THE YOUNG CHICKENS 51 



under the lifted end of the coop, and regain the ref- 

 uge where no intruders can penetrate. When the 

 time comes for these first sallies outside the coop, the 

 hen can be set free and allowed to lead her family 

 where she pleases. 



"One of the most interesting sights of the farm is 

 that of the hen at the head of her young chickens. 

 With a slow step, measured by the feebleness of her 

 brood, she goes hither and thither on the chance of 

 finding something of value to her, always with vigil- 

 ant eye and attentive ear. She clucks with a voice 

 made hoarse by her maternal exertions ; she scratches 

 to dig up little seeds which the young ones come and 

 take from under her beak. Here is a good place 

 chanced upon in the sunshine for a rest from walking 

 and for getting warm. The hen crouches down, ruf- 

 fles up her plumage and slightly raises her wings, 

 arching them in a sort of vault. All run and squat 

 under the warm cover. Two or three put their heads 

 out of the window, their pretty heads, all alert, 

 framed in their mother's somber plumage. One, in 

 its boldness, settles down on her back, and from this 

 elevated position pecks the hen's neck; the others, 

 the great majority, hide in her down and sleep or 

 peep softly. The siesta finished, they resume their 

 promenade, the mother scratching and clucking, the 

 little ones trotting around her. 



"But what is this? It is the shadow of a bird of 

 prey, which for a moment has darkened the sunshine 

 of the courtyard. The menacing apparition did not 

 last more than the twinkling of an eye ; nevertheless 



