RAISING CHICKENS 433 



of the flock. It would be better if the hens were pure- 

 bred also, because the poultry products would then be 

 more uniform and hence could more readily be marketed 

 at the best price. What breed is most desirable ? That 

 all depends on the purposes for which the chickens are to 



BRAHMA COCK AND HEN. 



be raised. It would be a good plan if all the pupils of the 

 class would select the same breed. 



(a) Natural or Hen Incubation. You must be careful 

 that the nest is a quiet one and properly constructed. 

 If it is necessary for the hen to jump down on the nest 

 when returning to it during the incubation period, there 

 is danger of broken eggs. Occasionally some one will 

 make a nest for a setting hen in the shape of a derby hat. 

 The eggs in such a nest are likely to lie too close together 

 at the center, thus making it difficult for the hen to turn 

 them the required number of times. 



It may be that the real reason why the mother fre- 



