A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



cogitating, cut hay was scattered on the bot- 

 tom of two large wash-tubs, which were 

 placed before the open fire in the dining 

 room. Then we heated bricks, wrapped them 

 in flannel, and placed two in the centre of 

 each tub. As the chicks were put in they 

 cuddled up to the warmth, apparently utterly 

 oblivious to its stony lack of feeling. A 

 strong string was stretched from handle to 

 handle, to prevent the heavy blanket with 

 which the tub was to be covered from sinking 

 down and smothering its tiny inmates. 



All was peace and quiet for about half an 

 hour; then a series of discontented chirps 

 started in both tubs. Investigation revealed 

 the fact that the bricks were nearly cold. 

 What would retain the heat? Two gallon- 

 demijohns were filled with boiling water, 

 and replaced the bricks; peace reigned, 

 and forthwith I resigned myself to arising 

 once or twice during the night to refill. Sud- 

 denly a commotion started in one of the tubs. 

 The blanket was removed to discover the 



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