82 LETTERS TO YOUNG SHOOTERS LETTER 



room for adding another egg or two to each nest 

 in case any hens unexpectedly decline to continue 

 sitting, and their eggs have in consequence to be 

 divided among the other nests. During the first day 

 or two after the pheasant eggs are set, keep a watchful 

 eye on all your hens. If you see any of these 

 standing up, or restless, or not careful to cover their 

 eggs, away with them at once before too late, and put 

 steady hens in their place. For this purpose always 

 reserve a few hens sitting on hard-boiled or sham 

 eggs, so as to be ready at a moment's notice, in case 

 of emergencies. 



Set the pheasant eggs the first half of May, from 

 the 5th to the 10th for preference ; there is then 

 some chance of the young birds coming into the 

 world when insect life exists in the fields, and after 

 the snow and frosts of our arctic English spring have 

 given way to warmer weather. 



Whenever a hen hatches off, and before a new 

 hen is set, scrub the nesting box out with a coarse 

 stable brush dipped in lime and hot water, in order 

 to destroy insects. If coops are used, treat these 

 similarly on changing their occupants. 



THE HENS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT 



Though all manner of breeds are recommended 

 for sitting on pheasant eggs, you may rest assured 



