Practical Game-Preserving. 266 



been named, more or less constant watching of the duck- 

 lings by the waterside will be necessary ; but in a very 

 little time they will learn to hide themselves from probable 

 danger, and in this way protect themselves to considerable 

 extent. If, however, losses amongst the ducklings occur, 

 such steps as have been recommended above and may 

 suggest themselves as suitable should be employed against 

 the vermin ; and beyond this, constant watching, with the 

 assistance of a shot-gun, is the most effective means of 

 protection. It is not necessary, as it is not expedient, 

 to disturb the ducks, and by working round some little 

 distance from where they are located adequate protection 

 can be afforded them until such time as they are free of 

 the coops, when their natural instinct prompts them to 

 self -preservative habits. 



When foxes get amongst the nearly mature ducks, as 

 they sometimes do, their depredations are liable to reach 

 excessive limits, and it is at the same time very difficult 

 to deal with them, especially in hunting countries, where 

 the destruction of foxes is looked upon almost as a crime. 

 I have, however, found that a number of traps set about 

 in directions whence the foxes may approach will tend to 

 scare them. Another plan is to cut some strips of bright 

 tin-plate about 2ft. long by 4in. wide, which, having 

 had one edge cut out in zigzag fashion, should be set up 

 in cleft stakes so as to stand about level with the top of 

 any growth there may be. The tin should be partially 

 striped with tar. Another good plan is to hang up two 

 or three old roasting-jacks round the outskirts of where 

 the ducks congregate. Particulars of how to furnish them 

 will be found in the chapter on " Foxes and Game." 



As will have been seen, there is really no great diffi- 

 culty in the successful rearing of wild ducks, provided the 

 simple rules as to their feeding and management are 



