CHAP, 11.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 59 



them so much entitled to attention as the 

 following : — 



The indications of health in fowls are the 

 florid colour of their combs ; bright eyes, 

 free from moisture ; glossy plumage ; and an 

 air of animation. 



If old, their legs, feet, and combs, are rough : 

 the spurs become long, and are found on hens 

 as well as cocks ; and both are dull and list- 

 less. 



The darker is the plumage, the hardier is 

 the bird. 



If they have dark legs, covered with rough 

 scales, the flesh will be of less delicate colour 

 than that of those whose legs are white, or 

 pale coloured and smooth. 



Cocks of the middle size of each breed — 

 neither too large nor too small — are the most 

 vigorous : provided always, that the body be 

 round and the limbs muscular. 



A cock with a small, limber, and whitish- 

 coloured comb, is fit for nothing but the spit ; 

 and if he has a white feather in his tail, he is 

 nothing better than a dung-hill. 



Fat, heavy hens, neither produce a large 

 number, nor a good size of eggs. 



