292 duck. 



As our metropolis requires the earliest broods of young 1 Ducks 

 that can he obtained, several places within a moderate distance, 

 think it worth while to rear them for that purpose ; and none more 

 than Aylesbury in Bucks, and its vicinity; almost the whole of 

 which are hatched under Hens,* as being more certain in sitting. 

 To procure the eggs early, the first broods of the year are selected, 

 and being well fed and kept warm, will begin to lay about October, 

 and continue so to do during the winter. The eggs are put under the 

 Hens, when after sitting a month, the Ducklings are taken away as 

 soon as hatched, and fresh eggs put under the Hen for a second 

 brood ; and sometimes even a third set, by a few covetous people. 

 The young birds are kept in a warm room, with a fire in it when 

 the weather is cold, and fed with grains and barley meal, frequently 

 boiled into a mess with graves, and other fattening ingredients, on 

 which they soon become fit for the London markets ; these are weekly 

 collected by higglers, and sent alive to London in wicker baskets; 

 seventy dozen, or more, are often collected by one higgler, and con- 

 veyed in carts to the poulterers. I find that the chosen breed is pure 

 white, with pale bill and legs; those with yellow bills are less 

 esteemed. We are informed, that more than 10,000 pounds worth 

 are sent annually from Aylesbury, and its neighbourhood. 



B. — Bosehas major, Bris. vi. 326. B. Id. 8vo. ii. 448. Lid. Orn. ii. 851. Gen. Syn. 



vi. 495. 43. Var. A. 

 Anas fera secunda, Klein, Av. 131. 3. 



This differs from the Common one in being larger, and measuring 

 two feet six inches in length, and three feet nine inches in breadth. 

 It is like the other in plumage, except the back, which is the colour 

 of soot. This is probably the Variety, called by some the Roan, or 

 Rouen Duck; which is considered by Colonel Montagu f only as 

 a half domesticated species, obliged to leave the canals or pieces of 

 water belonging to private persons when frozen. 



* In abundance in Spain, where they are chiefly hatched under Hens. f Orn. Diet. 



