USEFUL DUCKS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 37, 10 September 1892, Page 917

USEFUL DUCKS.

Once at a large house in the country the chimney took lire. The flames spread to the woodwork in different parts of the house : and although the fire was extinguished at each place it caught, it still burned in the chimney, and from time to time spread in some other direction. The fire grew hotter and hotter, and threatened to burst the chimney. It was hard to reach, and there seemed no way of putting it out The gentleman who owned the house was fond of fowls, and possessed some valuable ones. A boy who stood by looking at the fire saw the danger, and a bright idea struck him. He ran to the duck pen and startled the sleeping ducks by seizing by their legs as many of the largest as he could carry. The ducks squaw ked vigorous protests, but were hurried off'. A ladder was called for, and before any one realised what he was going to do, the young fellowmounted to the roof, and made his way to the chimney. Flames and smoke were pouring out, but the boy went as near as he dared, and by a dexterous motion tossed a duck down the narrow shaft. It disappeared, fluttering and squawking. The flames subsided a little, and the smoke grew denser. The boy threw down another duck, and after a minute another. The clouds of soot and dust carried down by the flapping wings of the ducks smothered and checked the fire with such good effect that the advantage gained was easily followed up, and the fire soon put out without further damage. But whether ducks would be always as successful as fireextinguishers it would be hard to say. Perhaps the ducks and the di ck-owners would have something to say on the subject.