FOOD OF POULTRY. 167 



insects, when soaked in hot water, is also a desirable and prof- 

 itable food. 



Earth-worms. These animals are regarded as delicacies by 

 the inhabitants of the poultry-yard, and the individual who is 

 fortunate enough to capture one, may often be observed to con- 

 tend with the surrounding fowls most vigorously for the pos- 

 session of the prize. To many it will doubtless appear ridicu- 

 lous to recommend this sort of food, on account of the supposed 

 difficulty of obtaining a supply. But the difficulty only ex- 

 ists in imagination. On the contrary, in the years of greatest 

 plenty, it may be affirmed, without fear of contradiction, that 

 the hardest labor will not produce from the surface of the earth 

 grain equal in weight to that of the worms which lie beneath 

 the same extent of ground. But these animals are more plen- 

 tiful in moist land, such as pastures, &c., than in that which is 

 cultivated. In gardens, also, worms exist in vast numbers, and 

 appear to be designed by a beneficent Providence as food for the 

 various tribes of birds. 



With caution and dexterity, multitudes of worms may be 

 easily captured. It is only necessary, when it is desirable to 

 take them in quantities, to thrust a stake or three-pronged fork 

 into the ground to the depth of about a foot, and to move it 

 suddenly backwards and forwards, in order to shake the soil all 

 around. The worms are instinctively terrified by any motion 

 in the ground, and when disturbed hasten to the surface. 



It is advisable to store worms, on account of the trouble and 

 difficulty of making frequent collections. They may be placed 

 in casks filled one third full with earth, in quantities equal at 

 least in bulk to the earth. It will be requisite to sprinkle the 

 earth occasionally, to prevent it from becoming too dry. Care 

 should be tkken, however, to prevent the earth from becoming 

 too moist, for in such an event' the worms will perish. In 

 rainy weather the casks should be protected by a covering-. 



