This section is from the book "The New Cyclopaedia of Domestic Economy, and Practical Housekeeper", by Elizabeth Fries Ellet. Also available from Amazon: The New Cyclopaedia of Domestic Economy, and Practical Housekeeper.
The cock bird when young has a smooth black leg with a short spur. The eyes bright and full, and moist supple feet when fresh; the absence of these signs denotes age and staleness; the hen may be judged by the same rules.
Fowls like a turkey; the young cock has a smooth leg and a short spur; when fresh the vent is close and dark. Hens when young have smooth legs and combs; when old these will be rough.
In young geese the feet and bills will be yellow and free from hair When fresh the feet are pliable; they are stiff when stale.
Ducks may be selected by the same rule.
Pigeons, when fresh, have supple feet, and the vent will be firm; if it be discolored and supple they are stale.
Plovers, when fat, have hard vents; but, like almost all other birds, may be chosen by the same rules.
Other game birds may be chosen by the above rules.
 
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