THE FARMER AT HOME. 173 



dollars annually. What investment is better? Much is said about 

 fancy breeds of poultry. The presumption, however, is, that hens 

 which weigh eight pounds each will eat twice as much as those that 

 weigh only four pounds. The best policy for those who keep fowls 

 for profit, is to select such breeds as lay most eggs, furnishing also a fat 

 tender carcase, according to the feed which they require. Those who 

 desire to become amateurs in this branch of rural economy are referred 

 to Browne's American Poultry Yard ; Bennett's Poultry Book ; and 

 Dixon and Kerrs' Book on the same subject. 



SHANGHAE FOWLS, 



FOX. A common and mischievous animal, which, in all ages 

 and nations, has been celebrated for his craft and wiles. He is so 

 extremely fond of honey, that he attacks the nests of wild bees, 

 regardless of their fury. They at first put him to flight by number- 

 less stings ; but he retires for the sole purpose of rolling himself upon 

 the ground and crushing his enemies under him. He returns to the 

 charge so often, that he obliges them to abandon the hive, which he 

 soon uncovers, and devours both the honey and the wax. The fox 

 sleeps in a round form, like the dog ; but when he only reposes him- 

 self, he lies on his belly with his hind legs extended. It is in this 

 situation, that he eyes the birds on the hedges and trees. The birds 

 have such an antipathy against him, that they no sooner perceive 

 him, than they send forth shrill cries to warn their neighbors of the 

 enemy's approach. The jays and blackbirds in particular, follow the 



