FEEDING A LITTLE FLOCK 55 
organs, but when one considers that a hen drinks 
only about a teaspoonful at a time, one may judge 
that this chilling is not a very serious matter, after 
all. It is quite possible that the hen enjoys sipping 
warm water in the morning just as some human be- 
ings do, and everything which tends to make the hen 
comfortable and happy helps to promote egg pro- 
duction. 
Truth to tell, the getting of eggs depends to a 
very large extent upon keeping the hens in a con- 
tented state of mind. Worry a hen or change her 
surroundings and observe how quickly she will cease 
to lay. By the same token, then, it is worth while 
taking care that the flock has cool, fresh water at 
least twice a day in Summer. It is an advantage to 
have the water dish in a shaded place outside the 
house and an iron or earthenware dish will help to 
keep the water palatable. 
The use of deep litter has been mentioned, but 
the subject is worthy of elaboration. Hens must 
have exercise and there is no better way of com- 
pelling them to take it than to scatter the grain in 
several inches of straw, shredded corn stalks, hay 
or leaves on the floor of the poultry house. As the 
litter becomes packed down, more should be thrown 
