1852 
THE CULTIVATOR. 
53 
manure, as a top-dressing, between the plants and be- 1 
tween the rows, to the depth of about one inch. I weed¬ 
ed them once more after the top-dressing was put on. 
The onions grew to the astonishment of all those who 
cast their eyes upon them, and turned out at the rate 
of two hundred bushels per acre, some of which measur- 1 
ed fourteen inches in circumference. They sell for six 
shillings per bushel, which you see would net $50 from 
one acre. John Diehl. Bristolville, 0., Oct. 25, 1851. 
Ornamental Poultry. 
In many situations there is an object distinct from pe¬ 
cuniary profit, in keeping a variety of poultry. This ob¬ 
ject is the ornament they add to the premises, and the 
pleasant interest and instruction which their characters 
and habits afford. The country-seat of the gentleman of 
wealth, cannot be considered complete without this ap¬ 
pendage. One reason why it is so seldom found in this 
country is, probably, the want of proper information in 
regard to the management of this kind of stock. A lead¬ 
ing cause of the disappointment and failure of those who 
have attempted to form collections, has been the difficul¬ 
ty of preserving the health of the birds. 
The writer had lately the opportunity of examining the 
poultry-establishment of Mr. John Giles, of Providence, 
R. I., a few remarks in regard to which, as it is one of 
the most noted in the country, may benefit the public. 
We noticed in Mr. Giles’ yards, the following species 
and varieties: 
Of the Galius genus , (fowls,)-—Cochin-China, Black 
Spanish, Surrey, Speckled Dorking, White Dorking, 
Black Bantam, White Silk China Bantam, Sebright Ban¬ 
tam. Pheasants —Silver, Golden, Ring-necked, White, 
Bohemian. Geese •—Indian, or Chinese, Canadian, or 
wild, Egyptian, Bernacle, Brent, Snow-goose. Ducks— 
Aylesbury, Rouen, White top-knot, wild Mallard, wild 
Black, Gad wall, Red-headed Pochard, Tufted Pochard, 
Pintail, Whistling, Wood, or Summer, Guernsey Wid¬ 
geon, Summer Teal, Penguin. Pigeons —ten varieties. 
Partridge, (Ruffed Grouse,) and Quail. 
Altogether, it is the most beautiful collection we have 
ever seen. Particularly worthy of note, was the health¬ 
fulness of the stock, their quietude, and evident enjoy¬ 
ment—indicating that all the requisites of their nature 
were provided for them. 
The great secret of Mr. Giles’ success is care. Strict 
attention is paid that each fowl is placed in a situation 
adapted to its wants. If the weather is too hot, it can re¬ 
sort to cool shades; if too cold, it can find shelter in 
apartments which furnish a congenial temperature. The 
aquatic tribes can gratify their instinct and brighten their 
plumage by a douse in the purest water; and the half- 
reclaimed land species can enjoy the secrecy afforded by 
shrubbery and trees. 
Two great points in the general management, are clean¬ 
liness and wholesome air. To secure these, all the 
apartments are thoroughly plastered inside, and are pro¬ 
vided with openings through the roof (which can be 
closed at pleasure) for ventilation. The bottom is earth, 
the surface of which is frequently renewed by a fresh 
layer. The manure is swept from each apartment every 
day, and a thorough airing is given whenever the weather 
will justify it, which prevents the origination of noxious 
gases. The plastering prevents the harboring of lice, 
which are frequently so injurious to fowls: but should it 
be necessary, a thorough fumigation of the apartments, 
with sulphur or tobacco, can be given. 
With such conveniences and precautions, Mr. Giles has 
been little troubled with diseases among his fowls. That 
malignant and contagious disease called roup, has some¬ 
times made its appearance among them, having been 
contracted by specimens taken to poultry exhibitions, 
or from diseased subjects being inadvertently introduced 
into the yard. Fowls that are attacked with roup, should 
at once be taken away from others. The head should 
be frequently washed with castile soap-suds, and cathar¬ 
tic medicines, as castor oil, and sulphur, have been ad¬ 
ministered with apparent success. 
The inner yard for the poultry, contains about a quar. 
