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Yes, indeed. I've nine Dorothys and two Daniels; and the nine Dorothys

have eighty-six sons and daughters and over three hundred

grandchildren," said Billina, proudly.

What names do you give 'em all, dear?" inquired the little girl.

Oh, they are all Dorothys and Daniels, some being Juniors and some

Double-Juniors. Dorothy and Daniel are two good names, and I see no

object in hunting for others," declared the Yellow Hen. "But just think,

Dorothy, what a big chicken family we've grown to be, and our numbers

increase nearly every day! Ozma doesn't know what to do with all the

eggs we lay, and we are never eaten or harmed in any way, as chickens

are in your country. They give us everything to make us contented and

happy, and I, my dear, am the acknowledged Queen and Governor of

every chicken in Oz, because I'm the eldest and started the whole

colony."

You ought to be very proud, ma'am," said Uncle Henry, who was

astonished to hear a hen talk so sensibly.

Oh, I am," she replied. "I've the loveliest pearl necklace you ever saw.

Come in the house and I'll show it to you. And I've nine leg bracelets and

a diamond pin for each wing. But I only wear them on state occasions."

They followed the Yellow Hen into the house, which Aunt Em declared

was neat as a pin. They could not sit down, because all Billina's chairs

were roosting-poles made of silver; so they had to stand while the hen

fussily showed them her treasures.

Then they had to go into the back rooms occupied by Billina's nine

Dorothys and two Daniels, who were all plump yellow chickens and

greeted the visitors very politely. It was easy to see that they were well

bred and that Billina had looked after their education.

In the yards were all the children and grandchildren of these eleven

elders and they were of all sizes, from well-grown hens to tiny chickens

just out of the shell. About fifty fluffy yellow youngsters were at school,

being taught good manners and good grammar by a young hen who wore

spectacles. They sang in chorus a patriotic song of the Land of Oz, in

honor of their visitors, and Aunt Em was much impressed by these

talking chickens.

The Emerald City of Oz