98 THE BEGINNER IN POULTRY 



and the better it will be when the fowls eventually un- 

 earth it. This also gives the fowls the constant oppor- 

 tunity for occupation and, one might say, recreation of 

 the fowl kind. This means much in the better health 

 of the flocks. 



Much can be done in growing rape, large-head let- 

 tuces and cabbages in very rich, cool ground, in plots 

 alongside the chicken yards if it is possible to find the 

 right soil there. A yard that has been used as a fowl 

 run is good. The condition of the soil makes a great 

 variation in this class of feeds. I have seen soils kept 

 virtually bare by the presence and ranging of a small 

 flock ; in others of similar area rich and well grassed, 

 the ranging of an equal number of birds made little im- 

 pression in wearing away the thick, grassy turf. Here 

 is variation in opportunity, and variation, be sure, in 

 product, because of natural variations in conditions. The 

 chief point is that the birds must really get what they 

 need. The easiest way is the best, if fully feasible. One 

 who has choice is throwing away his lead if he do not 

 select the most favorable conditions, where Nature is his 

 best help. If this cannot be done, the next best thing 

 is to provide the best conditions as cheaply and easily 

 as it can be well done. 



There is a very easily raised product for early summer 

 use in the fancy curled mustards. The fowls do not 

 like them as well as they do lettuce, but on some soils 

 they will furnish more feed, almost equally tender. They 

 should not be allowed to go to seed, as they might then 

 become a bad weed, like other mustards. These are so 

 beautifully curled and crested that they are about equal 

 to parsley for garnishing, and to some palates they make 



