THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



and raspberry canes, tent caterpillars, grubs 

 from old wood, ants, and all sorts of insects' 

 eggs were preferred. 



The regular diet for the first few days con- 

 sists of custard, made by beating two eggs to 

 a froth, pouring them slowly into three pints 

 of milk as it reached boiling point, stirring 

 constantly to prevent burning and cooking 

 until almost firm. When cool, half a table- 

 spoonful is crumbled, mixed with the same 

 quantity of boiled rice, and constitutes a feed 

 for the babies. " Little and often " being the 

 only safe plan to pursue, they are fed five 

 times between 5.30 A.M. and 4.30 P.M. Never 

 being overfed, they amuse themselves by 

 scratching and picking amongst the hay 

 sweepings on the floor of the coop, to find 

 small seeds, which furnished sufficient dry ma- 

 terial to balance the rations. 



After the third day custard dwindles to one 

 feed a day, curds (pot cheese) being used in 

 its place. Liver, which has been thrown into 

 scalding water and left for a few minutes, is 



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