THE COCK CHANGE OF COCK. .'31 



.year's day, and her ducks were earlier in the market 

 than those of any other person in the neighbourhood. 

 Thig is given, not as a novelty, but as an example of 

 merit and successful perseverance. In the vicinity 

 of most cities and large towns, chicks and ducklings 

 are reared in the autumn, for the Christmas market. 

 The business is done by the aid of artificial heat, by 

 storing, and with covered floors. 



The conduct of the cock towards his hens should 

 be early and constantly attended to, as it is a com- 

 mon occurrence for him to conceive an antipathy to 

 one or more particular individuals ; .should this con- 

 tinue! the obnoxious one should be removed, since 

 nothing but misery can ensue to the unhappy and 

 persecuted bird, which will be harassed and chased 

 about, and unless when hiding and moping in cor- 

 ners, will be always liable to be torn and maimed ; 

 and various examples have occurred of a hen, under 

 these circumstances, being instantly struck dead by 

 the cock. Such a hen being removed, and replaced 

 by a STRANGER, care should be taken for the first 

 week or two, that she be not worried or injured by 

 the other hens. 



A place of REFUGE should be provided for hens 

 or chicks in this unfortunate predicament. Whilst 

 the young feathers are growing after moulting, poul- 

 try are extremely apt to peck and wound each other, 

 retarding their recovery. 



The CHANGE of a cock, from death, or accident, 

 is always attended with interruption and delay, as 

 it may be some considerable time before the hens 

 will associate kindly with their new partner : and 



c4 



