210 FAKMIXG FOR LADIES. [chap. ix. 



of milk, with crumbs of toasted bread, which 

 may be soaked in a little strong ale or wine 

 if the chicks appear weak, but, if not, milk ; 

 to which may be added a little chopped pars- 

 ley, mustard, nettle-tops, and fennel, or any 

 tonic herbs, and a young chive, together with 

 ants and their eggs if they can be got, or if 

 not, a few gentles will act nearly as well ; 

 but all sloppy food should be avoided. Any 

 of these things may be given three times a 

 day, sparingly at first and gradually increas- 

 ing the quantity as the chicks grow stronger. 

 Nothing can be better for them than curds, 

 but it should be made fresh every day, and 

 never allowed to be given to them if at all 

 sour. When allowed to peck for a short 

 time daily about the garden, or on a grass- 

 plat, coarsely-ground barley or oatmeal may 

 be mixed with the above, or made — as some 

 people do — into a paste with milk, and put 

 before them to peck at ; but, if not frequently 

 changed, the milk will turn acid, and the 

 paste will cause the chicks to scour: plain 

 water is, therefore, perhaps better. As the 

 weather grows warmer, and they are allowed 

 more liberty, they collect sufficient food from 



