CHAP. XIV.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 293 



killed by the innkeepers until the arrival of 

 a passenger — that, although pulled from their 

 perch and put upon the table within an hour, 

 they are never tough. Poulterers always dust 

 the fowl with flour when it is trussed, in order 

 to make it appear more delicate ; and although 

 a mere trick of the trade, yet, if the bird is 

 to be roasted* it rather improves its appear- 

 ance when brought to table. 



One word on the essential point of treat- 

 ment. If the poultry-maid be a kindly- 

 hearted, quiet creature, it is inconceivable 

 how soon the fowls will acquire confidence in 

 her : they will come to her at her call, if that 

 be done in a tone of good-nature, but, if not, 

 they will cower from its harshness. The dis- 

 position of the servant is, indeed, in every case 

 in which animals are put under their care, of 

 far greater consequence than the master or 

 mistress may always imagine ; and, if more 

 carefully inquired into on being hired, there 

 would, perhaps, be fewer changes than we at 

 present see in most families : but we must 

 admit that there may be faults on both sides. 



