1118 



THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



trapped birds is no more than others, and those shot or other- 

 wise mutilated not only bring a low price, but are apt to spoil, 

 and by their more rapid decomposition cause the others to smell 

 badly, thus injuring those that they are packed with more than 

 the value of the mutilated birds. If they must be sent send 

 in separate packages. The number of dozen, pairs, or pieces, as 

 the case may be, should be marked on the head of the barrel. 

 Wild turkeys should be packed in boxes instead of barrels." 



For New England markets poultry must always be drawn; 

 in fact, it is against the law in Boston to offer undrawn poultry 

 for sale, except spring chickens that weigh two pounds or less, 

 and these must have empty crops. New Englanders also prefer 

 dry-picked poultry. After dressing poultry, instead of laying 

 on a board, shelf, or table to cool, tie the wings close to the 

 body in a natural position, and then hang up by the feet. By 

 this method there are no flattened portions, and the fowls look 

 better and pack better. For tying the wings back use strip of 

 cloth rather than strings, for the latter are apt to cut into the 

 flesh and leave a mark. To pick domestic ducks and geese 

 easily, scald as you would chickens, and then wrap for ten or 

 fifteen minutes in a blanket or piece of an old quilt; this steam- 

 ing, provided you happen to get the right scald, loosens ihe 

 feathers and down so that all come off easily. The feathers 

 should be saved and carefully dried. 



