CHAP, v.] FARMING FOR LADIES, 125 



three feet from the ground until the chickens 

 are full three months old ; and, if possible, the 

 chickens should either be separated from the 

 hens, or the perches of the latter should be 

 lowered ; for the hens will roost upon the 

 highest perches, and, as the chickens will en- 

 deavour to follow them, their wings or claws 

 may be broken in the attempt. 



We are quite aware that in moderate esta- 

 blishments where only a few fowls are kept, 

 there is seldom more than a small court-yard, 

 with, perhaps, only a little shed for a hen-house, 

 without any separate convenience for hatching, 

 which is often carried on in, or under, the 

 manger of a spare stall in the stable ; that, also, 

 being the sole accommodation for the whole of 

 the poultry. We also constantly see broods of 

 cottage fowls by the road side, and we know 

 that they are generally strong and healthy. 

 It may, therefore, be thought that much of 

 the care here recommended is superfluous; 

 but, although it may be in some degree dis- 

 pensed with, it is yet the most effectual mode 

 with which we are acquainted to bring up a 

 brood without loss. No one, however, who 

 has not the means of carrying it completely 



