NATURAL IKCUBATIOK. 53 



the poultry-house, kept specially for the sitting hens. 

 Each one is four by four, and three feet high; it has a 

 hinged lid, which can be thrown back against the wall 

 when it is desired, for attendance upon the hen. The 

 front is covered with wire netting. The nest, shown by 

 the removal of one side of a pen, is a box about sixteen 

 inches square open in the front, and having a very low 

 piece to keep the nesfc in it, and to permit the hen to step 

 in and out. When it is necessary, the nest is closed by 

 placing a piece of board in front of it. This is done for 

 a day or two when the hen is restless, after having been 

 put in the nest. When she is settled down, the board 

 is removed. Each pen is supplied with a feeding-dish 

 and water-cup, and is littered with sawdust. It is at- 

 tended to every evening by lamp-light; the feed and 

 water are renewed, and the droppings are removed, a pail 

 and small shovel being kept in the house for this pur- 

 pose. A pail of water and another of feed are carried 

 to the house every evening. The hens are thus kept un- 

 disturbed during the day, although they are visited regu- 

 larly to see that all is right. Each hen is separate and 

 cannot see the others, and, the house being partly dark- 

 ened and kept warm, the hens are quiet and comfortable, 

 and mind their business satisfactorily. 



