214 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



digestion ; to fine sand, in which to cleanse themselves and 

 remove lice ; and to old mortar, lime, pulverized oyster or clam- 

 shells, ground bone or chalk, to furnish the material which aids 

 in the formation of egg-shells. These things may be kept in 

 boxes if necessary. 



"Water should be always handy, for fowls frequently suffer 

 from the want of it. If it can be so managed in winter that 

 the fowls shall not dip their gills in it, those parts may be saved 

 from freezing while wet. The lack of clean and fresh water, in 

 connection with too constant feeding on grain, causes costive- 

 ness, and, in such cases, water, warm vegetables and meat may 

 be given as correctives. 



To promote good laying, there must be careful feeding, 

 amounting almost to nursing of the flock. 



Hens lay a larger number of eggs during the first two years 

 than ever afterward, and from the second year steadily decline. 

 Cocks reach their greatest vigor in their second year, and care- 

 ful breeders change their male birds every season, the time of 

 moulting being chosen to separate the old ones and introduce 

 the new-comer. 



SOFT EGGS. 



When soft-shelled eggs are laid, it indicates too high feeding, 

 too much meat, and an insufficiency of lime ; and, as a remedy, 

 the quantity of stimulating food should be diminished, which 

 will usually be effectual. But if the trouble continues, a 

 little chalk may be mixed with their water, and some recom- 

 mend a little brick-dust in their food. The want of materials 

 for the proper formation of shells sometimes causes abortion, 

 and results in the death of the hen while laying. The liability 

 to this is increased by eating too much meat. 



HOW MANY HENS TO KEEP. 



"We know of no method of determining the number of fowls 

 that may be kept with profit. This must depend upon the ex- 

 tent of your accommodations, the range which can be given 

 them in summer, and the amount of waste food which can be 

 furnished by the family or otherwise, without the cost of buying. 



The number of hens to be kept with one cock is a matter of 

 considerable difference of opinion. Some recommend as many 

 as twenty or twenty-five, which is the practice of poulterers in 



