Summary:
"Poultry" by Hugh Piper is a practical guide on the choice, breeding, rearing, and management of various poultry species, written in the late 19th century. This work aims to provide insightful information for both novice poultry keepers and those with more experience, compiling knowledge from historical and contemporary authorities in the field. Topics covered include housing, feeding, breeding, and the economic benefits of poultry keeping, emphasizing its profitability and contribution to food supply. The opening of the guide discusses the previous neglect of poultry breeding in Great Britain despite the acknowledged value it could provide. Piper argues that poultry can yield greater returns than other forms of livestock and emphasizes the importance of systematic and informed management. He highlights the roles of poultry in controlling pests and efficiently using agricultural resources, advocating for more widespread practice in both rural and cottage settings. The initial chapters set the tone for the detailed exploration of poultry management, making it clear that the work will be thorough and aimed at improving practices in both profit-oriented and amateur poultry keeping. (This is an automatically generated summary.)