FATTBNIKG. 108 



that age is only eatable in a stew, or pie. Chickens converted 

 into capons increase in size to ar wonderful extent; the birds will 

 in a year be nearly treble the size it would have been if left 

 alone, and double the market value. 



In conclusion I may observe that I can roost sincerely, from my 

 own practical experience, advise all ladies, as well as gentlemen, 

 Who have a little room to spare in their back gardens, to set up 

 poultry-keeping on a small scale. Many more people keep 

 fowls now than used to years ago, I know, but still not half 

 people enough. Many who have room to spare tot a family of 

 fowls let that room remain unoccupied, either from a mistaken 

 idea that poultry-keeping is too expensive or will entail too much 

 trouble On them. With regard to the latter idea, it is, no doubt, 

 a partially true one. Fowls do cause trouble, and if they are to be 

 ' made to pay their way cannot fail to do so. But whatevet trouble 

 they cause they are Worth it, and no undertaking or pursuit that I . 

 ever heard of flourished without some amount of trouble. In 

 return they give ftesh eggs — that you are sure of, and can offer 

 a guest without any inward misgivings — plump chickens, a little 

 pocket-money, and a great deal of interest. 



