Distinction in Hens. 69 



predominant, which they will repeat to the 

 fifth or sixth time in the year, to their ema- 

 ciation or almost destruction : in others, the 

 desire is so slight, that they will probably 

 set but twice, or even once in the season, 

 and then not steadily. It is for the skilful 

 breeder to take advantage of this variation 

 of quality, the one kind furnishing plenty of 

 eggs for the other to set upon. 



It is proper to place corn and water 

 beside the setting hen, whenever it may 

 appear necessary, withdrawing them as 

 soon as she is satisfied, not only to en- 

 courage steadiness of incubation, but to 

 support the constitutions of those in which 

 the natural excitement is so powerful, 

 that they will remain several successive 

 days upon the nest, at the risk of famish- 

 ing. I have had instances of hens of this 

 description, fainting outright, and appear- 

 ing as dead, on their final leaving the 

 nest with the chickens : in a state of to- 

 tal emaciation, having probably not eaten 

 or drank more than once in three or four 



