QAim novas. 



VARIETIES: IHEIB, CHOICE AND MANAGEMENT. 



In the choice of fowls, no iaconsiderable amount of know* 

 ledge of the characters of the different varieties is necessary to 

 insure success to the amateur breeder. From my own expe- 

 rience, and that of the most eminent poultry-keepers, I have 

 attempted to jot down such information as may be found usefiil 

 in the selection and management of these really useful and ele- 

 gant pets, and moreover, prevent any honest, but ignorant, 

 person becoming amenable to the laws so rigidly enforced by 

 the " Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," 

 through a lamentable misuse of the creatures under theii 

 control. 



The Game Fowl justly claims notice. All breeders are 

 unanimous in their opinion of this splendid species, and good 

 authority says : — " It is not only for its pugnacious quahties 

 that the game fowl is to be noticed. It yields to no breed, — 

 nay, perhaps is superior to most in the whiteness and solidity 

 of its flesh ; the hens are excellent layers, and the eggs, though 

 of moderate size only, are remarkable for the delicacy of their 

 flavour. The game cock is very attentive to his femaJe train, 

 and ever ready to do battle in their defence." Notwithstanding 

 the game varieties advantage in so many points over the rest 

 of the family, one of its noblest traits — its high spirit — ^is 

 often a source of great trouble and loss to its possessor. Such 

 an announcement as the following, which I found in an old 

 newspaper, is certainly very discouraging to those who are 

 ambitious of keeping fowls. " Mr. Johnson, a farmer in the 

 west riding of Yorkshire, and who has a famous breed of the 



