THE FASCINATION OF POULTRY CULTURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 57

THE FASCINATION OF POULTRY CULTURE.

(An article in the "lighter vein," suitable for Christmas week ; in reproducing which "Terror" wishes his Teaders the compliments of the season.) Oan anyone tell what it is that makes poultry culture so fascinating? The craze, if such it may be called, is not eonfiri^d to any one class of men, but catches and~holds in its toils men of all classes, high and low, rich and poor. The business man who bows at this shrine of feathers may have a clouded brow — business cares may strain his nerves, overwork make his head' ache, the approaching pay day for mils may make his heart ache. He may have 'been sour and ill-natured toward all who have met him for hours ; but let another feather worshipper step up and introduce" himself! In less than one minute our tired business man forgets his cares — forgets his work that needs attention — forgets that it" is dinner time. In five minutes he is bpftor acquainted, and has a warmer spot in "his heart for tihe stranger than' he has for his nearest neighbour. Watch them as the minutes speed by — both of them talking at once, all' smiles,' good nature. The stranger leaves. The man goes home with such a genial greeting that the wife forgets her annoyance over the late dinner. After the moal he. goes out- to feed the chicks. He- sees a. number of thip&s

that need' his attention. An hour slips by unheeded — no cares — nor worries. He returns to the store with clearer brain, lighter heart, with a smile on his face, a song on his lips.

Each one thinks his chosen variety is the most beautiful of all. One fancier will go wild over a variety that another will not have on his place. One wants his pets with their feathers all on the body, and have them set up on two slender stems. Another wants his covered with feathers fpom beak to toe nail. The one thinks his neighbour's pets are clumsy, awkward, homely. The other thinks his neighbour's kinds are top heavy and positively indecent running around with their legs bare to the world. But each one has the same craz«> for chickens. They see the same charm in the growing chicks and dream the same dreams of ribbons.

Can anyone explain it all?

Chickens are not the cleanest of animals, and yet men will cheerfully attend to their needs — feed, water, and clean out coops. Men who under normal conditions abhor dust and dirt will patiently work for hours in the dust and' octours caring for their pets. Hens may break valuable eggs — may kill chicks that were their owner's pride — around wliicli clustered bright hopes. Sorry? Of course. But no amount of vexation, annoyance, or disappointment can dim his ardoxxr, lessen his bright anticipation, or damp his determination. Fanciers may at times get angry at each other, may be very jealous, but under it all there is a feeling of genial comradeship and good fellowship that will bring out the sunshine because there is 'a tie between them that is stronger andl more binding than that existing among the followers of any other business. The fancier is a warm-hearted lover of Nature. He- makes friends. Have you ever known one who was not well up in his profession or business, and who was not a loving husband, or tender-hearted lover, a gentle father, an all-round good man? The rule says you must stay away From setting hen until The day Is past for all the chicks to be Hatched out. Then only may you see. "Breathes there a man with soul so dead"

Who never to the- old barn shed Has gone bafor-c the chicks are due, To see how many bills pip through? Sorrow or joy remains in store; B-iit stay awa.y one could no n.ore Than from, the room did Blue Beard's wif el Tho. keenest joy of Fancier's life. W. H. Harrison, Jun., Toledo, lowa.