ii4 The Natural Method. 



interference as possible. Those of quiet nature can be re- 

 moved to the hatching-room at night, with the precaution of 

 giving them china eggs for a few days until they show that they 

 are fully settled in the new quarters. If the general flock is 

 allowed to molest sitters it is at the cost of at least half the 

 possible number of chicks. Ordinarily it is better that the hen 

 should sit in a fence-corner, sheltered by a few boards only, 

 but in solitude, than that she be in the house with the laying 

 hens. The sitters should have a regular run and feed, and at- 

 tention enough to make sure that each returns quietly to her 

 own nest, when all are comparatively safe for the next 24 

 hours except from lice. The breed makes some difference 

 with the number of chicks, as hens of pugnacious, uneasy 

 breeds, or those of extra weight, cannot make as good sitters 

 or mothers as those of medium weight and tranquil temper. 

 Victory over lice may be secured at this stage of the work by 

 a free and frequent use of good insect-powder or carbolic 

 acid. Lice need not be very troublesome at any time if clean 

 nests and good dusting facilities are always provided for the 

 sitters. An earth nest will not invite lice as a chaff or hay nest 

 will, and is so far preferable. It may be made in a box as well 

 as on the ground. All nests must be hollowed at the center 

 only enough to keep the eggs together. If so deep that some 

 can lie above the rest, some breakage is certain, and one or two 

 broken eggs, soiling others, may spoil the whole hatch unless 

 all are cleaned'at once in warm water. The box must be very 

 little larger than the hollowed nest, and the corners should be 

 filled as high as the rim of the nest, lest some eggs be pushed 

 out by the hen in her efforts to turn them, or herself. 



All eggs may be easily tested by any novice on the eighth day. 

 Dark ones the ones containing the chicks can be doubled up 

 and new settings given to part of the hens, the clear eggs being 

 saved in a cool place until hatching-time. The yelks may form 

 one-half the feed once a day for three or four days with per- 

 fect safety ; the hens will be glad of the whites, and just that 

 quantity of other food will be saved. 



