HEALTH, &C. 29 



inferior in the quality of their flesh , which is of a 

 loose flabby texture and ordinary flavour. 



The HEALTH of fowls is observable in the fresh 

 and florid colour of the comb, and the brightness and 

 dryness of the eyes, the nostrils being free from any 

 discharge, and the plumage of a healthy gloss. 

 The most useful cock is generally a bold, active, 

 and savage bird, cruel and destructive, in his fits 

 of passion, if not well watched, to his hens, and 

 even to his own offspring. Hens above the common 

 size of their respective varieties, are by no means 

 preferable either as layers or setters. The indi- 

 cations of OLD AGE are paleness of the comb and 

 gills, dullness of colour, and a sort of downy stiff- 

 ness in the feathers, and length and size of their 

 talons, the scales upon the legs becoming large 

 and prominent. 



The NUMBER of hens to one cock, four to six, 

 the latter being the extreme number, with a view 

 of making the utmost advantage. Ten and even 

 twelve hens have been formerly allowed to one 

 cock, but the produce of eggs and chickens under 

 such an arrangement will seldom equal that to be 

 obtained from the smaller number of hens. Every 

 one is aware that, the spring is the best season to 

 commence breeding with poultry, and in truth it 

 scarcely matters how early, presupposing the best 

 food, accommodation, and attendance, under which 

 hens may be permitted to sit in January ; but the 

 attempt to rear winter chickens in this climate, even 

 in a carpeted room and with a constant fire, would 

 in all probability be found abortive. I have repeat- 



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