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The Fat of the Land
The Fat of the Land

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of The Fat of the Land is here in full — 145 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.
He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.
He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.
Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.
These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Fat of the Land

Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of The Fat of the Land is here in full — 145 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.
Line 2
He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.
Line 3
He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.
Line 4
Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.
Line 5
These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.
/ðiːz ˈfɪɡjərz ʃoʊ ðæt sæm wɑːz ə ˌfɜːrstˈklæs ˈtʃɪkən mæn/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

chicks noun US /tʃɪks/

plural of “chick” — young bird especially of domestic fowl

From this reading “Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.”

cocks noun US /kɑːks/

plural of “cock” — obscene terms for penis

From this reading “He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.”

fattening adjective US /ˈfætənɪŋ/

subject to or used in the process of finishing or fattening up for slaughter

From this reading “Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.”

favorites noun US /ˈfeɪvərɪts/

plural of “favorite” — something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading “He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.”

first-class adjective US /ˌfɜːrstˈklæs/

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading “These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.”

hatch verb US /hætʃ/

emerge from the eggs

From this reading “Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.”

incubator noun US /ˈɪŋkjəbeɪtər/

apparatus consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for chicks or premature infants

From this reading “He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.”

pens noun US /penz/

plural of “pen” — a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading “SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.”

All words in this reading · 96

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

10

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

15

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

150

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

1917

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

30

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

653

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

678

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

97

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

addedverbUS /ˈædəd/

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

allowverbUS /əˈlaʊ/

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

AprilnounUS /ˈeɪprəl/

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

autumnnounUS /ˈɔːtəm/

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

breedingnounUS /ˈbriːdɪŋ/

elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

chickennounUS /ˈtʃɪkən/

the flesh of a chicken used for food

From this reading These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.

chicksnounUS /tʃɪks/

plural of “chick” — young bird especially of domestic fowl

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

cockerelnoun

a young domestic cock; not older than one year

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

cockerels

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

cocksnounUS /kɑːks/

plural of “cock” — obscene terms for penis

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

dividedadjectiveUS /dɪˈvaɪdɪd/

separated into parts or pieces

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

fatteningadjectiveUS /ˈfætənɪŋ/

subject to or used in the process of finishing or fattening up for slaughter

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

favoritesnounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪts/

plural of “favorite” — something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

figuresnounUS /ˈfɪɡjərz/

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.

filledadjectiveUS /fɪld/

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

fineadjectiveUS /faɪn/

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

first-classadjectiveUS /ˌfɜːrstˈklæs/

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.

flocksnounUS /flɑːks/

plural of “flock” — a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

goverbUS /ɡoʊ/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

hatchverbUS /hætʃ/

emerge from the eggs

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

hensnounUS /henz/

plural of “hen” — adult female chicken

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

incubatornounUS /ˈɪŋkjəbeɪtər/

apparatus consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for chicks or premature infants

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

layingnounUS /ˈleɪɪŋ/

the production of eggs (especially in birds)

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

machinenounUS /məˈʃiːn/

any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

pennounUS /pen/

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

pensnounUS /penz/

plural of “pen” — a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

pullets

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

reportsnounUS /rɪˈpɔːrts/

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

runverbUS /rʌn/

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

runsnounUS /rʌnz/

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

SamnounUS /sæm/

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

SaturdaynounUS /ˈsætərdi/

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/

chosen in preference to another

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

separatedadjectiveUS /ˈsepəreɪtɪd/

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

showverbUS /ʃoʊ/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.

sixnounUS /sɪks/

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

SPRINGnounUS /sprɪŋ/

the season of growth

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

startverbUS /stɑːrt/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These figures show that Sam was a first-class chicken man.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

totalverbUS /ˈtoʊtəl/

add up in number or quantity

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading SPRING OF '97 Sam began to make up his breeding pens in January.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He filled the first incubator on Saturday, January 30, and from that day until late in April he was able to start a fresh machine about every six days.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He selected 150 of his favorites, divided them into 10 flocks of 15, added a fine cockerel to each pen (we do not allow cocks or cockerels to run with the laying hens), and then began to set the incubator house in order.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Sam reports the total hatch for the year as 1917 chicks, out of which number he had, when he separated them in the early autumn, 678 pullets to put in the runs for laying hens, and 653 cockerels to go to the fattening pens.

Chapter 23 of The Fat of the Land by John Williams Streeter holds 145 sentences, grouped into 29 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 23 of The Fat of the Land contain?

Chapter 23 holds 145 sentences of The Fat of the Land, unabridged, divided into 29 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of The Fat of the Land by John Williams Streeter exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 145 sentences, grouped into 29 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 23 of The Fat of the Land?

Work through the 29 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 29 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 23 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 23 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Fat of the Land

Common questions about reading The Fat of the Land by John Williams Streeter on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Fat of the Land?

Yes. All 4487 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #16525 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Fat of the Land is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #16525, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Fat of the Land take to read?

About 373 minutes of reading across 898 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Fat of the Land section by section

How to work through The Fat of the Land section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Fat of the Land to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Fat of the Land

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Fat of the Land, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Location
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fat of the Land; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Experiment
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fat of the Land; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Utmost
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fat of the Land; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Importance
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Fat of the Land; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.