48 ' DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. 



tance from the farm-house. They will pair off if the number of 

 males equals that of the females, but if the number of the latter is in 

 excess of that of the former, one male will consort with more than 

 one female. In this case, however, the tendency to use the same 

 nest will be increased. 



Guineas are very cross to other fowls, and by their nervous, sud- 

 den mode of attack so surprise less active fowls that they gain the 

 mastery over those much larger than themselves. We have no do. 

 mestic fowl equal in table qualities to half-grown guineas. 



In quality and flavor of the flesh they approach those of the pheas- 

 ant. No farm yard is complete without guineas. They furnish an 

 abundant supply of eggs during the warm summer months when 

 the chicken hens, except the Leghorns, fail. 



In addition to the other good qualities of the guineas they sound a 

 note of alarm at any unusual occurrence during the night. 



THE PEAFOWL. 



This is a highly ornamental bird and is generally grown with 

 special reference to this quality. They are, therefore, suited only 

 to spacious grounds, and lawns, in which they are peculiarly appro- 

 priate. 



They are out of place in a general poultry yard on account of 

 their ill nature, the mail taking special pleasure in annoying a hen 

 with a brood and killing the chicks. One indulging, therefore, in 

 the luxury of the peafowl as an ornamental bird must weigh well 

 its disposition to destroy the more useful part of the flock. 



It requires three years in which to reach maturity. The hen lays 

 the second year, seeking a secluded, retired spot for her nest. She 

 lays from five to nine eggs about the size of those of the turkey hen. 



The time of incubation is from twenty-eight to thirty days. The 

 chicks are almost as tender as young turkeys but, on account of the 

 shyness of the old birds must be left to the care of the parent, who 

 cares for them for six months. 



WATER FOWL. 



Under this head only ducks and geese will be treated as the only 

 birds of practical utility. Swans are merely ornamental and require 

 more water for successful culture than is at the command of most 

 breeders. 



While ducks and geese may be successfully grown under domesti- 



