20 Farm Poultry 



Good foragers. These egg breeds rank among 

 the most active and industrious fowls, as many 

 a good housewife can testify whose cherished 

 flower garden has undergone a system of sur- 

 face culture instituted by a Leghorn hen. All 

 the noted egg producers are very alert, and 

 are well suited to foraging, and may obtain a 

 considerable portion of their living if a wide 

 range is provided. They are not only active, 

 but seem to be constantly on the lookout for 

 food. It is true that often, under otherwise fa- 

 vorable conditions, they seem to endure close 

 confinement very well. This is undoubtedly due 

 to the fact that they are hardy and will stand 

 more or less abuse and still maintain a thrifty 

 appearance. They thrive in spite of confinement, 

 not because of it. The most skilful breeders, 

 who are unable to give their fowls the desired 

 run or yard, almost invariably provide means 

 for giving the fowls exercise, which may be done 

 by requiring them to scratch among litter for 

 their food. This will in a degree modify the evil 

 of close confinement. 



There is not the least doubt that many fowls 

 that are now kept in close confinement would 

 be more healthy, give a larger percentage of 

 fertile eggs, and in the end prove much more 

 profitable if greater freedom could be afforded 

 them. 



