Chickens of either kind are good, and the yellow leg'd the best, and their taste the sweetest.Capons, if young are good, are known by short spurs and smooth legs. Dunghill Fowls, are from their frequent use, a tolerable proofs of the former birds. If a cock is young, his spurs will be short; but take care to see they have not been cut or pared, which is a trick often practised. If fresh, the vent will be close and dark. Pullets are best just before they begin to lay, and yet are full of egg: if old hens, their combs and legs will be rough; if young, they will be smooth. A good capon has a thick belly and a large rump; there is a particular fat at his breast, and the comb is very pale. Black legged fowls are most moist, if for roasting.
