PREFACE. 
In compiling tlie present work, the Editor has aimed at producing a treatise that, 
in the fulness of its details, and the practical character of the information 
imparted, should be in advance of any of its predecessors. In order to secure 
this object, he has had recourse to the most eminent authorities on each particular 
variety; so that every breed of Poultry is described by its most successful 
cultivators. 
The original articles thus contributed form by far the most valuable portions of 
the following pages, and the Editor need but to mention the names of those 
friends to whom he is indebted, to secure for their contributions the attentive 
perusal of all interested in the subject. j\Ir. Edward Hewitt, so widely known as 
one of the most practised judges at the various Poultry exhibitions, has supplied 
many most valuable articles, both on profitable and exhibition birds. Mr. E. 
Teebay has given detailed accounts of the methods of breeding the different 
varieties of Mooneys, Pheasant Fowls, and Brahmas, that have never before been 
made public. Mr. Douglas, of the Clumber, Aviaries, has described his most 
successful methods of rearing the large-framed Dorkings, which he has so 
successfully exhibited. Mr. Zurhorst, the Honorary Secretary of the Poultry 
Club, has treated largely on the economical merits of the recently introduced 
French breeds, of which he has been so successful a cultivator. Mr. P. Jones 
has given his experience in rearing the Polish varieties. The late Dr. F. 
Horner furnished the first account ever printed of the origin of the singular 
hen-feathered breed known as Sebright Bantams. Mr. Ballance, and the Eev. 
A. G. Brook, have written on Malays. Some of the more interesting changes 
that take place in the plumage of fowls have been described by the Editor, who 
has also furnished the chapter on the diseases of Poultry; and other authorities 
will be found to have given their experience in the several chapters. 
Not only have the more ornamental breeds been described with increased 
accuracy, but great attention has been paid to the more practical details of 
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