249 
DOMESTIC WATER FOWL. 
DUCKS. 
r . 
Geese and. Ducks are our most common domestic Water 
Fowl, and both may be reared with advantage, and, in 
our experience, without much trouble. Ducklings may 
be brought out either under a natural mother, or 
a Common Hen; and, during the first week or two, 
should be managed in a manner similar to that recom- 
mended before for Turkeys and Common Fowls. 
On the second or third day, they acquire consider- 
able strength, and in a couple of weeks, are nearly 
independent of all care, running about, in all directions, 
after grubs and insects, if within reach. They should 
be kept from much exercise in water for fully three 
weeks, however, and ought not to be permitted to get 
wetted by rain, from which they suffer considerably at 
this tender age. 
There are various breeds of this most useful Fowl, 
amongst which may be mentioned the Aylesborough, 
the White or English, and the Dark Brown, approach- 
ing to the plumage of the Common Wild Duck. 
