A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



cause. One of the demijohns had cracked, 

 and the poor babies were floating about in 

 hot water, from which they were rapidly 

 scooped out by the handful, and deposited 

 on the hearth-rug to dry, apparently not 

 much hurt. Hot water obviously was not 

 safe. Once more, what would retain heat ? 

 A flash of inspiration suggested baked 

 corn. It was one A. M. before a sufficient 

 quantity could be made hot enough, but it 

 did keep warm till seven o'clock. Baked 

 corn proved so safe as a warmth retainer, 

 that for a week all went well. Then, the 

 half-dormant infant period being passed, it 

 became evident that outdoor air and exercise 

 were necessary during the day. A hundred 

 and sixty-three chicks do not seem very 

 formidable when confined in a brooder; 

 but oh, their mighty numbers when sudden 

 capture became necessary in a thunder-shower ! 

 The exercise would have profitably employed 

 a large class of physical-culture students 

 perhaps, but wrestling alone with such living 



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