128 THE BOOK OF SPORTS.

feathers edged with black, his wings bordered with pur-
ple, his tail-feathers black, his hackles slightly studded
with purple, and his breast black, with white edges to
the feathers. The hen should be small, clean-legged, and
match in plumage with the cock, For young persons,
Bantams are the best kinds of fowls to be kept, as they
make but little dirt, and are very gentle and pretty.

 

CHOICE OF STOCK,

In commencing fowl-keeping, it is important to choose
young and healthy sorts. There should be a two year
old cock, and pullets in their first year. In choosing
them, we should note that the comb is red and healthy,
the eyes bright and dry, and the nostrils free from
any moisture. ‘The indications of old age or sickness
are paleness of the comb and gills, dulness of colour, a
sort of stiffness in the down and feathers, increased
length of talons, loose and prominent scales on the legs.

There should be from four to six hens to one cock,
the latter being the extreme number; and the conduct
of the cock towards the hens should be watched, for if
he should be of a sulky, selfish, persecuting and domi-
neering disposition, the hens will be unhappy, and he
ought to have his neck wrung, as a just reward for sel-
fishness and tyranny.

 

FOOD AND FEEDING.

Fowzs must be well fed, but they should not have too
much. Over-feeding is as bad for fowls as for men.