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effectual. But if the trouble continues, a little clialk 

 may be mixed with their water, and some recommend a 

 little brick dust in their food. The want of materials 

 for the proper formation of shells, sometimes causes abor- 

 tion, 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 extent of your 

 accommodations, the range Avhich can be given them in 

 summer, and the amount of waste food which can be fur- 

 nished 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 rec- 

 ommend as many as twenty or twenty-five, which is the 

 practice of poulterers in the warm climate of France. 

 But this is too large a number for this country. 



H the purpose is to breed strong and healthy chick- 

 ens, a less number of hens should attend a single cock, 

 than when the production of eggs is the sole object, with- 

 out regard to breeding. Our experience would lead us 

 to recommend that for the rearing of strong chickens, 

 from four to five hens to a cock is enough, while for the 

 production of eggs, the number may be increased to ten 

 or twelve. 



Hens will lay unattended by a cock, and unimpreg- 

 nated eggs have this advantage, that they will keep 

 fresh for a much longer time than those which contain a 

 a germ. But hens unattended will lay a less number of 

 eggs, and with irregularity and uncertainty. 



Sitting. — The selection of eggs for sitting requires 

 much care if you wish to ensure the best results. The 



