NATURAL INOUBATION, 53 
the poultry-house, kept specially for the sitting hens. 
Each one is four by four, and three feet high; it has a 
hinged lid, which can be thrown back against the wall 
when it is desired, for attendance upon the hen. The 
front is covered with wire netting. The nest, shown by 
the removal of one side of a pen, is a box about sixteen 
inches square open in the front, and having a very low 
piece to keep the nest in it, and to permit the hen to step 
in and out. When it is necessary, the nest is closed by 
placing a piece of board in front of it. This is done for 
a day or two when the hen is restless, after having been 
put in the nest. When she is settled down, the board 
is removed. Each pen is supplied with a feeding-dish 
and water-cup, and is littered with sawdust. It is at- 
tended to every evening by lamp-light; the feed and 
water arerenewed, and the droppings are removed, a pail 
and small shovel being kept in the house for this pur- 
pose. A pail of water and another of feed are carried 
to the house every evening. The hensare thus kept un- 
disturbed during the day, although they are visited regu- 
larly to see that all is right. Each hen is separate and 
cannot see the others, and, the house being partly dark- 
ened-and kept warm, the hens are quiet and comfortable, 
and mind their business satisfactorily. 
