AND RURAL ECONOMIST. 305 



A hen-house should be large and high ; and should be 

 frequently cleaned out, or the vermin of fowls will increase 

 greatly. But hens must not be disturbed while sitting ; for 

 if frightened, they sometimes forsake their nests. Worm- 

 wood and rue should be planted plentifully about their 

 houses ; boil some of the former, and sprinkle it about the 

 floor, which should be of smooth earth not paved. The 

 windows of the house should be open to the rising sun, and 

 a hole must be left at the door, to let the smaller fowls go 

 in ; the larger may be let in and out by opening the door. 

 There should be a small sliding board to shut down when 

 the fowls are gone to roost, which would prevent the small 

 beasts of prey from committing ravages ; and a good strong 

 door and lock may possibly, in some measure, prevent the 

 depredations of human enemies. 



When some of the chickens are hatched long before the 

 others, it may be necessary to keep them in a basket of wool 

 till the others come forth. The day after thoy are hatched, 

 give them some crumbs of white bread, and small (or rather 

 cracked) grits soaked in milk. As soon as they have gained 

 a little strength feed them with curd, cheese parings cut 

 small, boiled corn, or any soft food, but nothing sour ; and 

 give them clean water twice a day. Keep the hen under a 

 pen till the young have strength to follow her about, which 

 will be in two or three weeks, and be sure to feed her well. 



The food of fowls goes first into their crop, which softens 

 it ; and then passes into the gizzard, which by constant fric- 

 tion macerates it : and this is facilitated by small stones, 

 which are generally found there, and w^hich help to digest the 

 food. 



The pip in fowls is occasioned by drinking dirty water, or 

 taking filthy food. A white thin scale on the tongue is the 

 symptom. Pull the scale oft^ with your nail, and rub the 

 tongue with some salt ; and the complaint will be removed. 



It answers well to pay some boy employed in the farm or 

 stable so much a hundred for the eggs he brings in. It will 

 be his interest then to save them from being purloined, which 

 nobody but one in his situation can prevent ; and six or 

 eight cents a hundred will be buying eggs cheap. 



To fatten Fowls or Chickens in four or five Days. Set 

 rice over the fire with skimmed milk, only as much as will 

 serve one day. Let it boil till the rice is quite swelled out : 

 you may add a tea-spoonful or two of sugar, but it will do 

 well without. Feed them three times a day, in common 

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