508 



Russian Budget, 1898. 



industry before success is attained. Those who have been 

 successful in raising ducks have learned the business much 

 as one does any other vocation. The beginner is advised to 

 start modestly, and increase his plant as his knowledge of the 

 work increases. The average farmer in America, however, 

 the writer of the bulletin observes, has all the facilities for 

 breeding a considerable number of ducks, and may with a 

 little outlay add considerably to his income. 



According to American experience, it is not at all neces- 

 sary that ducks should have access to water to be reared 

 successfully, as they grow and thrive readily without it. Some 

 duck-keepers have water on their farms and allow their 

 breeding ducks the freedom of it ; some allow their growing 

 stock intended for market free access to water until they are 

 eight weeks old, when they are penned and fattened for 

 market. On the other hand, there are breeders who have no 

 water on their farms, who are just as successful and send as 

 many birds to market as those who have a pond or stream. 

 The only noticeable difference between " upland " and 

 "water" ducks is that the latter have prettier and cleaner 

 plumage than the former. 



The Russian Agricultural Budget of 1898. 



In the Report of the Russian Minister of Finance on the 

 Budget of 1 898, the provision for the work of the Ministry of 

 Agriculture and Domains amounted to £3,806,095, a s against 

 £3,560,401 last year. Of this sum the cost of administration 

 is put down at £1,105,886, the amount devoted to the central 

 administration being £147,173, and to the local administra- 

 tion £958,713. The cost of the constructional works, mate- 

 rial, labour, etc., is estimated at £1,570,758. Provincial 

 land taxes and communal shares in connection with the 

 State forests are provided for to the extent of £460,061. 

 Schools, model farms, and establishments for agriculture, 

 forestry, and mining will absorb £208,043, and £188,689 is 

 allowed for endowments. Sundry expenses, and an appro- 



