Pekin Ducks. 
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wing’ [a wing with feathers growing out the wrong way; ducks are subject to this, like Asiatics], 
or any other malformation, however large and good in markings the bird may be ; still, if a 
well-bred one, it is quite likely to produce first-class young ones if well mated. The same may 
be said if the parents have slightly defective bills, or are under-sized ; in spite of these defects, 
they may throw some splendid birds, and indeed are very likely to do so if they come from really 
good stock. 
“ In selecting birds for showing you must pay some attention to the rules or custom of the 
show. If it is stated, or you have reason to know, that Birmingham rules will be adhered to, you 
must pick out your heaviest birds, and not be too particular (though, of course, reasonably so) as to 
condition and feathering; since at Birmingham the prizes are almost always awarded to the greatest 
weight. If only the ordinary provisions are made in the rules, besides paying attention to size, 
the most showy birds should be chosen, and great attention paid to perfection of plumage. During 
the summer months, until say about September, ducklings will almost always beat older birds.” 
Our notes on rearing and exhibiting Aylesbury Ducks will also apply to the Rouen, except as 
to the bills. The plumage, however, derives as much benefit as the bill of the Aylesbury from being 
kept out of the sun, and may, in addition, often gain in gloss from a little soaked linseed added to 
the food two or three weeks before a show. During the summer the drake changes his beautiful 
plumage for the garb of the female. 
THE DUCLAIR DUCK is a so-called variety much raised for market purposes in France ; 
but after considerable inquiry we have arrived at the opinion that it is nothing more than either 
a cross or a sport from the Rouen, which is itself beyond doubt a French duck. 
THE PEKIN DUCK is one of the most valuable of recent introductions. It is rather 
doubtful whether the first importations were made into England or America, Mr. Palmer in the 
United States and Mr. Keele in England having both imported birds in 1873, and both exhibiting 
them in 1874; but in each case there is no doubt they came from Pekin, and were from the first 
a most well-marked variety, though they breed freely with other ducks. Our earliest information 
on the subject came from America, however ; and from material and sketches supplied us from 
that source, we were enabled to publish a full description and the accompanying engraving in the 
first issue of the Live Stock Journal and Fancier's Gazette , which first brought these valuable birds 
into public notice. Since that date their popularity has steadily increased, and stock has 
multiplied both from Mr. Keele’s and American importations, till a separate class has been 
established at all large shows, which is always well filled. 
The Pekin Duck differs from all others in the shape and carriage of its body, which is a 
peculiar boat or barge shape. This curious resemblance is added to by a full growth of feathers 
undet the rump, and a singulai tuined-up cairiage of the tail, the whole irresistibly suggestin 0- 
the idea of an Indian canoe, as well shown by the engraving. The legs are set far back, which 
makes the bird walk rather upright or penguin fashion. The neck is somewhat long, and the 
head decidedly large in proportion. The legs and bill are rich yellow, or even a reddish orange ; 
and the plumage is white, with a peculiar canary yellow or cream colour running through it. 
There have been signs of two schools of colour, some exhibitors showing pure white, and some 
judges at one time favouring this ; but such specimens nearly always had paler bills, and there 
is little doubt that they originated in a cross with the Aylesbury. The duck is now better 
understood, and there is no doubt that the long body, rich bills, and canary-tinged plumage, are 
the correct type 
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