Procuring Eggs for Setting. 47 



plan to roll each Gg^ separately in hay or moss, fastened 

 with a little avooI or worsted. They should be covered 

 with well-rubbed straw, pressed down carefully and gently. 

 The lid of the hamper should be sewed on tightly all round, 

 or in three or four places at least. If a box is used, the lid 

 should be fastened by cords or screws, but not with nails, 

 as the hammering would probably destroy the germ of the 



egg. 



In procuring eggs for hatching, be sure that the parent 

 birds are of mature age, but not too old, well-shaped, 

 vigorous, and in perfect health ; that one cock is kept to 

 every six or seven hens ; and that they are well fed and 

 attended to. Have a steady broody hen ready to take the 



