22 



TiiF. Illustrated Book of Poultry. 



still, which will be killed at moulting time. Thus, every autumn, the hens at two j^ears and 

 a half will be killed, and replaced by pullets six; months old, which will commence laying 

 almost immediately, and be followed in succession by the hens as they moult out, so keeping 

 up a regular supply. Late chickens should be either sold or killed for table. 



Even in the many cases where only half a dozen hens are kept for the supply of a 

 small family, no other plan will be remunerative. Each autumn two March pullets should 

 be bought and two hens killed ; when, if a non-sitting breed be selected, there will be no 

 trouble, and an unfailing supply of eggs will be secured. 



We have already expressed our preference for pure breeds, where possible ; but the cost 

 will deter many from obtaining them, and common-bred fowls selected with judgment will 

 also yield a good return for their keep. Small, weedy-looking birds should always be rejected, 

 and those which show signs of good parentage and good feeding be alone chosen. Any fowls 

 which have been starved while growing will never lay well in after life. The kind known as 

 " Cuckoo " fowls (resembling the Dominique) almost always lay well, and so do most birds 

 having much black in the plumage. Again, as a rule it will be found that yellow or black- 

 legged birds are generally good layers ; but white-legged birds are mostly inferior, though 

 excellent for the table. By attending to these particulars, and ascertaining carefully the date 

 of hatching, very excellent and profitable stock may be secured by an outlay of only a few 

 shillings. 



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