132 FARMING FOR LADIES. [chap. \i. 



for we repeat, that nothing is more preju- 

 dicial to the health of fowls than damp of any 

 kind, and they will suffer extreme cold far 

 better than wet. 



Some persons are equally anxious to guard 

 them against the glare of mid-day sun, and 

 this, we admit, may in a few cases be inju- 

 rious to very young chickens; yet, so far as 

 regards grown foiols, we venture to assert, 

 that although they may seek the shade for 

 repose when not in search of food, its rays are 

 anything but prejudicial, for the fowl is in- 

 digenous to a warm climate : they thrive 

 throughout the south of Europe, and they 

 swarm upon every estate in the West Indies, 

 though unsheltered from the heat of the 

 weather. 



If they have the range of a field or two, or 

 of a farm-yard, they may forage for them- 

 selves during the day ; but, if deprived of 

 these means, some food should be given to 

 them about noon, for their craw will then be 

 empty, and should be replenished. If this be 

 neglected, and that an ample sufficiency of 

 food be not regularly given, they will be found 

 to fall off in condition, if not in health, and 



