Ducks

I went to Aylesbury last Friday. The only thing I knew about Aylesbury before the visit was that it is famous for its ducks, or the ducks that used to be bred there. From Wikipedia:

The breed was developed around the early 18th century and became a cottage industry in Aylesbury in southern England. The ducks were walked to the markets in London, some forty miles (64 km) to the south, stopping at night at inns which provided large enclosed yards for a charge of a few birds. Each morning the feet of the birds were given some protection by driving them across a shallow ditch filled with cold tarry solution which made their feet sticky, then through sawdust which adhered to their feet.


How quaint and old England. Walking the ducks to market, and tarring their feet up to protect them on the long trip.