118 FARMING FOR LADIES. [chap. v. 



and moveable upon wheels, for the larger 

 sort of poultry, with a flap on one side, for 

 the passing to and fro of the chicks: all 

 slightly floored with board, on which clean 

 straw should be strewn to render them warm. 



The basket is the lightest, and the crib the 

 warmest ; but whichever may be used should 

 be laid upon the floor of the hen-house, 

 and covered up with the hen and chickens 

 in it before the entrance of the other fowls, 

 nor be uncovered until after their egress : 

 in order to prevent those accidents which 

 they might occasion to the young brood. 

 This precaution is, however, unnecessary, if 

 there be any separate hatching-house or spare 

 shed, as both hen and chicks may there re- 

 main uncontrolled, and it is very desirable to 

 allow them that advantage, without restraint. 

 Or, if the weather be cold, and you have a 

 melon-frame not in immediate use, no better 

 plan can be than that of placing the hen and 



