Mr.Butterwick prepared what he considered a very learned paper upon the culture of domestic fowls; and when the time arrived, he was on the platform ready to enlighten the audience.

The birds were arranged around the hall in cages; and when the exhibition had been formally opened by the chairman, the orator came forward with his manuscript in his hand.
Just as he began to read it a black Poland rooster close to the stage uttered a loud and defiant crow.

There were about two hundred roosters in the hall, and every one of them instantly began to crow in the most vehement manner, and the noise excited the hens so much that they all cackled as loudly they could.
Of course the speaker's voice could not be heard, and he came to a dead halt, while the audience laughed.

After waiting for ten minutes silence was again obtained, and Butterwick began a second time.
As soon as he had uttered the words "Ladies and gentlemen," the Poland rooster, which seemed to have a grudge against the speaker, emitted another preposterous crow, and all the other fowls in the room joined in the deafening chorus.

The audience roared, and Butterwick grew red in the face with passion.