CHAr. IX.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 203 



than those of the common hen, are there- 

 fore seldom seen on our tables, as during 

 the spring they are wanted for hatching, 

 and in the summer season they, as well as 

 those of the common hen, acquire a flavour 

 approaching to rankness ; which is a loss to 

 the epicure, for they are more delicate than 

 those of any other fowl, and highly prized 

 by cooks for their superior quality. 



When in their wild state, instinct induces 

 the hen to secrete her eggs ; and so much of 

 that desire exists when domesticated, that, if 

 allowed the use of a field and shrubbery, she 

 will endeavour to lay in some unfrequented 

 spot. A nest should therefore be made for 

 her either under the resting-shelf of the fowl- 

 house, or, still better, in a corner of any 

 quiet, unoccupied shed, as quietude is con- 

 genial to the state of incubation. It should 

 be placed upon the floor, and made either 

 of matted straw, or of a piece of thick hempen 

 door-mat, cut into a nearly circular form, 

 about eighteen inches to two feet in diameter, 

 according to the size of the bird, and bound 

 round with a twisted rope of straw, to prevent 

 the eggs from rolling out : some loose, short- 



