DucKS AND DUCK-BREEDING. 303 



the breed just named. Fully matured specimens weigh : 
drakes, 10 lbs., ducks, 9 lbs. 
THE PEKIN DUCK. 
This breed was first introduced into Britain in 1872, direct 
from China, but was not then brought publicly forward, and 
it was not until two years later, when other importations by 
way of America took place, that it fell into the hands of 
poultry-breeders, who at once perceived that it differed from 
any variety of duck then known, and possessed special 
characteristics. The attractive appearance, prolificness as 
layers, natural vigour, and apparently large size of the new 
birds speedily won popularity, and for a time it seemed that 
they would take the place so long occupied by the Aylesbury. 
Close-breeding and want of fresh blood had somewhat 
enfeebled the last-named variety, reducing the fertility of the 
eggs and the vigour of the ducklings. Their wonderful laying 
powers soon made the Pekins popular, and they supplied an 
influence much needed for crossing with the Aylesbury, 
which, while for a time affecting the purity of the last-named 
breed, has been of permanent benefit, so far as vigour is 
concerned. It cannot be said that of late years the Pekin 
has maintained its position, for it has proved to be not nearly 
SO meaty as was supposed, and flesh qualities are now regarded 
as of greater importance than egg production. Though 
often larger in frame than the Aylesbury, it does not carry 
the same quantity of flesh, and an adult specimen generally 
scales one to two pounds less in weight. The reason for this is 
that Pekins do not readily lend themselves to fattening, and 
in America, where they are extensively bred, but where the 
quality of flesh in table poultry is not equal to that met with 
in Europe, it is found that they require two to three weeks 
longer to attain to killing age as ducklings than do the 
Aylesburys, while as adults they are only moderately 
flesny, as can be seen at the dead poultry shows. As with 
fowls that are specially prolific as layers, excess in that 
direction is not accompanied by great meat production 
Hence the flesh is neither so abundant nor so good as that 
