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ers, and rural artisans. From the number of capons which ap-pear in the old rentals, it rr.'ght be inferred that our forefathers,more frugal than we, did not eat chickens, or that the capon wasformerly an object of much more consideration than at present.
‘ Of this species of poultry there are, in this country, six va-rieties. The indigenous breed are hardy, easily fatted, and fullynaturalized to the climate and the subsistence of the country. Inthe upland district, where this breed is yet uncrossed and pure,it resembles, in some respects, the common pheasant, and is su-perior in respect of delicacy at the table. To the pheasant it isdoubtless nearly allied ; or from them, there is reason to believe,that this breed may have originally sprung. Under the title ofHebrydal pheasant, Mr Latham describes a mixed breed betweenthe pheasant and the cock. This gentleman also mentions thatwild pheasants sometimes come into the farm yards, and gene-rate a cross breed with the common hen.
‘ This valuable kind may be managed in such a manner as tobreed twice in the year; and the hen, when properly kept, be-sides rearing both broods, will lay nearly 200 eggs.
‘ The second most valuable variety is distinguished by thename of the “ Hamburgh breed. ” It has nearly all the goodqualities of the indigenous race, except the glossy plumage whichmany individuals of that species possess, and that it cannot- pro-vide so effectually for its own subsistence; but it attains to a tr.-ichlarger size. It generally has five toes on each foot, is adornedby a ruff of feathers round the neck and ears, and is commonlyof an unmixed, though not very bright, white colour.
‘ Although no species of gambling has been ever fashionablein the country, (in which it is believed that a cockpit was neverformed), yet the game breed is a third variety, frequently to beseen in every quarter. They weigh about 4 lib.; but producingfew eggs, and being delicate when young, they are not a profit-able breed for farmers.
‘ A fourth variety, known by the name of the “ Bantam breed,”is distinguished by having the legs covered with feathers to thetoes, which greatly incommode it when walking in snow, whileany advantage of this distinguishing mark is not obvious. Theyweigh scarcely more than 2 lib.; but they produce a great num-ber of small eggs.
‘ The fifth species is also a small breed, called the “ French fowl, ’’ having the feathers partly erect, and for the greater partcurled towards the head. Similar to the Bantam breed, they onlyweigh about two lib., and they produce a great number of eggs ;but as they are very imperfectly protected by their plumage fromthe cold and from the rain, they are rather delicate for this se-vere climate.
‘ The sixth variety is peculiarly marked by having neitherrump nor tail. They weigh more than either the Bantam or