536 
The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 
“ It is tolerably well known that a most extensive trade is carried on in this neighbourhood in 
young ducks for the London market ; all the surrounding villages send their quota of young birds 
to the railway-stations about twice a week, and on these ‘extra* da3'S sometimes several tons' 
weight will go up to town in a single night, and the demand is still increasing. The large duck- 
breeders commence collecting eggs from the neighbourhood about Michaelmas. They generally 
contract to take them for the whole season, by which they get them for much less money, generally 
about two shillings a sitting, until June, when collection ceases. These eggs are set under hens, 
and one person will have a hundred and fifty hens sitting at one time. Most fanciers have to 
wait several days ; but these people, by long experience, can tell after a few hours, by holding 
them up to the light, how many eggs will prove good, and the useless ones are taken away and 
fresh supplied, in time to hatch out with the rest. The hens are taken off to feed once a day, and 
if any eggs are broken they are taken away at once, and the remaining eggs and nest perfectly 
cleaned. Every care is taken in this way. The hens are contracted for by the season, the same 
as the eggs are ; about three shillings and sixpence each being generally about the price. They 
are set every week as fast as they can be procured. 
“ When the ducklings are hatched several broods are put together, one hen taking charge of 
fifty ducklings or more, as they do not want brooding like chickens. They are fed regularly three 
times a day, the very first food being hard-boiled eggs, rice, and bread ; afterwards with greaves 
and barley-meal [see Mr. Fowler’s description of the way this food is prepared], grains, and 
toppings. They require keeping very clean, and fresh straw every day, and have to be kept from 
draughts, as they are subject to cramp. Some let them go into the water once a day for a 
short time, and others not ; I think they do best with the indulgence. They have a little water- 
stand by them with some grit in it. Many think that this grit found in the Vale is different to any 
other — they certainly are very fond of it, and, without doubt, it is very beneficial in assisting 
to digest the food. 
“ About eight weeks old they are quite ready for the market, and are killed weekly at that 
age. The weight is considered very good if they reach four pounds at that time, and the cost of 
feeding to this age is about two shillings each. March is the dearest time in the London market, 
and they will then make seventeen to nineteen shillings a couple. Of course the seasons differ a 
little, but they always sell very high for a few weeks, and then begin gradually to decline in price 
until June, when they are not much more than five or six shillings a couple, and the season is 
considered over. Indeed they do not succeed later, the hot weather producing giddiness when 
kept so many together, so that they do not remunerate for the trouble and expense of rearing 
after that time. 
“ They are generally hatched for exhibition about March and April, and such are treated in a 
more hardy manner than the market birds. They have access to water more freely, and great 
pains are taken to keep them from the sun, which tans both their bills and plumage. The peculiar 
grit found in the Vale greatly helps to keep their bills clean, and also to give health and vigour to 
their frames. The softer and clearer the water is the better. The young birds require good and 
regular feeding three times a day, and should be let out in the water for two hours every morning 
before the sun gets any power. While they are away, clean out the houses, and give plenty of fresh 
straw — they will then keep beautifully clean and white. The best food I always found, to produce 
ivcight without producing fat , is good barley-meal, mixed with boiled greaves, quite stiff, and 
plenty of green food, such as lettuce, cabbage, or any other garden produce that can be spared. 
They are very fond of green food, and it is very cooling in the hot weather. I will only add that 
exhibition birds require keeping quiet, and plenty of room, when they feed better. My own houses 
