CHAP. vi. POULTRY CALENDAR. 1067 



with eggs, not exceeding fifteen in number, for the birds' earlier 

 hatches (see last month). Feed young goslings with soft food, and let 

 ducks of the first hatch have access to the pond when the weather is 

 warm ; otherwise they are best kept away from it. 



MAY. 



The work of this month so closely resembles that of April, that 

 little need be said in addition. Eggs are very cheap now, and a 

 head of poultry can be got up very easily as there is not so much 

 danger from cold, and they thrive well. Poultry are all the better for 

 a run on grass, but young birds should be kept off the pastures when 

 these are wet with dew or rain. When the stock is turned out of the 

 yards there is but little food for the fowls to pick up in them, a point 

 which must be borne in mind throughout the summer. 



JUNE. 



The chickens of the second and third broods being nearly ready for 

 market, set them up in coops for the last fortnight before despatching 

 them for sale, in order to finish them off with abundant supplies of 

 fattening food. The younger hatches of chickens, if kept on a small 

 run, should be kept apart from those hatched earlier in the year, or 

 they will not get their proper share of food. Specially good birds 

 should be selected to breed from. 



JULY. 



Where good grass runs are provided for the birds of all classes, 

 especially if they have access to fields, they will almost keep them- 

 selves. Even in such circumstances, however, give them morning and 

 evening feeds in the yard. The evening feeds should not be composed 

 of too heavy food as it causes indigestion. 



AUGUST. 



The remarks made last month will apply almost to this. Towards 

 the end of the month corn will be coming in from the fields, so that a 

 certain amount of loose grain will be scattered about the homesteads, 

 and this will afford welcome food for the poultry, especially if there are 

 not many worms or insects obtainable. Geese should be turned out 

 on the stubbles to forage. Eggs being abundant and cheap, preserve 

 some for family use, and for winter sale, but as preserved eggs only. 

 Continue the selection of breeds as in last month. Sell off or kill the 

 cockerels, keeping the best for breeding purposes at the rate of one 

 bird to six or eight hens. 



SEPTEMBER. 



On most farms a considerable portion of the poultry, having 

 benefited from the pickings in the stackyards, are in good condition for 



