156 THE HOME POULTRY. BOOK 
pullets, but he will be prepared to hatch out a fine 
lot of chicks in the Spring. 
Plow or spade the garden and plant rye for the 
hens to feed on in Winter. 
OCTOBER 
Leaves make cheap litter. It is a good plan to 
gather many bags full and to store them in a dry 
place. 
The pullets should be in their permanent quar- 
ters by the first of this month, for it is poor policy 
to move them after they commence laying. 
Start feeding rather more heavily and induce the 
birds to eat dry mash freely. 
If the pullets are slow in laying, give them a warm 
crumbly mash several times a week. If a daily 
mash of table scraps is given, no stimulant will be 
needed probably, but a teaspoonful of mustard to 
the mash for 25 hens may be added. A little salt 
is a help. Also, a handful of hemp seed may be 
thrown into the litter once or twice a week. 
Keep litter in abundance on the floor and make 
the pullets scratch for their grain. Exercise and 
contentment are very important. 
Make note of the pullets which lay first, if pos- 
