Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 October 1894 — Rearing Ducks in China. [ARTICLE]

Rearing Ducks in China.

Ducks are reared in great quantities in China and are largely used as food, both fresh and salted. They are all artificially hatched, as the duck is an uncertain sitter. The common duck is a good sized bird, weighing when dressed for the table, three or four pounds, and is- much esteemed for the excellence of its flavor. After fledging, the birds are driven about in vast flocks through canals, and from pond to pond, where they find their food. They are brought under strict discipline, and obey their keeper’s call with extraordinary intelligence. The Mandarin duck is smaller than the common duck, and is a beautiful bird, with diversified and brillant plumage. It is reared chiefly for its beauty. In the grounds of the wealthy there is alwags an artificial lake, where [the Mandarin duck is kept. They are considered as emblems of conjugal fidelity,’ and a pair of them usually form a part of wedding processions. Preserved ducks’eggs are considered a delicacy, and alway form an important part of a mandarin, dinner.