FOWLS. 175 



and are of no value. The flowers which have been most 

 successfully pampered by florists are the Hyacinth, the Tulip, 

 the Dahlia, the Auricula, the Polyanthus, the Carnation, the 

 Pink, the Ranunculus, the Anemone, the Geraniums or Pe- 

 largoniums, the Pansies, the Calceolarias, and the Chrysan- 

 themums. 



We have seen that flowers lend their aid to the dyer, and 

 that fomentations are often made of the flowers and leaves 

 of plants. Colchicum, a bulbous-rooted plant, the flower of 

 which resembles the Crocus, affords a medicine used for 

 rheumatism and the gout; but as in large quantities it is 

 poisonous, the extract should never be taken without medi- 

 cal advice. 



For those who wish to pursue the science of Botany, the 

 works of Professor Gray of Cambridge, and Professor Tor- 

 rey of New York, will be of valuable assistance, while the 

 amateur gardener, whose time is limited, will find present 

 help in Mrs. Loudoun's " Companion to the Flower Gar- 

 den," adapted by Downing to the wants of this country. 



FOWLS. The domestic fowls reared for food are com- 

 monly divided into, 



1. Gallinaceae, the Cock kind, comprehending the Common 

 Cock, the Turkey, the Guinea-fowl, the Peacock, and the 

 Pigeon. 



2. Palmipedes, the Web-footed kinds, comprehending the 

 Duck, the Goose, and the Swan. 



The Swan and the Peacock are now only reared for their 

 beauty, and not for economical purposes. 



The Domestic Cock (Phasianus gallus) is, among the gal- 

 linaceous fowls, the first in importance. The origin of this 

 valuable bird is unknown, though the Jungle-fowl of India is 

 supposed to be the original breed; but it adapts itself to every 

 climate except the polar. The differences in this tribe are 



