viii PREFACE. 



pie proof in my numerous visits to various parts of this country, where I 

 have found, in too many instances, that a sufficiency of poultry could not be 

 raised for the use of the family, notwithstanding large numbers were kept, 

 in consequence of the want of care and attention in supplying them with 

 proper food and shelter. And many have houses and yards for their poultry, 

 who, in the use of them, are only guided by random suggestions or unwise 

 examples of their neighbors. They follow in the old beaten track, and, per- 

 haps, even indulge a prejudice against all written instructions which lead 

 them to change their course. To such I would recommend this work, as 

 unfolding no gigantic projects, indulging in no useless theories, tempting to 

 no rash experiments, but exhibiting plainly, practically, and profitably, the 

 best mode for the management of poultry. With this view I undertook the 

 pleasing and delightful task. Although my labors are humble, I hope they 

 will not be the less useful. I have not the vanity to suppose that I have 

 excelled in every thing, but I fondly hope that the path may be render- 

 ed more distinct and smooth for future progress. 



It is now more than eleven years since the " American Poulterer's 

 Companion" was first published. It was the pioneer of American works 

 devoted to poultry, and has passed through several editions. When I com- 

 menced it, very little attention had been paid to the rearing of poultry. The 

 profits arising from fowls were generally considered too insignificant to enter 

 into the calculations of the farmer ; and, consequently, the improvement of 

 poultry was pretty much neglected in this country. In fact, many farmers 

 considered them rather a nuisance, and " cost more than they come to." To 

 be sure, there were a few connoisseurs who had imported some Grame and 

 Dorking fowls ; but beyond that I have no reliable information. More at- 

 tention had probably been paid to the Game than any other breed. Occa- 

 sionally some Malay fowls were brought in our merchant ships, and found 

 their way into the country, which very much improved the size of the com- 

 mon farm-yard fowl. 



The object of rearing poultry and eggs for market may appear to some but 

 a trifling concern ; but a glance at the poultry statistics in the closing chap- 



