rtlESERVATION OF CONDITION. 123 



and some cocks require far more than others. We should, 

 however, prefer mating the cock with four good hens of his own 

 breed, a plan more really economical, as the cost of the cock, 

 in proportion to the number of eggs for sitting, is thereby 

 reduced. 



The number of hens, if good size and vigour are desired, 

 should not exceed four in the large breeds. Many breeders 

 allow six ; but the finest fowls of the larger kinds are bred 

 from the proportion we have stated. Houdans and some 

 others require more. 



It is desirable, also, as much as possible, to save the hens from 

 the wear and tear of chickens, which often injure the plumage 

 greatly. It will not answer to prevent them sitting altogether ; 

 we have already remarked that such a procedure often causes 

 them to suffer in moulting, which should not be risked. 

 Neither do we altogether approve of the plan followed by 

 many, of allowing them to hatch, and then giving the chickens 

 to other hens. This may be done, if necessary, but a better 

 system, where there is convenience for it, is to set a valuable 

 hen upon duck eggs. The ducklings will not only resort to 

 the hen to be brooded much less frequently than chickens, but 

 will be far earlier independent of her care, and leave her in 

 much better condition than if she had hatched her own eggs. 



With regard to hatching, it is desirable with the hardier 

 breeds to get the eggs under the hen as soon after January as 

 a sitter can be obtained, in order that the brood may have all 

 the year to grow in, and be ready for the earlier shows. At 

 this season, however, the limitation as to number, mentioned 

 in Chapter IV., must be strictly enforced, and no hen given 

 more than seven or eight eggs, six chickens being as many as 

 are desirable, in order that they may be well covered by the 

 hen when partly grown, which is their most critical period as 

 exhibition fowls. Spanish, Dorkings, or other delicate breeds, 

 should not be hatched till April or May, unless unusually good 



