228 CHICKENS AND DUCKLINGS. 



will feather more quickly than the pure-bred 

 Cochins, which are backward in fledging ; and 

 although there may be a shade of yellow in the 

 skin at that early season, say in March, poul- 

 terers cannot be fastidious, and I have known 

 them thankful to pay high prices for chickens 

 that would be almost worthless later. There is no 

 doubt Cochins are very productive when properly 

 managed ; and I strongly advise the introduction 

 at once of a few hens into all poultry-yards, 

 feeling sure they will give satisfaction on trial. 



Chickens hatched in January should have 

 assumed the plumage of adult birds by the 

 middle of June, and many wiU have begun to 

 lay — thus keeping up the supply of eggs during 

 the moulting season. These young fowls will 

 sit in the autumn, and a continued succession of 

 chickens will thus be secured. Fewer are re- 

 quired during winter, as they are only for table 

 use. The great bulk of hatching should be 

 proceeded with during the six months from 

 February to July. 



Ducklings should now be making their appear- 

 ance, and, if well fed, will be fit for table use in 



