56 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 
in during the Winter, until it may have become a foot 
deep by Spring, at which time it should all be re- 
moved, and will prove a valuable addition to the 
garden. Swale hay makes good litter and a bale 
will answer the amateur a long time. Good straw 
is considered the best litter, but it is expensive. 
Leaves will answer and need cost only the few 
nickels which will reward a small boy for raking 
them up. Leaves pack hard and need loosening 
with a rake or stable fork. 
Whatever litter is used, the hens have a tendency 
to scratch it to the rear of the house, and it is a 
good plan to take five minutes daily in order to scat- 
ter it evenly over the floor. Some amateurs rake 
the grain into the litter every morning. 
Poultry are early risers in Summer and need their 
breakfast as soon as off the perches. If that is 
too early for their owner, it is a simple matter for 
him to scatter the grain in the litter the night be- 
fore. 
The importance of green food is often overlooked, 
It means much in getting a good egg yield and in 
keeping the hens in condition. There is nothing 
better than alfalfa, and clover comes next. They 
may be made a part of the mash or cut into short 
