PLATE LXIII. 
The Duck 
Described in this plate is of the common tame kind, therefore well known. Their colours 
vary much from each other, and they are of different weights, as from two to three, or near four 
pounds each. This Bird meafured from the point of the bill to the tip of the tail, fifteen inches, 
and round the breaft fourteen. Early hatched Ducks will begin to lay about Oftober, and continue 
the greateft part of the Winter, until Spring, when they want to lit. They fit four weeks; can with 
eafe cover 14 or 15 Eggs ; and prefer a fituation near the water for their Neft. Their Eggs are 
larger, and much fmoother than thofe of a Hen, but not fo mild; fome are of a blueidi colour, 
others whiter. In places where there are many bred to fupply the London markets, they take away 
the young as foon as hatched, put more than 100 in a pen together, and nurfing them with proper 
food, in feven or eight weeks make them fit for the fpit. At Aylefbury in Buckinghamlhiie, where 
many are bred, they will not fuffer a coloured one to live, but have a breed peculiar to thenifclves. 
Thefeeders near Town buy all forts, regardlefs of their colour; and I have known a breeder to have 
atone time in his poffeffion 700 dozen for the fiipply of the London market. 
