The History of the Hen Fever. A Humorous Record

A witty chronicle of an odd 19th‑century mania, this work follows the rise of the “Hen Fever” that swept the United States from the late 1840s into the early 1850s. The author, an amateur poultry‑breeder turned reluctant chronicler, recounts how a casual remark about his modest flock sparked a nationwide obsession with exotic breeds, turning backyards into bustling markets and sparking fierce competition among would‑be traders.

Written with a light, good‑natured humor, the narrative blends personal anecdotes with a broader social snapshot of a time when even the most ordinary hobby could become a lucrative, if absurd, enterprise. Readers will enjoy the author’s sharp observations of the characters involved—enthusiastic neighbors, crafty merchants, and skeptical onlookers—while gaining a glimpse into the quirky economics and cultural quirks that defined this short‑lived epidemic.