Sec. 9.] POULTRY. 143 



them so that they will follow you like a dog, and then just at night take 

 them out on a walk and see what an immense number of hurtful insects 

 they will destroy. Your liens are the most profitable stock you have if you 

 treat them rightly. Don't swear at them ; keep your temper and build a 

 poultry-yard, but don't keep it always closed. It is better for you, and tho 

 hens too, to let them run at large at all times when they are not liable to 

 do mischief. 



We know of nothing around a country residence which gives the whole 

 such a delightful and pleasant aspect as all kinds of poultry. How Down- 

 ing loved them when he wrote : "With proper conveniences for managing' 

 them, they are among the most agreeable, profitable, and useful objects in 

 country life. To children especially, fowls are objects of exceeding interest, 

 and form an almost necessary part of the means of developing the moral and 

 industrial energies of a country household." Oh, who would be without 

 them ? What country resident would neglect to have a noble collection of 

 hens, ducks, and turkeys — with riglit modes to keep and manage them — to 

 give a lively aspect to the scenery of his home, and impart beauty to the 

 whole place ? The merry cackle of the " old yellow hen" in the beautiful 

 spring-time ; the love and kind protection manifested for her brood of young, 

 and tiien to see them huddle together under her wing ! The shrill sound of 

 the cock as he proclaims the dawn of morning ! Oh, who would not keep 

 poidtry, even if it dithi't jjay ? Wc would not keep 



IShanfjhacs. — These Chinese monstrosities, on the contrary, we recommend 

 every one to get rid of as soon as possible. They have had their day, and 

 in spite of their crowing, Barnum's showing, and their owners' blowing, they 

 are about blown out. It begins to be found out that 10 lbs. of meat can be 

 produced upon two pairs of legs just as cheaply, and of much better quality, 

 than u))on one pair. No Shanghae, Cochin-China, Chittagong, or any other 

 imported breed of fowls has ever been, or will ever be, more esteemed on 

 all accounts than the old yellow-legged Dominique, a domestic, handsome, 

 and good-sized fowl. 



A particular friend, candid and intelligent, said to us lately : " I liave 

 tried almost all varieties of hens, and have settled upon the Black Spanish, 

 or crosses of them upon the old stock, such as I can pick up in market at 

 iifiy cents a pair. I have also tried the experiment of keeping liens in the 

 city and the cost of eggs. I keep them in a house at the back of tlie yard, 

 letting them out for exercise just before roosting time, feeding them on 

 scraps from the kitchen, potatoes, meat, etc., and corn, and find my eggs 

 cost just three cents a dozen on an average througli tlie year." 



Another one, alluding to the fact of feeding poultry upon dead horses at a 

 great poultry establishment near Paris, said : "Tlic less hens I keep, I tliink 

 the better for me. I have fed dead horses and all sorts of food, but I can't 

 make it profitable to myself, or neighbors either." Of course not. The last 

 words tell the reason ; he lets them run at large, half fed. 



105. Hca-Uoosts aud roiiltry Vcrmiu.— The poles or ladders should bo 



