406 REARING AND FEEDING OF ANIMALS. 



VI. DOMESTIC FOWLS. 



THE domestic fowls reared for food are divided into two 

 divisions, viz: 1. Gallinaceaj the cock kind, comprehend in-*; 

 the common cock, the turkey, the Guinea-fowl, the peacock 

 and the pigeon. 2. Palmipedes, the web-footed kinds, em- 

 bracing the duck, the goose, and the swan. 



The breeding and rearing of domestic poultry, as one of the 

 branches of rural economy, includes two special, though differ- 

 ent objects. The first is that of rearing poultry for amuse- 

 ment, and for the table of the owner; and the second is doing 

 the same thing with a view to profit. In France, and other 

 European countries, the raising of poultry is conducted on the 

 large scale, in establishments erected for the purpose, and in 

 the successful management of which no pains nor expense are 

 spared.* 



The Cocky which may be regarded as a real blessing to hu- 

 manity, is the first in importance of the gallinaceous kind: to 

 what region he originally belonged is unknown to us, as the 

 period of his servitude is hidden in the remotest ages of Ifie 

 world. Pie is found from the equator to the limits of the tem- 

 perate regions; in some places very abundant, and sometimes 

 of large size and great beauty. The male of the domestic spe- 

 cies, says Professor Low, were we not daily familiarized with 

 the sight of him, would appear to be a very graceful bird. 

 His gait is erect, his eyes are sparkling; he is armed with 

 spurs for his defence, and he is endowed with a courage which 

 often causes him to die rather than yield to an enemy. 



The female is remarkable beyond all other birds for her fecundity; she con- 

 tinues to lay eggs throughout a great part of the year; the period in which 

 she ceases to do so, or does so very sparingly, is that of moulting, which gene- 

 rally lasts from one to three months. After having laid a certain number of 

 eggs, the desire of incubation takes place. This is indicated by strong emo- 

 tions, and a peculiar cry; and she will sit on any eggs that may be presented 

 to her. Many expedients, some of them very cruel, are practised to check 

 the instinctive passion, so as to cause the animal to lay eggs rather than to 

 hatch. 



It is remarkable that while some of the females show this desire in the 

 strongest manner, others scarcely manifest it, or, showing it, it quickly leaves 

 them. Hence, while some are engaged in producing eggs, others are ready 

 to serve the office of mother, and on this account there is no kind of the domes- 

 tic fowls that can be propagated so quickly, and in such numbers. 



The period of hatching is 21 days. The female during this time manifests 

 increasing watchfulness. She will scarcely be induced to forsake her charge, 

 even by the most pressing claims for food, and hence food should be placed 

 within her reach. The number of eggs which one mother is allowed to natch, 

 is generally from 10 to 15. 



The young is gradually nourished within the shell. It lies without motion; 

 its position is remarkable; its breast is towards one end of the egg, which 



* MAIK on Poultrv. 



