286 THE POLAND, OR POLISH FOWL. 



is often irregular and unaccountable. Among Fowls, especially, 

 it is a very misleading guide to denote the age. You may see 

 an old Hen, eight or twelve years of age, without the slightest 

 semblance of a spur; and again, in a last year's Hen, you may 

 observe them of some length ; and even in a Pullet of the same 

 season, (as in the case of one of the Game Pullets you sent 

 me,) the spur is highly developed. The same remarks will 

 apply, though in a less degree, to Cocks also. Many are the 

 persons who have been thus wofully deceived when purchasing 

 Pheasants for the table; as they afterwards find to their 

 annoyance, when the bird is undergoing the process of masti- 

 sation." H. H. 



