APPENTI IX. 297 



breeds, but with the kind of food on which the hens are 

 fed and the season of the year in which they are laid. 

 Next to the Polands, in point of profit, the eggs of the 

 Dorkings may be considered the best, although those of 

 the Bantams and other small fowls are richer, better- 

 flavored, and larger-yolked in proportion their size. 



The Game Fowl, crossed with the Dorking, for 

 the first or second cross, is an excellent bird both in the 

 flavor of the flesh and eggs ; but they are objectionable 

 on account of their turbulent dispositions when kept 

 with other fowls. 



The little Bantams, however, can only be kept with 

 any advantage as pets within doors, where the climate 

 is severe. If their apartment be kept warm, they will 

 lay abundanly during the winter and spring, producing 

 delicious eggs, though small In size, at a time when other 

 hen's eggs are scarce. 



The Dominique Fowl is another breed becoming 

 more and more in favor, as they are universally pro- 

 nounced as being hardy, good layers, careful nurses, and 

 affording excellent eggs and flesh. Besides, their beauti- 

 ful appearance, when in full plumage, is quite an acqui- 

 sition to the farm yard or the lawn. 



As to the common Turkey, I have but little to say. 

 I prefer the black or dark-colored varieties to all others, 

 as they are generally the largest birds, are more hardy, 

 and equal to the other kinds as to laying, rearing their 

 young, as well as in the flavor of their flesh. Next to 

 the black varieties, I prefer the buff-colored, which are 

 quite as large, and perhaps as good in most of their other 

 qualities ; but last of all, I would select the white, which 

 are decidedly less hardy, smaller in size, if they are not 

 even inferior in other respects. 



But of all domestic fowls, if not interfered with, the 

 Guinea Hen is the greatest layer, the most faithful nurse, 

 and the best adapted to get its own living when left to 

 herself. These birds are not profitable to keep, how- 

 ever, where there are gardens or cultivated fields, aa 

 they will often devour or destroy, in a few hours, more 

 than their eggs and carcasses are worth. 



The most showy and magnificent bird of the farm 



