FEBRUARY 1ST.

BARNDOOR FOWLS.-(Gallus Domesticus.)

THERE can be little doubt that a considerable source of profit is neglected by many of our farmers and cottagers by the small attention given to the poultry yard. Very frequently where every facility exists for the economical keeping of fowls none are found; and in numerous other cases, where kept, they are ill cared for, and become a source of loss rather than gain. They manage these matters much better in France, where poultry, the most nutritious of food, and eggs, so favourite an article of consumption, are far more plentiful than with us. The poultry yard should be well sheltered, warm and dry, kept supplied with sand, old lime, gravel, and ashes, plenty of good corn, and pure running water. Nearly all fowl diseases, in fact, arise from cold and moisture. The pure Dorking and Polish breeds will probably be found the most valuable for the production of eggs, and if the stock of hens is kept up from time to time, a regular supply may be safely counted on. The nesting-places should be in some secluded spot, free from observation; for the hen is very shy, and will often cease to lay if her nest is too exposed or meddled with. The nest should be constantly furnished with two or three lumps of chalk, shaped like eggs, the real eggs being abstracted in the absence of the hen. If the supply of eggs should prove more than the required demand, the best way of preserving is to anoint them with butter, when they may be safely kept for a considerable time. We import immense quantities of poultry and eggs from France, Ireland, and other parts; but, from the scantiness of our home production, prices range so high as to exclude these excellent articles of food from the tables of all but the well-to-do.

The old idea that it was possible to tell the sex of the bird to be hatched by the shape of the egg has been revived of late, but it does not appear that any certain prediction in this respect can be made. The hen usually exhibits the utmost watchfulness and care of her young, and will face danger with the most indomitable courage in defence of her brood. The cock is also a most courageous bird. What sonorous notes of defiance he gives forth when perched on the farm wall or shed roof

"Without a peer

For crowing loud the noble Chanticleer."

And yet, brave and knowing as he may be, he is, under certain conditions, a poltroon, appearing, indeed, as if utterly bereft of his senses, for if carefully taken from his perch at night, placed on a well-lighted table, opposite a firm straight chalk line, the beak of the bird being bent down opposite to the line, so that his eye may catch it, the light being thrown strongly on the line, the poor cock becomes bewildered, remaining in the position placed, as though utterly powerless to move; in fact, as if glued to the board, until the charm is broken by rubbing out the line or by distracting his attention. The cock was sacred to Esculapius, by reason of his watchfulness, and was of old considered an accurate timekeeper

"More certain was the crowing of the cock
To number hours than is an abbey clock;
And sooner than the matin bell was rung
He clapt his wings upon his roost and sung."

DRYDEN.

FEBRUARY 2ND.

THE COMMON GULL.-(Larus canus.)

THIS is one of our most admired sea birds, the plumage chaste and beautiful, the breast of the purest white, the back and wings of fine pale bluish grey. On the wing its appearance is light and attractive, whether gambolling high in air or ranging over the wide world of waters, every now and then dipping swiftly down on its finny prey. The bird also swims well, and