50 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
October 20. 
limited and most uncertain degree of benefit. Previous 
attention before band, by seeing that proper housing, and a 
regular provision of nutritious food are punctually cared for, 
will always prove the best economy. On the diseases of 
poultry, indeed, we have much to learn, and when we find, 
by experiment, that ten, and even twenty grains of calomel, 
may be given to a chicken of four months old, and as much 
as forty-eight grains of julap in twenty-four hours to one of 
less than one month, a poultry pharmacopoeia will hardly 
prove a matter of easy accomplishment. 
It was with considerable interest that we turned to this 
article, as likely, from its necessary limitations to the detail 
of economical poultry-keeping, to place the subject in such 
a point of view as might induce the more active co-operation 
of English fanners and cottagers with those Societies that 
have been established for the improvement of our poultry 
generally. With respect to fowls, we have only a repetition 
of what has already been given to the public, though clearly 
written, and well-arranged, and judiciously condensed. But 
with Turkeys and Guinea Fowls, the prospect of increased 
gain is held out, from the necessary condition of this 
country, which must, in the opinion of the writer, become, 
year by year, less favourable to the production of game, 
for the absence of which these birds are pointed out as 
the best substitute. If Pheasants and Partridges must dis¬ 
appear from our board, (though we confess that the time 
seems far distant when presence in moderate numbers will 
he pronounced intolerable), admirable substitutes are, 
doubtless, at hand in Turkeys and Guinea Fowls. But 
these, unfortunately, are the birds which the farmer finds 
most difficult to provide, and since cost will limit consump¬ 
tion, we are much inclined to doubt whether a far better 
return may not be looked for from Fowls, Geese, and even 
Ducks, rather than the two first-named excellent, but still 
expensive birds. 
All recommendations as to the description of Poultry to 
be kept should be strictly ruled by the conditions of the 
locality proposed for them. Now, supposing that the culti¬ 
vated land of the country might he divided into two equal 
portions, one light, the other heavy; that only which is 
called “ light,” will be found suitable for the profitable 
rearing of Turkeys and Guinea Fowls. Even if our division 
be incorrect, and, as some say, a light soil preponderates, 
still, when unfavourable circumstances in respect of climate, 
and exposure to cold winds are taken into consideration, we 
shall not be far wrong in saying that not more than one-half 
of England, generally, is adapted for profitable Turkey¬ 
rearing. If this be true of these birds, still more correct 
does it become when Guinea Fowls are concerned, the young 
of these, indeed, being even still more delicate in their 
early days. 
We are, therefore, of opinion, that the advice given to 
farmers in this essay must be received with caution, and 
that many conditions, not always forthcoming, are essential 
to render Turkeys or Guinea Fowls profitable stock. When 
these, however, are found, and a careful system of manage¬ 
ment prevails, the returns are, doubtless, satisfactory ; but 
the retail profits of the poulterer exceed, if we are not mis¬ 
taken, the wholesale gain of the breeder. At the present 
moment, indeed, when the price of grain has such an 
upward tendency, accurate calculations would be required 
to prove the profit of the Turkey-keeper. 
With a renewed expression of our regret that such an 
article, so ably written, should not have brought down the 
state of economical poultry-keeping to the most recent 1 
periods, we now conclude our remarks. Even the last few 
months have suggested inquiries which would have far 
more appropriately occupied the space that has been 
given to such topics as “ Malay Cock-fighting,” and the 
“Correspondence of Mesdames de Coislin and Luard.” 
Amusingly told as these anecdotes most unquestionably 
are, we still hold to our opinion that they have no title to 
insertion in a “ Farmer’s Enclycopredia.” 
UNITED GARDENERS’ REGISTRY. 
Perceiving your notice of the United Gardeners’ Registry, 
in the number of The Cottage Gardener for September 
8th., and in which a few questions are proposed, we 
consider it our duty to answer. 1st. “ Where has the 
Society met?" It has met, and still meets, in rooms at 29, 
Great Charlotte Street, Liverpool. 2nd. “ Who constituted 
the committee ?” A body of practical gardeners. 3rd. 
“ Who are the Committee ?” Twenty-four gardeners chosen 
from the body of supporters, who, at this time, amount to 
upwards of 200; the names and addresses of which can be 
furnished on application by letter, to my residence, 25, 
Miles Street, Toxteth Park, Liverpool, which address, time, 
and place of meeting is written on each book of rules that 
are given out. 4th. What is the use of the word “ united?” 
It was used for a specific purpose, a detail of wliich can be 
furnished if necessary. 5th. “ How has the visiting to be 
conducted; on the water system, or the free and easy mode ?” 
That will be left to the judgment of the visitors themselves; 
but I am happy I can add that many of our members prefer 
the former to the latter. 
To other queries proposed, we will let time furnish answers; 
but if any of our proceedings “ smack ” of unfair dealing, 
assume inquisitor’s power, or play the libeler’s part, we are 
in the hands of those we wish to impose upon, and I hope 
they will exercise their prerogative. 
If you, sir, or any others, would wish to know our pro¬ 
ceedings in detail, I shall be happy to furnish them. 
G. Thomson, Gardener. 
POULTRY-YARD REPORTS. 
I ai.ways read, with great interest, your articles on Poultry; 
and thinking the account of my yard may be useful to some 
of your readers, I send it, with permission to make use of 
it, or any portion of it. 
I have tried many sorts, but have given up all but the 
Cochins. I do not find them enormous eaters, as will be 
seen by ray expenses. I now have 13(1 fowls of that breed, 
of course, most of them chickens of this year, but at that 
age when they require the greatest quantity, and the best 
quality of food, I find them cost me 148 pence (12s. 4d.) 
a week, i. e., Id. a week each, and Is. over. They are kept 
in five separate lots, no farm-yard, and no extras, but 
cabbage leaves ; are fed four times a day, alternately on com 
and meal, and have as much as they can eat, though no 
waste. I do everythiny myself, and, therefore, well know 
their wants and appetites. At first I was too careful of my 
food, and found the birds always hungry, and never satisfied, 
and ready to eat double the quantity. I fed very generously 
for a few days, and then found, that they only eat half; 
when once in condition, a little keeps them so. I must 
mention, however, that out of this lot, one dozen of hens 
and cocks are kept for one halfpenny each per week; in the 
evening they have a small feed of oats, and having a nice 
orchard to run in are busy and happy all the rest of the 
day, and at night, crops quite full. 
I can recommend this plan to those who would obtain 
eggs economically; in the winter and early spring, I shall 
add to these a hot meal supper, as they will then not get 
much for themselves. It is a mistake to think Cochins will 
not hunt about for their own food, they only get lazy when 
high fed. I must mention, these hens lay well, even at their 
worst season, and are very healthy. You will see I pay very 
dear for their food, buying in small quantities, and all things 
being now very dear. The food, too, you will allow to be the 
very best. Perhaps none but masters, who feed their own 
birds, would be so careful. 
I am sorry to trouble you with so long a letter on my 
favourite topic, and did not intend writing half so much, 
but you may omit any parts which will not he useful to 
poultry-keepers,—H. G. 
COST PER WEEK OF 136 COCHINS. 
S. D, 
1 bushel of Barley.4 6 
I a stone of Oats. 0 6 
^ a stone of Shellings. 1 0 
i a stone of Scotch Oatmeal. 1 2 
4 stone of Barleymeal, at Is. Id., or fine Sharps, 1 . 
at Is. 2d., alternate weeks, averages.} 
i a stone of Bran . 0 4 
i of a stone of Rice. 0 4 
136 fowls. 1 
148 pence, j 
12 4 
