130 I'OULTEY FATTENING. 



in this respect, and much larger stock birds are being 

 employed. The fact already mentioned as to greater 

 prices per pound, following upon increased weight, is 

 a most -powerful incentive in this direction. As much 

 as Is. 6d, per lb. is often obtained for all turkeys 

 averaging 25 lb. and upwards when dressed. The 

 average price in Norwich market on Christmas Eve 

 (1894) was Is. 2d. to Is. 3d. per lb. for turkeys well 

 dressed, drawn, and trussed — in fact, i^eady for cook- 

 ing. 



The sight afforded in Norfolk of large flocks of both 

 geese and turkeys roaming about on the stubbles after 

 harvest, doing pretty much as they please, is surprising 

 to a stranger, but pleasing withal, as they are usually 

 handsome and healthy-looking. Turkeys will wander 

 a long way from home, and return at night to roost as 

 regularly as can be desired. Many iarmers employ a 

 boy to keep them from straying on the road or their 

 neighbours' lands. Thus they obtain the greater part 

 of their own living for about a month after harvest. 

 When the fallen grain becomes scarcer, and the birds 

 are unable to fill themselves, long troughs are provided 

 at home, close to the roosting-place, which are filled 

 with wheat and barley and a little maize. Thus they 

 are ready for the birds when they return. 



This treatment is continued until about the 1st of 

 November, after which time they are fed as soon as 

 liberated in the morning with a good feed of soft food, 

 usually consisting of barley and wheat-meals. When 

 satisfied they wander off to the fields until feeding-time 

 in the afternoon, when they are provided with all the 

 food they care to eat. About November 20th — that is, 



