CHAP. IV.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 105 



left to herself in the arrangement of her nest, 

 seldom makes use of even numbers ; always 

 placing one egg in the centre and the rest in 

 a compact circle around it. There can be 

 little doubt that the eggs will be hatched, per- 

 haps equally well, if equal numbers be put 

 under the hen, but it offers no advantage, and 

 whatever may be the number employed, they 

 should be deposited in the same manner as 

 in the nest. Care should also be taken not 

 to employ too many ; for if the eggs be not 

 completely covered, some will be imperfectly 

 hatched, and thus not produce chickens. 



The more prudent way is, therefore, to use 

 a couple less than you think the hen capable of 

 covering : then place her gently upon the nest, 

 and leave her to repose without further inter- 

 ference ; for, if left to herself, she will sit pa- 

 tiently, during the whole period of incubation, 

 only occasionally going into the yard for a few 

 moments to feed. Some hens will, indeed, sit 

 for days together without removing from their 

 nest ; in which case most persons deem it neces- 

 sary to put corn and water by the hen's side, 

 and allow her to feed while sitting. It is, how- 

 ever, much better to lift her if necessary, once 



