A UTUJLY JUA iVA OEMENT. 257 



repaying part of the expense of feeding. All 

 inferior birds should be killed off. Grain will 

 probably be daily rising in value, and, as insect 

 life is scarce, fowls are more dependent upon the 

 food given to them. A reduction in the stock, 

 therefore, becomes advisable, and good birds can 

 readily be sold at fair remunerative prices. 

 Where the stock is known as prize-takers, 

 matched pens of chickens fetch from £3 to £6 

 each ; single birds for breeding, 30s. Turkeys 

 (hatched in May) — which should now weigh, 

 cocks, seventeen pounds ; hens, twelve pounds — 

 are considered cheap at £3 per pair; goslings 

 and ducks, ditto. Pens for exhibition must of 

 course be reserved, as only by success in the 

 show-room can stock command high prices ; and 

 it is a pleasant thing to watch the progress of 

 birds intended for Birmingham or Manchester, 

 where, if a prize is taken, almost fabulous prices 

 may be obtained, and a certain sale for eggs in 

 spring secured. To breed for market only will 

 pay ; but then a great source of interest is lost, 

 and all individual tastes must be sacrificed in 

 trying to keep the balance on the right side of 



