

253 Wild Duck. 



in the case of only two or three such weak ones, which 

 must be left to take their chance. 



Wild ducklings must not be allowed access to water into 

 which they can get bodily ; but they require fresh spring 

 water for drinking purposes, and this must be provided 

 after every meal, in suitable vessels. These must be so 

 arranged as to prevent the ducklings from getting into the 

 water. Drinking-pans of the necessary type can be 

 purchased or made. 



If the directions given be carefully followed, and proper 

 and intelligent care be given to the young wild ducks, they 

 should progress very rapidly in every respect. For the 

 most part they require little protection against themselves ; 

 but in certain conditions of weather when it is wet and 

 cold, and when hot sunshine alternates with sharp cold 

 showers it is sometimes necessary to exercise some dis- 

 crimination in allowing them out for the whole day at a 

 stretch. They should be treated in every way as being 

 wild ; but the lack of the maternal protection must always 

 be borne in mind and provided for as far as possible in 

 the earlier stages of their existence. 



The removal of the youngsters from the rearing-field to 

 the permanent quarters beside the water will at the same 

 time entail a change of feeding and treatment. Once out 

 of the rearing-field, where the young wild ducklings will 

 have had everything to assist and protect them, they will 

 enter upon what is the most precarious period of their 

 existence ; but once fairly and firmly established, there is 

 very little to fear upon their behalf. Properly tended and 

 properly fed, they are almost sure to do well ; but there 

 always arises the question of outside enemies when they 

 are first turned away so to speak and it will be neces- 

 sary to provide against this contingency also. Before 

 proceeding further with the matter of the feeding of the 



