, 1860-11-16
The Poultry Yard.

AzoTE FooD NECESSARY FOR FowLs.-A
letter was read before the Brit sh Associa.
ton from NJ. SAGE, Of Switzerland, giving
an account Of some experiments in the tetd-
ing Of fowls. He states, first, that fowls to
which portion of chalk is given with their
food, lay eggs, the shells of which are re.
markable for their whiteness. By substitut-
ing for chalk a calcareous earth, rich in
oxyde of iron, the shells become an orange
red color. Secondly, he informs us that
some hens fed upon barley alone, would not
lay well, and that they tear off each others
feathers. lie then mixed with the barley
some feathers chopped up, which they ate
eagerly and digested freely. BY so adding
milk to their food, they began to lay, and
ceased plucking out each others feathers.
He concludes that this proceeding rose from
the desire of the hens for Gzote food.
MERIT OF FowLs.-Like human beings,
fowls are susceptible of being influenced by
change of climate, dirt, soil and water.
They require little care until they become
acclimated, which they never fail to be after
q time; but it is unfair to condemn them as
tender or untitled for any particular locality
because trial Of afew months has not been
satisfactory. Their habits should also be
studied. Some bear confinement without
injury--others require a range. Their prop
critics are so different, that every one may
be suited il he will only take the necessary
trouble, and seek proper information.
MANNER OF FEEDISG.-Regularity, when
fel by hand, should be observed in the hours
of feeding; also in the quantity of food
given. Not surfeit them one day, and starve
them the next, but give the fowls their food
as regularly as you take your own meals.
Nothing is easier kept than fowls. No kind
Of food comes Gmiss to them. ..
/ WEIoHT OF PouLTRY.-ln England, more
than forty years ago, there were exhibitions
and prizes awarded for the best and largest
poultry. At these exhibitions, noblemen of
the highest rank became competitors. Earl
Spencer, in 1887, carried the highest prize
for turkey, which weighed twenty and one
fourth pounds. One capon was exhibited
which weighed seven pounds and fourteen
ounces one pullet, six pounds and three
ounces; one goose, eighteen pounds two
ounces; one pair Of ducks, ten pounds and
ten ounces
In December, 1922, two turkeys were sent
to Cork, one weighing thirty-three pounds,
and the other thiity-four pounds.
In December, 1888, three turkeys were
so at Lead, nhall, Market which weighed
ninety-One pounds, and brought three guineas
each. One eighteen months old and weigh
ing thirty -four pounds, was sold at the same
price. 4. e SE7 6hts gs,Es
We have seen il stated in q Philadelphia
paper, that in, le42, a farmer from New Jer-.
sey obtained tIO.5O for q turkey, in this way:
He boasted that his turkey weighrd thirty
pounds, and asked price for II tpropOrtioIlate
70 It's Dimensions. A customer, dodbting
this, said he would give him Eve dollars for
the turkey IL It weighed twenty five pounds,
andloue dollar for every pound over that
weight. The turkey was put on the scales
and weighed tn rty and half pounds. Tho
gentleman kept bis word, paid the tl0.5O,
and took bis tuIteyh for his NewiY eaf's
dinner. Yl,iI30 a a1UW 7ToI