The little Bantams, however, can only be kept with
any advantage as pets within doors, where the climate
is severe. If their apartment be kept warm, they will
lay abundanly during the winter and spring, producing
delicious eggs, though small In size, at a time when other
hen’s eggs are scarce.
The Dominique Fowl is another breed becoming
more and more in favor, as they are universally pro-
nounced as being hardy, good layers, careful nurses, and
affording excellent eggs and flesh. Besides, their beauti-
ful appearance, when in full plumage, is quite an acqui-
sition to the farm yard or the lawn.
As to the common Turkey, Ihave but little to say.
I prefer the black or dark-colored varieties to all others,
as they are generally the largest birds, are more hardy,
and equal to the other kinds as to laying, rearing their
young, as well as in the flavor of their flesh. Next to
the black varieties, I prefer the buff-colored, which are
quite as large,-and perhaps as good in most of their other
qualities; but last of all, I would select the white, which
are decidedly less hardy, smaller in size, if they are not
even inferior in other respects.
But of all domestic fowls, if not interfered with, the
Guinea Hen is the greatest layer, the most faithful nurse,
and the best adapted to get its own living when left to
herself. These birds are not profitable to keep, how-
ever, where there are gardens or cultivated fields, as,
they will often devour or destroy, in a few hours, more
than their eggs and carcasses are worth. |

The most showy and magnificent bird of the farm


298 APPENDIX.
