242 THE ECONOMY OP THE FARM. 



become sour before feeding them out, than if given while, 

 still sweet. 



868. Poultry may be kept to a limited extent about the 

 farm house, with a large profit on the outlay, if judiciously 

 managed. The attempts to keep large numbers of fowls 

 together with an idea that if a few are profitable, a large 

 number must be profitable in proportion, have generally 

 failed. 



869. To be of any profit in winter, fowls require a 

 supply of animal food. This they obtain in abundance 

 in summer in the form of insects. If confined in close 

 quarters, they must also have access to mineral food, such 

 as oyster shells or crushed bones, with gravel and sand. 



870. Of the many varieties of fowls, the dorkings, the 

 game and the black Spanish, may be considered as among 

 the most useful and profitable. As a market fowl, the 

 dorking is probably unsurpassed, but the choice of the 

 variety is generally a matter of individual fancy. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



THE ECONOMY OP THE FARM. 



871. The success of the farmer will depend more on 

 the general management of the farm, than 011 knowledge 

 or skill in any one particular department. It is evident 

 from the preceding pages that to make the greatest profit 

 he must have a greater variety of knowledge, and more 

 judgment and common sense than are required in any 



