Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-12-13

4. F.
REPoRr ON PoULrRY.-At the recent Agricul-
tural Festival in Essex County, Report on Poul-
try was read by M. F. Poole, of Danvers, chairman
of the committee
We make an extract from the Salem Register -
"The rearing of Poultry is now understood to
be very important branch of rural economy, and
to limited extent source of sure and ample
profit to the farmer When viewed in the light of
luxury merely, in the pleasure afforded to the
proprietor by exercising his taste and judgment in
producing fine forms and varied and splendid plum
age, and in watching the developments Of the
young broods in their different cfSssing it almost
rises to the dignity of one of the fine arts
If the object is mainly one of pecuniary profit, it
becomes an important inquiry to ascertain which
OF the different varieties it is most profitable to
rear, some being most valued for the table, and
others for being the best layers. 1t is known that
the flesh OF the male fowl in all the varieties may
be much improved by caponizing, and the commit
tee regret that no specimens have been exhibited
to-day. The skill and trouble requisite for this
change would be amply repaid by the greatly inn
proved value of the fowl We all instinctively es-
chew bull beef and prefer that of the OK. Why
then should we not by the same means seek to pro-
vide ourselves with that delicate and nutritive meat
which has rendered Shakspeare's Country Justice
"In fair round belly with good Capon lined"
the very epitome of good living. There is still
much difference of opinion existing among breed
ers as to the relative value of the European and
Asiatic varieties in their qualities layers and for
good flesh. The Committee do not propose to en-
ter into the controversy on the origin of the differ
ent varieties, some poulterers contendng that only
one pair of gallinaceous fowls entered the Ark and
that climate and location has caused the variety,
while others insist that Mrs. Noah had the care of
Malays, Shakebags and Bantams as well as Dung
hills.
1t is sufficient to know that there are now many
kinds marked by distinct peculiarities, and that
they have various good qualities differing each
from the other. 1t is the province of the fowl
breeder to combine these excellences by the Judi
cious crossing of the breeds carefully marking the
result in each case. Here is fine field for COM
petition, and it might be well for the Society to
quire exhibitors to present statements of their
ner of keeping their fowls such that offered
to-day by Mr.. Daniel Putnam and which we
append to this Report. 1t would also be well to
require the number, or what would be better the
weight of the eggs produced in given time, as
foundation for the awards.
1t is a source of much qualification to witness
the high and increasing consideration with which
the denizens of the Poultry yard are now held
The great interest in these feathered tribes, which
has sprung up of late years, promises the most sa
tisfactory results. This interest is most strongly
manifested when men are so far carried away by
their enthusiasm, as not only to cackle and crow
with delight over their choice young broods, but
so far identify themselves with the eathered race
as actually to lay eggs-on Editors tables; and
when even our grave Legislators are contented to
sat so much longer than the most patient of the
poultry tribes. People are beginning to appreciate
the value of those once neglected races They
see that they not only yield good pecuniary returns
but that in other respects they are the friends and
benefactors of our race. Without their aid what
gloom would be cast over our Thanksgiving fes-
tival, and what an absurd mockery it would be to
congratulate each other on a merry Christmas
Suppose the female fowls to be animated by some
patriotic impulse, such for instance as was once
felt by Revolutionary mothers IN their refusal
of tea, and that they should unanimously refuse
to Law eggs. What a revolution would take place
in our kitchens and larders, and of what possible
use would be books of cookery and housewifery.
Sensibilty shudders at the sodity of fruit cakes,
and humanity mourns over the specific gravity of
batter puddings
We gladly turn from this sad picture to witness
the quiet enjoyment of the feathered families as
they range their little domain. With what joyful
Civilizations is the advent of each new laid egg an
nounced by the merry cackling of the whole do
mestic assemblage How carefully and tenderly
the matrony hen attends her young chicks until
their arrival to the full maturity of pullethood.-l
How proudly and with what majestic main and
dainty step does Chanticleer walk the barn yard,
and with what courteous dignity and chlvalrous
coura ore does he watch over his feathered realm.
No wonder that Socrates the wsest of ancient
philosophers, thought this noble bird the most ac-
ceptable sacrifice to the immortal gods, and that
our puritan sres placed his efigy the spires of
their houses of worship. He is the herald of the
morning, and the clear and ringing tone of his
warning voice are first heard to awaken slothful
man to the duties of the day. AS saith the quaint
old legend
The Cock doth crow to let you know,
If YOU be wise, what time to rise
The committee are aware that there are some
persons i'm this community who say they can see
no good likely to result from what they sarcastic
aly term the "hen fever" These are the conser-
yatye class, those worshipers of the past who op
pose all innovations. They are so intensely Ma
tive American in their feelings that all their aiiec
tions centre in their dearly loved Dunghill Ihey
are Jealous of the influence of foreign emigration
and cannot endure such outlandish names as
Shanghae, Hong Kong and Chlttagong. Ihelr
patriotism is alarmed lest the Gallo Cock OF France
shall take the place of the American Eagle as our
national emblem, and our old patriotic anthem OF
: Yankee Doodle be supplanted by the new one OF
8 Cock-a- Doodle-do.' Their absurd fears make
them turn pale at the sight of a white Dorking,
and chicken hearted IN presence OF opahisf
Game. They shudder at the kissing Bremen Goose, |
stop their ears at the cackling of Guinea hen
and whenever they hear q Cock crow they go out
and weep bitterly.
It is hardly necessary to say that your Commit |
tee have no sympathy with such fears. They have
the most sanguine belief that this dreaded henj
fever is producing the best results They may bel
seen Ia the exhibition this day of improved races
of fowls, and if it did not SAVIOR too much OF
counting chickens before they are hafched, we
would conidently predict still better show another
We vvo,,id cvty inf1ulpe the hone that theI