 bottom. It is understood that rarely, if ever, will all the ducks of 

 a flock occupy the pond at the same time. 



After the pond has been formed, the next step is to plant a large 

 portion of the enclosure with thick cover, the most suitable plants 

 for the purpose being willows, privet, etc. If plenty of tangled 

 brush is provided, mallards will nest freely on the ground in 

 sheltered nooks. It is always well, however, to supply a, number 

 of bottomless boxes about 15 inches square, laid on the ground, 

 with an opening near the bottom large enough to permit the 

 entrance of the bird. 



