CHAP. VI.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 139 



not appear deserving of consideration where 

 only a few fowls are kept, yet if numbers suf- 

 ficient for the abundant supply of a numerous 

 family are to be maintained, it will cost no 

 trifle. The following statement will show 

 pretty nearly the average quantity of any 

 grain that a common fowl will require during 

 twelve months, if fed solely on corn : the pfice 

 will of course vary according to quality, and 

 the difference of time and place, but any one 

 who is capable of counting up a few shillings 

 can be at no loss in ascertaining the exact 

 amount. 



Like all other animals, some, even of the 

 same breed, will eat more than others without 

 gaining any greater proportion of flesh. The 

 larger the fowl, also the more food will it con- 

 sume ; but not in exact proportion to its size. 

 An old hen will unquestionably eat something 

 more than a young pullet ; and it has been 

 said, " that a Malay will consume from one- 

 fourth to one-third more than a Dorking or 

 a dunghill cock, and double as much as a 

 bantam;" but we may justly doubt the cor- 

 rectness of a supposition unaccompanied, as 

 in that assertion, by experimental proof; and 



