THE HEN 5BVBK. 



287 



satisfaction, subsequently, of ascertaining that he got off at 

 a remarkably low figure. His hen fever was very quickly, 

 and fortunately, cured. But for this sudden and happy 

 turn in his case, the disease might have cost him far more 

 dearly. 



The fowls he thus lost were what were then deemed "tall 

 specimens ; " but they did not, in this respect, equal those 

 of a neighbor, who declared that a young Shanghae cock 

 of his grew so high on the leg, that he got to be afraid of 

 him ; and, instead of eating him, one day while the rooster 

 was in a meditative mood, he contrived to place a twenty- 

 feet ladder beside him, and, mounting it, mansged to blow 

 out the monster's brains, greatly to the owner's relief 



