462 



Duck Raising. 



[NOV., 



and of 5 to 7 cwt. of basic slag in autumn, after the first hay 

 crop has been cut. Basic slag will greatly encourage the growth 

 of the clovers, and if subsequently the stock grazing the pastures 

 receive oil-cakes, the permanent grasses will benefit. 



The above quantity of seed should be enough for clean land 

 in good tilth. On a rough surface increase the rye-grass and 

 red clover to ensure a cover ; and to counteract the effects of 

 rye-grass on the other pasture plants, manure liberally about 

 the third or fourth season. T. H. MlDDLETON. 



DUCK RAISING. 



Every species of live stock has its individual qualities, 

 which require to be carefully studied if we are to attain the 

 greatest amount of success. Conditions which are favourable 

 to, and methods which meet the needs of ^animals of one 

 kind, are totally inadequate for and unsuited to others. Soil, 

 •climatic influences, available space, have all to be considered, 

 and no fact is more apparent in connection with stock raising 

 than that the conditions must be in conformity with the nature 

 •of our domesticated animals. What can be accomplished with 

 •stock in one place may not be possible in another. The diversity 

 -of soil and climate, which is so marked a feature of Britain, 

 ^explains why there is such a great variation in the stock of the 

 country, and why our farmers have succeeded in placing them- 

 selves in the front rank as breeders of high-class animals of all 

 kinds. What is true in respect to horses and cattle and pigs is 

 equally so with the different species of poultry. 



Districts suitable jor duck raising. — Districts which are 

 specially suited to the raising of chickens may not be equally 

 favourable for ducks, while those where ducklings can be reared 

 with advantage are generally undesirable for turkeys. Market 

 requirements must, of course, be regarded, but it is useless to 

 attempt to force production where natural influences are 

 antagonistic. Where the object is the raising of ducklings 

 there can be no question that valleys or well-watered plains 

 are much better than the higher lands, and for the breeding 

 stock the presence of sufficient water in which they can exercise 

 themselves is important. What should be avoided is dry or 

 harsh soil/for there satisfactory results can hardly be expected. 



