306 DUCKS AND DUCK-BREEDING. 

away several days. For this reason they cannot be kept in 
confinement, but must have freedom. They grow to a very 
great size, and drakes will often scale 12 lbs. when ma- 
tured. As layers they are somewhat uncertain. 
THE CAYUGA DUCK. 
Several‘attempts have been made to popularize the Cayuga 
duck as an economic fowl, but without success, its small size 
and dark flesh being serious disadvantages on our markets. 
It is excellent in meat properties, the darker coloured flesh 
and full flavour enabling it to take the place of the wild duck. 
As a layer, except where enfeeblement has resulted from 
close breeding for exhibition purposes, it is very good indeed. 
Crossed with the Pekin, it makes a very meaty bird for the 
table. The body is long and wide, with a flat back and very 
deep breast; the thighs are short and plump, and the legs 
short, strong and small; the neck is long, and the head and 
biil long and rather narrow; the plumage is bright metallic 
black; the legs and feet black or smoky-brown, and the bill 
blue-black ; adult specimens weigh 6} to 74 lbs. 
BREEDING. 
The breeding of ducks is especially suited to those who 
have only a limited amount of space at command, but it is 
also a branch which can be followed by the farmer. As is 
well known, this industry is largely developed in Bucking- 
hamshire and Bedfordshire. Within the last few years the 
area has extended to a considerable extent, and success has 
been achieved in other parts of the country, notably where the 
soil is ight and of a gravelly nature. Asa general principle, 
it should be realized that the breeding stock must have access 
to water in which to disport themselves, and the progeny are 
much stronger if the parents have liberty. Consequently, in 
the duck breeding centres small occupiers who hatch and 
rear the ducklings do not keep the stock birds, but purchase 
eggs for hatching, and this plan can be generally recom- 
mended, as it enables many to undertake the rearing who 
would not otherwise be able to do so. 
