CHAP. IX.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 209 



ingress ; or in a hen-coop raised a few inches 

 from the ground to permit the chickens pass- 

 ing under it for shelter. Not only, indeed, 

 should they be guarded from the cold, but 

 also from the glare of a mid-day sun if it 

 should be very hot; though that can seldom 

 happen until summer, at which time they will 

 be strong enough to support any inconvenience 

 which it may occasion, and they can run into 

 a shade if necessary. The greatest danger, 

 however, arises from rain ; for, if exposed to a 

 shower which completely wets their plumage 

 in its then downy state, the chill may kill the 

 bird if it be not dried : great care should 

 therefore be taken to avoid their exposure, 

 and, should such an accident occur, every 

 means should be tried to remedy it, by drying 

 them gently with warm flannel, putting them 

 near the fire, and giving them a little toast 

 and ale ; but returning them as soon as pos- 

 sible to the congenial warmth of the mother's 

 breast." 



The food of the turket/ -chicks should be much 

 the same as that given to those of the fowl, 

 though at first still more delicate, confining it 

 for a few days to hard-boiled egg and curds 



p 



