EGG-LAYING RECORDS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,- -To
those who have read the " Country Life and Sport " notes in your issue of April 23rd, it, may be of interest to know that the feat of a Canadian hen, mentioned therein, was some time ago beaten by the even more amazing feat of a duck from another of our Colonies, which laid 363 eggs in 365 days. This is an officially recorded figure, and since that date there have been several other officially recorded performances accomplished in England by ducks equal to or exceeding that of the Canadian hen.
Personally, I am inclined to the view that those who depre- cate the value of these high records are likely to win the day at the discussion which Sir William Beach Thomas telLs us is to take place at the forthcoming Poultry Congress. As a practical breeder I have long since come to the conclusion from the clearest possible evidence that the ultra-heavy layer is almost invariably valueless from the breeding point of view. Nature, if she is pushed too far, always has her revenge, and in the case of over-production the form it takes is either the inability of the heavy producer to breed or the production of progeny so feeble that it is unable to survive.
Scientific selection of the moderately heavy layer for breeding purposes is certainly, where ducks arc concerned, capable of yielding birds with a flock average of 200 eggs, or more, per year. This hiss already been clearly proved at the public laying tests and many times also in private. It is to be hoped that the public will be contented with the good profits which such averages unquestionably yield and will not
be led by greed or ignorance to seek a high return at the risk of almost certain disaster.—I am, Sir, &c.,
HUGH B. CARRINGTON,
Hon. Organizing Secretary Utility Duck Club. Blacklands, Crowhurst, Sussex.
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