BEEP DING, ASLIV PEE FLOCK 51 
will save labor and be reasonably certain of good re- 
sults 1f he uses one of the commercial laying 
mashes, which can be bought at seed and poultry 
supply stores anywhere and the best of which con- 
tain a well-balanced mixture of many grains with 
cut alfalfa and beef scraps added. Placed in a 
hopper where the fowls will have access to it at all 
times, the amateur never need fear that his hens are 
being underfed or be conscience-smitten if he is 
obliged to skip a feeding of whole grain. In fact, 
if it is found that only a little of this mash is being 
eaten, the amount of grain fed may be reduced in 
order to drive the hens to the hoppers, for the birds 
which eat liberally of the mash wil! usually be the 
ones to lay best. 
The tendency is to feed too much grain, and the 
amateur is especially likely to err in this direction. 
It goes without saying that the grain should be fed 
in a litter several inches deep, and it is wise to poke 
about in this litter with the foot occasionally to see 
if there is any grain on the floor. If grain is found 
there, the fact may be taken as indicating that the 
birds are receiving at least all they need, and it is 
a good plan to purposely miss a feeding once a week 
so that the hens will be forced to scratch industri- 
