156 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



of wheat eaten by a fowl in one day being about three sixteenths 

 of a pint. However, the difference in bulk is compensated by 

 the difference in weight, these three sixteenths of wheat weigh- 

 ing more than four sixteenths of a pint of oats. It is not true 

 that, in every instance, the difference in weight is the reason 

 that a fowl is satisfied with a larger or smaller measure of one 

 sort than another. Rye weighs less than wheat, but still a 

 fowl will be satisfied with half the quantity of this grain. The 

 seven hens and the large cock just mentioned consumed daily a 

 pint and a half measure of wheat, while of rye they only 

 devoured three quarters of a pint ; and hence the consumption 

 of the rye by each bore the proportion of one to two, to their 

 consumption of wheat. 



Indian corn was found to rank intermediate between rye and 

 wheat. When this was exclusively given, the greatest eaters 

 on the first day only ate about one eighth of a pint measure ; but 

 when accustomed to it, they appeared to relish it more, and the 

 cock and seven hens, which were rather above the average rate 

 of eaters, consumed each day a pint and a quarter. It follows, 

 therefore, that five fourths of Indian corn to them was equal to 

 six fourths of wheat, and to three fourths of rye. 



In estimating the quantity of grain daily consumed by the 

 common fowl, it is wise to use data a little above than below 

 the average. We may safely, therefore, say that a fowl of the 

 common size, having free access to as much as can be eaten 

 during the day, will consume, day by day, 



Pint, Meas. 



Of oats, buckwheat or barley, J sV 



Of wheat, . . . ? 



Of Indian corn, ..... -% 



Of rye, ^ & 



Although it appears, from the experiments already given, as 



