THE CALL OF THE HEN. 



47 



Fig. 23 shows about how the first joint of an index finger must 

 be divided up to determine the three degrees of condition. The first 

 joint of the index finger is divided into three parts, each line or division 

 representing what we call "one finger" in measuring or determining 

 condition. If a hen had a three-finger abdomen or capacity and was 

 one finger out of condition, that would mean that she would have a 

 four-finger abdomen or capacity if she was in condition. 



FIG. 23 Showing where the imaginary lines should be drawn on the first joint of 

 the forefinger in order to judge the condition of the hen or pullet. 



CHAPTER VI. 



TYPE. 



We now come to "Type." This is indicated by the thickness of 

 the pelvic bones, together with the flesh, fat, gristle, and cartilage on 

 same. (See page 17.) 



Fig. 24 shows a hen whose pelvic bones are one-sixteenth (Vie) of 

 an inch thick, that is about as thick as a piece of cardboard that paper 

 boxes are made of, and the reader must bear in mind that the measure- 

 ment of the pelvic bone does not mean the bone alone, with the skin, 

 flesh, gristle, and fat scraped off, as some may suppose, but with all the 

 above included. 



Fig. 25 shows a hen with pelvic bones one-eighth (Vs) of an inch 

 thick. 



Fig. 26 shows a hen with pelvic bones one-quarter (^4) of an inch 

 thick. 



