Boxes, 58 



eiug these steps immediately one over the 

 other, but in such wise, that they can jump 

 from one to the other. 



Boxes, of which every carpenter knows 

 the form, are to be arranged around the 

 walls, and it is proper to have a sufficient 

 number, the hens being apt to dispute pos- 

 session, and sit one upon another ; the steps 

 will lead equally to these as to the perches. 

 The board, or step at the entrance, to be of 

 sufficient height to prevent the eggs from 

 rolling out. Provision of a few railed doors 

 may be made, for occasional use, to be 

 hung before the entrance, in order to pre- 

 vent other hens from intruding to lay their 

 eggs upon those which sit, a habit to which 

 some are much addicted, and by which a 

 brood is often injured. The common deep 

 square boxes, uncovered at top, are ex- 

 tremely improper, because that form obliges 

 the hen to jump down upon her eggs ; 

 whereas, for safety, she should descend up- 

 on them from a very small height, or in a 

 manner walk in upon them. The same ob 



