Page:Ducks- and how to make them pay (IA cu31924003102971).pdf/73



Aylesbury ducks—Points of the Aylesbury duck eggs versus chickens' eggs—Stock Aylesbury ducks and trickery—Good breeders for good ducks—Pens of Aylesbury Ducks: how to select and start—Rouens: their characteristics and crosses—Pekins: their points and peculiarities—Cayugas: their antecedents and merits—Muscovies: their habits and heaviness—Black East Indian, "little and good," the points and perfections.

HE celebrated Aylesbury ducks originated from Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire, and they are a very old breed. I have never found a trace of how long the Buckinghamshire people have been producing this race of ducks, but have heard several times from old people that they have been popular in Buckinghamshire for nearly two centuries. Aylesbury ducks appear to have taken the place of game in the London markets—that is to say, after the game have ceased the young ducklings come in season. No doubt this is why Aylesburies have made such a name in England. They have been a luxury for the rich for at least two centuries, but I cannot say how much further