22 Farm Poultry 



as they continue to incubate, though it be some- 

 what rarely, the term "non-sitters" cannot strictly 

 be applied to them. 



Good foragers. These egg breeds rank among 

 the most active and industrious fowls, as many 

 a good housewife can testify whose cherished 

 flower garden has undergone a system of surface 

 culture instituted by a Leghorn hen. All the noted 

 egg producers are very alert, and are well suited 

 to foraging, and may obtain a considerable portion 

 of their living if a wide range is provided. They 

 are not only active, but seem to be constantly 

 on the lookout for food. It is true that often, 

 under otherwise favorable conditions, they seem 

 to endure close confinement very well. This is 

 undoubtedly due to the fact that they are hardy 

 and will stand more or less abuse and still maintain 

 a thrifty appearance. They thrive in spite of con- 

 finement, not because of it. The most skilful breed- 

 ers, who are unable to give their fowls the desired run 

 or yard, almost invariably provide means for giving 

 the fowls exercise, which may be done by requiring 

 them to scratch among litter for their food. This 

 will in a degree modify the evil of close confinement. 



There is not the least doubt that many fowls 

 that are now kept in close confinement would be more 

 healthy, give a larger percentage of fertile eggs, 

 and in the end prove much more profitable if greater 

 freedom could be afforded them. 



