62 PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 



over the nest hollows, in which soft, short straw or hay 

 is laid for the eggs to rest upon. 



The front of each nest should have a little door of 

 slats or wire netting to keep the hens shut in when this 

 is necesary. A piece of coarse burlap sacking is pro- 

 vided for each nest to toe hung over the front of the box 

 whenever it is desired to make it darker inside without 

 shutting out the fresh air. 



FURTHER FURNISHINGS. 



A galvanized or heavy tin pail, large enough to hold 

 a sufficient supply of drinking water, is placed on a 

 block or shelf raised several inches above the floor, so 

 that the hens, when off the nests, will not be able to 

 scratch anything into tne water. 



A clean, shallow box or trough is placed in a con- 

 venient position near the window for holding the daily 

 ration of whole grain. 



Everything in the room should be easily removable 

 so that it may be taken out and sprayed or washed with 

 two tper cent, solution of carbolic acid. 



SETTING THE SITTERS. 



'When a trusty hen becomes broody and is to be 

 used for incubating, first dust her thoroughly with lice- 

 powder, working the fine dry dust among the fluffy fea- 

 thers clear to the skin. 



After dark is the safest time for removing the heu 

 from her laying nest to the sitting place. Two or three 

 china eggs placed in the nest will make it more attractive 

 to the broody hen. After settling her gently in the nest 

 the little door in front is closed and the burlap cloth 

 hung over it. 



Fresh water and whole corn (maize) are placed in 

 the room ready for the morrc-w. 



The following day, towards evening, the burlap cloth 

 and the slatted door are removed from the front of the 

 nest to permit the hen to come off and feed. If she stays 

 upon the nest leave her until morning and then try her 

 again. If she does not then come off of her own accord, 



