

VI PREFACE. 



to an Hon. Baronet in the West, Sir Lawrence Palk, 

 in whose extensive park, and most convenient yards 

 and offices, and upon a. soil excellently adapted, I found 

 a sufficiency of poultry could not be raised for the 

 family use ; in consequence of which, a very considerable 

 annual expense was incurred at a neighbouring town, for 

 an additional supply. This was regretted, 'and described 

 to me as an unaccountable circumstance, by the house- 

 keeper. I have here, moreover, an eye to a favourite plan 

 of mine> making the country-house its own mart for the 

 supply of all necessaries, in a far more ample degree than 

 it usually is ; implicating, among other domestic objects, 

 poultry, rabbits, fish, mutton, small beef, and an equal 

 abundance of the superior, as of the orchard fruits. 



In fine, I have avoided scientific detail, and have ad- 

 dressed plain understandings in the plainest language, 

 aiming at utility solely ; and I trust, the keeper of half a 

 dozen hens and a cock, in the corner of his yard, will 

 receive information, in degree, equally useful and satis- 

 factory, with another who may desire to enter upon the 

 most extensive plan. 



The SECOND EDITION contains additional articles on 

 PHEASANTS, and on SWINE : the latter I was induced to 

 add on the representation of several friends, that many 

 persons who keep a poultry-yard for the supply of their 

 table, feel it convenient also to have a breeding sow, or 

 two or three pigs, as a still more substantial aid, in these 

 extravagant times, towards the support of their household. 

 Such economists would surely desire to be led into the 

 right path, and my friends professed to think me no im- 

 proper guide, knowing that I have been a considerable 

 breeder and feeder of pigs. 



The following letter to the publishers, of a Right Hon. 

 Baronet, late President of the Board of Agriculture, the 



