POULTRY. 135 



and in each a " nest egg " of wood, turned into the shape of an 

 egg, and painted white. The boards, behind each row of nests, 

 should be hung on hinges, for greater convenience in changing 

 or preparing the nests, and for the removal of the eggs, which 

 should always be soon after the fowls have gone to roost, in the 

 evening. The poultry house and the fence (which should be 

 about twelve feet high, made of laths,) around the yard being 

 built, the next step is the choice of fowls. The female should 

 not be less than one year, nor more than three years old. She 

 should be nervous and noisy ; and, if intended for a breeder, 

 of large body and wide wings. The male should be aboiit two 

 years old, of perfect health, full bodied, broad chested, nervous 

 and courageous, yet kind and attentive to the females. He is 

 too old if more than three years of age. If the fiock is intended 

 for breeding purposes, at least one male should be provided for 

 every ten females ; but, if eggs are desired more than chickens, 

 perhaps two cocks for fifty hens will be enough ; indeed, some 

 poulterers affirm that they get more eggs from hens where no 

 cock is kept than otherwise. Be this as it may, few cocks 

 should be kept with laying hens, as their presence rather 

 induces or stimulates their sitting propensities. 



The poultry-house prepared and the flock selected, the farmer 

 should see that they have proper care and food ; that unhealthy 

 fowls are restored or removed ; that those hens which incline to 

 sit are provided with eggs ; and that the chickens when hatched 

 are taken proper care of. Fowls in confinement require an 

 abundance of pure water, ashes, to dust themselves in, and 

 nourishing food. Of grain, equal parts each, of Indian corn and 

 oats is very acceptable ; at least three times a week, scraps of 

 meat should be thrown in to them, and a supply of crushed 

 oyster shells or clam shells should be accessible at all times. 

 Green sods also thrown frequently into the fowl-yard will be of 

 great advantage. These few attentions are all that are necessary 

 with laying hens. 



With fitting fowls, care should be taken that they are really 

 in sitting heat. They often manifest a desire to sit, remain on 

 the nest two or three days, and then abandon it altogether. 

 This can be avoided by allowing them to sit several days, to test 

 their constancy ; if they prove really in heat, ■ select fresh laid 

 eggs of a sufficient number to be well covered — an odd number 



