November 10. 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
95 
meal, gives the best chance of seeing the outlay on these 
birds returned to us after their disposal; but where 
such facilities are wanting, and the run is at all con¬ 
fined, their voracious appetites, not to be satisfied with 
grass, like Geese, leave little, if any, room for profit on 
their expences. But a well-fed, early Duckling is 
undeniably deserving of its great popularity ; and from 
their rapid growth, and roady sale early in the year, are 
worth attention where good markets are at hand to take 
off our surplus stock. For the supply of our own table, 
also, in the special cases for which our advice is now 
tendered, we may be content if the expences are met by 
the value of the bird when slaughtered, for rarely in the 
country, at least, can we purchase them as good as we 
can ourselves feed them. The Duck is a bird that 
should never be stinted in food; and from the time of 
its exit from its shell till the morning that dawns on its 
execution, its rations should be both regular and liberal. 
An exception to our remarks may be made in such 
districts as around Aylesbury and elsewhere, whore 
Ducks are reared for the high prices of the London and 
other chief markets. If we are asked what breed is 
likely to prove the most profit-producing, our opinion 
may be stated very decidedly, for we feel satisfied that 
the “ Rouen ” birds are not merely the best layers, and 
equally hardy with the other varieties, but are, also, the 
best-flavoured; in point of size, also, these need fear no 
comparison with any other, the coarse Musk, or Brazilian 
Duck alone excepted; but with respect to this latter 
bird, all we can say is, have nothing to do with it, for 
they are very unproductive while living, and of very 
indifferent quality when placed on the table. 
Turkeys must come next. On light, dry soils we 
may make them pay, but where this condition is 
wanting they will be found unprofitable stock. They 
require, also, a separate feeding place from our other 
fowls, and though Geese and Ducks may be excluded 
on such occasions without much difficulty, this is not 
so easily managed with Turkeys, and far more than 
their just proportion is too often gobbled up by them. 
They are delicate when young, and, except in very 
favourable localities, require more attention than can 
be profitably bestowed on them. On large farms, where 
a wide range of stubble will supply their food during 
several of the autumn months, their case is open to far 
more favourable considerations; but on small occupa¬ 
tions, we are unwilling to believe that their profit usually 
exceeds their cost. The “ Norfolk,” or the “ Cambridge” 
breeds would be those we should ourselves choose ; the 
latter is a larger, and, as many think, a hardier bird. 
As to Guinea Fowls, a few words nmy suffice for our 
present purpose, since narrow limits are altogether 
unsuitable for them, if we have any wish to profit by 
their produce, since hedgerows a quarter-of-a-mile off 
are quite as likely to contain their nests as any situa¬ 
tion nearer their homo. They are difficult to rear, and, 
though commanding a good price in spring, must bo 
kept through summer, autumn, and winter. 
Pigeons conclude our task. With the mere fancy 
varieties of these birds it is evident we have nothing to 
do, since, however beautiful, economy is a merit that 
their warmest admirers cannot claim for them. But 
will the common dovecot Pigeons, either Columba qffinis 
or C. livia, or, indeed, any of the other varieties that 
may be kept in a similar rough manner, supply our 
kitchens at a cost not exceeding the outlay ? Now, this 
enquiry is one that would roceive an affirmative answer, 
rather from our utter inability to form a correct estimate 
of the ravages committed by them on our own or our 
neighbours’ fields, than from any trustworthy debtor or 
creditor acoount. Their pilferings are often serious, 
and, consequently, lead to disputes that would have 
been much better avoided; and if, to avert this incon¬ 
venience, we encourage them to remain at home by 
supplying all their wants, we are confident that the 
return would not cover the expenditure. 
Fowls, Geese, Ducks, Turkeys, Guinea Fowls, and 
Pigeons, have now been gone through, with reference 
to the one point of economy. The opinions that have 
been given on each of them have been based on general 
grounds; for, doubtless, there are particular circum¬ 
stances and conditions to which our observations would 
not so strictly apply, but these exceptional cases would 
extend too far the limits of the present paper. It is a 
singular consideration, however, that modern enterprise 
and discovery have added nothing to our list, for, 
Turkeys alone excepted, the poultry-keeper of times 
antecedent to tho Christian era had as largo a catalogue 
as we can now boast of; and, notwithstanding the con¬ 
tinued endeavours of the London Zoological Society, 
the late Earl of Derby, and other public bodies, and 
private individuals, the Curassow, the Guan, and some 
few other birds, of which hopes were confidently enter¬ 
tained of their addition to our list, are as far as ever 
removed from the state of true domestication. W. 
THE STRAWBERRY. 
I verily thought, some years since, that there was 
little to leam concerning Strawberry culture ; but I have 
found each succeeding year “ add a wrinkle” in this, as, 
indeed, in most other gardening affairs. It somehow 
happens, in most sublunary matters, that the more we 
know in reality of any subject, the more acutely do we 
feel any deficiency that exists, or any desideratum sup¬ 
posed to be attainable. I suppose that this may not be 
traced alone to the progressive character inherent in all 
gardening subjects, but to an emulous and insatiable 
reaching after perfection, which feeling our gracious 
Creator has indelibly stamped on the human mind for 
most beneficent purposes. Were it not lor this, indeed, 
we should soon be satiated with most things; and life 
would become like a stagnant pool, instead of the brisk 
and sparkling rivulet, tbe action of which never ceases. 
I do not think that there is a man living, worthy the 
name of horticulturist, who would be content, for the 
next score years, to eat the best Strawberries, Pears, 
Grapes, &c. that we now possess, were they ever so high 
flavoured and excellent, upon condition that improve¬ 
ment should not bo attempted. Now, it this be correct, 
it at once points to tho fact, that the profession in which 
we are engaged is one eminently oi a progressive 
character; not only in tho production of novelties, but 
in cultural advances; and those of our friends who may 
