EGGS FOR SITTING BROKEN. 33 



other birds in cages, laying eggs without the possi- 

 bility of a cock approaching them. According to 

 Button, a hen being properly attended by the cock 

 for a few days, should she then be separated from 

 him, the eggs laid by her during a month thereafter 

 would be fruitful. 



EGGS for SETTING should never exceed the age of 

 a month, the newer to be preferred, as nearly of a 

 size as possible, and of the full middle size ; void of 

 the circular flaw which indicates the double yolk, 

 generally unproductive, nor should there be any 

 roughness or cracks in the shells. NUMIIKR of eggs, 

 according to the si/e of the hen, from nine to fif- 

 teen, an odd number being preferable, on the sup- 

 position of their lying more close. The eggs to be 

 marked with a pen and ink, and examined when the 

 hen leaves her nest, in order to detect any fresh ones 

 which she may have laid, and which should be im- 

 mediately taken from her, as they, if at all, would 

 be hatched too late for the brood. It is taken for 

 granted, the box and nest have been made perfectly 

 clean for the reception of the hen, and that a new 

 nest has not been sluggishly and sluttishly thrown 

 U)x>n an old one, from the filth of which vermin 

 are propagated, to the great annoyance of the hen, 

 and prevention of her steady sitting. 



EGGS BROKEN in the nest, should be cleared away 

 the instant of discovery, and the remaining washed 

 with warm water, and quickly replaced, lest they 

 adhere to the hen, and be drawn out of the nest : if 

 necessary, the hen's feathers may also be washed, 

 but alwavs with warm water. 



