u a little tap on the back
with my wand. Now, then, please observe closely. The down which just
now covered him has almost gone. He is really a good deal bigger, and
ever so much uglier. See the little pin-feathers sticking out over
him! Some spots here and there are almost bare, but he is ever so much
more active. Ha! Listen to that! He is so strong that you can hear
his beak as he pecks at the table. He is actually growing bigger and
bigger before our very eyes! See that funny little tail, how it begins
to stick up, and quills are showing at the end of his wings.

"Another tap, and a few more grains. Careful, sir! Don't tear the
cloth! See how rapidly he grows! He is fairly covered with feathers,
red and black, with a tip of yellow in front. You could hardly get
that fellow into an ostrich egg! Now, then, what do you think of him?
He is big enough for a broiler, though I don't think any one would want
to take him for that purpose. Some more grain, and another tap from my
wand. See! He does not mind the little stick, for he has been used to
it from his very birth. Now, then, he is what you would call a good
half-grown chick. Rather more than half grown, I should say. Do you
notice his tail? There is no mistaking him for a pullet. The long
feathers are beginning to curl over already. He must have a little
more grain. Look out, sir, or you will be off the table! Come back
here! This table is too small for him, but if he were on the floor you
could not see him so well.

"Another tap. Now see that comb on the top of his head; you scarcely
noticed it before, and now it is bright red. And see his spurs
beginning to show--on good thick legs, too. There is a fine young
fellow for you! Look how he jerks his head from side to side, like the
young prince of a poultry-yard, as he well deserves to be!"

The attentive interest which had at first characterized the audience
now changed to excited admiration and amazement. Some leaned forward
with mouths wide open. Others stood up so that they could see better.
Ejaculations of astonishment and wonder were heard on every side, and a
more thoroughly fascinated and absorbed audience was never seen.

"Now, my friends," Loring continued, "I will give this handsome fowl
another tap. Behold the result--a noble, full-grown cock! Behold his
spurs! They are nearly an inch long! See, there is a comb for you!
And what a magnificent tail of green and black,