The common open circular wicker coop I regard as an exceedingly useful article in a poultry-yard, but not for the purpose to which it is generally applied, of keeping the hens _in_, but, on the contrary, for keeping them _out_. I have found it very convenient for feeding chicken under; the oatmeal, grits, and other expensive food used for the young birds is apt to be devoured by those of advanced growth, an evil which is readily prevented by placing it under a large coop which admits the younger chicken, and enables them to feed undisturbed by the others. The remark is often made, that chicken reared in the country by cottagers are more vigorous and healthy than those bred in the most expensive poultry houses; this I believe to be entirely owing to the more natural circumstances under which they are brought up. Fresh air, fresh grass, and fresh ground for the hens to scratch in, far more than counterbalance the advantage of expensive diet and superior lodging, if these latter are unaccompanied with the more necessary circumstances just described. The plans here recommended I found to be more than ordinarily successful during the most unfavourable chicken seasons, even on the cold clay soil in the neighbourhood of London, and I have there severely tested their perfect efficiency with regard to Cochins, Dorkings, Spanish, and Hamburghs. In cases where fowls are bred _in and in_ to preserve peculiar markings, or where, so to speak, a very artificial variety has been produced, great delicacy necessarily results; this, for example, is the case in the Sebright Bantam, and hardiness cannot be expected in such breeds; as well might the breeder of King Charles’ spaniels or Italian greyhounds expect similar success to that of the rearer of the Scotch terrier or sheep dog.