56 FARMING FOR LADIES. [chap. ii. 



Breeders of the game-breed, in rearing 

 chickens for the pit, also limit the loeight of 

 the cock to five pounds at the utmost ; but a 

 cock of any good ordinary breed should be 

 larger, and some of improved breeds are 

 sometimes of nearly double that weight. 

 But, supposing several cocks of the same 

 breed to be found equally well formed — then, 

 according to our experience, we should pre- 

 fer the largest ; ever looking carefully to its 

 health, muscularity, and compactness of shape. 

 We, indeed, cordially agree with the remark 

 put forward in the very judicious essay on 

 the breeding of cattle, lately published by 

 Mr. Wright, of Chesterfield, " that breeding 

 from delicate and effeminate males cannot 

 be too highly reprobated. It is from hence 

 arise delicate constitutions, and all their con- 

 comitants : peculiarities belonging to a race 

 that can neither bear cold, or wet weather, 

 or bad keeping, or produce any profit even 

 from good keeping." But it should be borne 

 in mind that this may be carried too far in 

 the females ; for hens, if unusually large, are 

 in general indifferent layers, and not very 

 steady sitters. 



