DUCKS. 
VI 
There are many varieties of the tame duck, and many foreign varieties 
have been brought to this country. That most in request is the dark- 
colored Rouen, originally from France, which is very prolific in eggs. The 
English, or Aylesbury white variety is also considered valuable, as large 
and profitable. The Muscovy duck is a distinct species, and not a mere 
variety, much larger than the common duck, and distinguished by a sort of 
compounded membrane of a red color, covering the cheeks, and extending 
behind the eyes. This kind is easily fattened, and is a profitable breeder. 
There are also several other foreign species and varieties, which are some¬ 
times kept rather for ornament than use. 
The tame duck will lay from eleven to fifteen eggs, and she sits for 
thirty days. They begin to lay in February, and when not watched will 
lay abroad, and conceal their eggs. They generally lay at night or early in 
the morning. When she is about to lay, she looks very large behind, and 
should then be kept within the stable-yard or duck-liouse. While sitting, 
MUSCOVY DUCK. 
the duck requires a secluded and soft place. On hatching she should be 
taken with her brood and put under a coop; a shallow pan of water should 
be placed near her for her drink and for that of her young ones, but it 
should be very shallow. In about ten days she may be let loose, when, 
with her brood, she will immediately take to the water. 
Young ducks should be fed upon corn-meal or curds, and kept in a warm 
place at night-time, and not let out early in the morning. They should, if 
possible, be kept from water to swim in, as it always does them harm. 
When the ducks grow large they may be fed upon oats, which should be 
bruised; to which may be added peameal, some broth, chopped vegetables, 
such as carrots, turnips, potatoes, and particularly lettuce, of which they are 
very fond. They may be fattened on the same food, with the addition of 
corn-meal made into doughy lumps; but all offal and filth should bo parti¬ 
cularly avoided. 
