hould be caught and the little ones put in a warm basket, and the lot
transferred to a coop and run, after which they are treated in exactly
the same manner as those under a hen.

I do not, however, think it wise to give the duck as many young ones to
look after as are given to the hen; very often, however, there is no
option in the matter.

Ducks are very cunning at hatching time, and unless the keeper is quick
and observant, will frequently give him the slip, and get off with their
brood to the water, where more than half of them will probably fall a
prey to rats and pike.

I remember on one occasion being unable until late afternoon to go and
look at a nest which was due to hatch in the morning. I found fourteen
empty shells and the family gone. It was a very cold day, and after a
prolonged search the party were found snugly ensconced under a willow
tree. They were speedily captured and brought home.

The young ducks are now three or four days old, and have got into the
way of running out of the coop and into the run for their food and
water. They have overcome their early shyness, and on the appearance of
the keeper speedily show themselves. A little fine crissel and flint
grit can now with advantage be added to the meal, and some sand, which
acts as a digestive, placed in the water and on the grass. Never give
them more than they can eat. Nothing is worse than stale food left
about; it leads to diarrhoea, &c., and gives the youngsters a distaste
for their food. The food can be placed in long shallow troughs or on the
grass in one long line. I prefer the former plan, as less is left about
to become stale and sour. Care should be taken to see that the troughs
are thoroughly washed after each meal.

When about ten days old the ducklings require more room to roam about
in, and unless you give it them they will begin to go back.

[Illustration: A SMALL RUN]

Place five or six coops, hens inside, in a line, and about a foot
apart, and wire in a piece of ground about ten yards square round the
coops; it is better to give them too much room than too little. It will
generally be necessary to move on to fresh ground every four or five
days during this stage, but much depends of course on the state of the
weather. It is a good plan to leave the small wire runs inside the
larger runs, as they give a certain amount of shelter in bad weather. It
is delightful to see the little chaps appreciating their new liberty and
das