THE POULTRY-YARD. 277 



Other, the expenditure of energy represented 

 by every "cock-a-doodle-doo" means a gain 

 to fowldom ; but I confess I cannot see just 

 where the profit comes in. Doubtless this is 

 merely owing to a defective knowledge of 

 gallinaceous economy. Certainly, regarded as 

 an advertiser, chanticleer is admirable. Not 

 only has his voice a splendid carry, but he 

 is careful to choose a time when all nature is 

 silent, and when all who are likely to be influ- 

 enced by his announcement are just rousing 

 from sleep and have minds receptive and as 

 yet unoccupied with the details of daily business. 

 Perhaps it will be best to refrain from saying 

 more in praise of his methods lest one should 

 provoke some human competitor in the vile 

 art to shatter the blessed stillness of the dawn 

 with clamorous proclamations concerning pills 

 or soap. 



The squalling of a hen when it is captured 

 would seem to indicate that in the wild state 

 it was the custom of the birds of a flock to 

 defend one another against enemies. That an 

 outcry made under such circumstances was often 

 originally an effective appeal for help was shown 

 when we discussed the habits of the dogs and 



