152 A COUNTRY READER. 



be placed in the shelters that are always under- 

 neath the most improved and suitable houses. 



If the hens are to lay well, they must not be 

 overfed. The food ought to be well scattered, 

 not placed down in heaps, so that the birds are 

 compelled to move about in searching for it. 



If the birds have an extensive run, twice a day 

 is often enough to feed them; directly they are 

 let out of their houses in the morning, and again, 

 just before they go to roost. 



For summer feed there is perhaps no better 

 food than crushed oats in the morning, made 

 somewhat stiff w r ith a little water, or better still 

 with a little sour milk that has been left over 

 from the previous day, and for the evening meal, 

 crushed oats, given plain. Wheat is also a good 

 summer grain. 



In cold weather, when the fowls require 

 warmth, or when you want them to fatten 

 quickly for table, give them a little maize. 



For those who keep poultry on a small scale. 

 all the odds and ends from the table, leavings 

 from the plates and larder, scraps of meat, bread, 

 potatoes, all mixed up, will lighten the expense, 

 and will help the fowls to lay and look their best. 



If your fowls cannot obtain a supply of grass, 

 then grass and green stuff must be provided, for 

 green stuff gives the eggs a rich flavour and 

 helps to keep the birds in good health. 



