CHAP. IX.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 205 



for days together without stirring. This in- 

 duces some persons to place food and water 

 before them ; but, as we have already stated 

 respecting fowls, it is an injudicious practice ; 

 for nature teaches the bird to go out once a 

 day for the search of food, and if that be sup- 

 plied to her without moving, she will foul her 

 nest. It should not, therefore, be put within 

 her reach, but may be placed within her sight 

 so as to induce her to seek it : the better 

 way is, however, to feed her in the yard. As 

 in the case of common fowls, care should also 

 be taken never to turn, or in any way meddle 

 with the eggs, for the hen will herself do all 

 that is necessary at the proper times. Nor 

 should any one be allowed to go into the room 

 in which she is sitting, except the person who 

 has the management of the poultry ; for she 

 is (iasily frightened by the appearance of a 

 stranger, and if disturbed or scared from her 

 nest, she may, perhaps, not return to it until 

 her eggs are so chilled as to become addled. 

 The cock should also be prevented from 

 coming near her when sitting, for if he finds 

 her on her nest he will drive her away, and 

 probably break her eggs : but there is no ob- 



