120 FARMING FOR LADIES. [chap. v. 



it should not be placed there, unless the grass 

 has been closely mown and is perfectly dry, 

 for damp is more injurious to such tender little 

 beings than cold, and it is better to leave them 

 in some dry part of the kitchen-garden, in 

 which they can do no essential mischief, and 

 where they will pick up insects, which are 

 highly nutritive, and of which they are very 

 fond. They will not stray far from the hen, 

 which will call them to the shelter of her wing 

 in the case of a sudden shower, or on the ap- 

 pearance of a hawk ; but an eye should be 

 kept upon the cat, for puss, though not re- 

 markably delicate in her appetite, has a great 

 relish for chicken, and, if not watched, will 

 often pounce stealthily on a brood and carry 

 one of them off. 



While in the garden, a handful of barley 

 should be given to the hen, the greater part 

 of which she will break for the chickens, and 

 long before the sun has gone down, the 

 basket and its contents should be returned 

 to the house ; soon after which, towards the 

 close of evening, food should be again given 

 and the brood left to repose. 



This plan may be pursued for a few days. 



