178 POULTRY-HOUSES. 



PINIONING 



Of all the wild varieties. A simple and easy mode of pinioning 

 is performed by getting the bird held on its back ; and, when in 

 that position, finding the bastard wing, consisting of three or five 

 large flight-feathers, and with a well- sharpened knife, nicely dis- 

 secting through the joint ; or, if you have not sufficient nerve to 

 use the knife, get a broad chisel, well sharpened, and, when you 

 find the joint, introduce the chisel between the bones, and, with 

 a single blow, you can nicely separate them. You will then have 

 to carefully divide the adhering skin. 



I have frequently practised the above; and while others, by 

 violence, have lost their fowl, I never lost a bird by the operation, 

 nor never used any ligature or cautery. 



I have consulted one of the most eminent surgical practitioners 

 in the kingdom, as to the above operation. He entirely coincides 

 with me. 



CHAPTER IX. 



POULTRY-HOUSES. 



In a secluded nook, on the boundaries of the Home Park, shel- 

 tered from the prevailing winds, by stately clumps of elm trees, 

 stands the HOME FARM or the farm attached to Windsor Castle ; 

 the private farm of her Majesty. In this establishment, which 

 was founded by George III. , is situated the royal fowl-house and 

 poultry. yards, as figured in the annexed page, but of which, 

 notwithstanding their great interest, the public know nothing, 

 save the mere fact of their existence. Here her Majesty, retiring 

 from the fatigues of state, finds a grateful relief in the simple 

 pursuits of a country life ; and here, too, it may be, like Louis 

 XVI. in the Jardin Anglaise, of the Petite Trianon, she seeks 

 the renovation of those higher powers, which find their best, if 

 not their only home, in nature, or its God. In cultivating the 

 homely recreations of a farm, her Majesty has exhibited great 

 industry and much good taste. The buildings and the farm 

 routine, which sufficed for the clumsy management of 1793 



