Page:Ducks- and how to make them pay (IA cu31924003102971).pdf/74

58 back than that. I have not found any record of the time in any old poultry book. Aylesbury ducks are now in every part of the world where the white man's face shines, and were considered for many years the best table duck which could be produced. In most cases they realised the most money in the London markets. Not so now. Indian Runners will fetch as much as pure Aylesburies, and so will Indian Runner Aylesbury first-cross ducks. In some cases the Pekin Aylesbury cross will fetch, perhaps, a trifle more because they are rather larger than pure Aylesburies. There are many hundreds of ducks sent to the London markets now, particularly cross-breds. A few years ago there would be from 800 to 1000 early Aylesbury ducklings sent to the markets to about 20 of any other breeds, but things have altered in this respect. I am often asked by those who keep ducks, as well as by some who intend keeping them, "Which are the best breeds to keep as pure?" My answer to them is Aylesburies and Indian Runners, but the former are the best table birds, as they are bigger than the Indian Runners, they are some of the finest table ducks which can be produced in a pure state. As I have said, they are good layers of fine eggs. Pekins will sometimes lay very early in the season, but I have often noticed my Aylesburies have commenced laying earlier than the Pekins, when the treatment of both breeds has been similar. There are many people call Pekin ducks Aylesburies. Some who have kept ducks for years do not know the difference between the two. Aylesburies should have pure white plumage, with a flesh-coloured back and