236 COMMON OR BARN-DOOR FOWL, 



where her anxiety will only permit of a very momen- 

 tary absence, during which the shells are to be removed, 

 and a small quantity of fine meadow hay inserted into 

 the bottom of the nest, the chicks being previously held 

 in a small basket till the return of the parent, who in- 

 stinctively makes for and occupies her former abode, 

 no doubt sufficiently alarmed at the apparent absence 

 of her young, but which fear is soon removed, by their 

 being placed one by one under her. We have re- 

 peatedly experienced the value of this precaution, in 

 saving the chicks from being overlaid, through the rest- 

 less anxiety of the mother, to secure the brood under 

 her fostering wings, after feeding herself. 



It is of great consequence to have a proper quantity 

 of dry sand or ashes near the feeding-board, in which 

 the sitters may rub themselves, in order to disengage 

 any vermin adhering to their bodies, causing such rest- 

 lessness, as in some cases to induce them to desert their 

 charge ; and along with this requisite, water in abun- 

 dance must be provided. 



We quote, from the interesting work of M. Bucknell, 

 Esq., the following account of the progressive stages of 

 life, as developed in the egg of a Common Hen : - 



On the third day the embryo organization of the 

 skull, brain, heart, and blood, is perceptible by the aid 

 of a magnifying glass. 



