CHAPTER XXvV. 
FEEDING FOR EGGS. 
Anybody can get eggs in spring and early summer, 
but there is little money in them at the prices which 
then prevail. The poultry keepers who make hens pay 
are those who know how to get eggs in autumn and 
winter. 
A right start is very important. Pullets, not old 
hens, must be kept for fall and winter laying, and pul- 
lets which are mature enough to begin laying before 
cold weather begins. To get such pullets, the chicks 
must be hatched in April, for the large and medium 
breeds. For the small breeds, like Leghorns, May 
hatching will answer. The pullets must be kept grow- 
ing right through the summer, for if they cannot be 
induced to lay by November, good-by to any great prof- 
its for the year. Cross breeds and grades will lay better 
than pure breeds, unless the pure breeds have been bred 
and selected more for eggs and vigor than for fancy 
points. 
Having secured the early pullets, and having placed 
them in warm, light, dry houses, they must be properly 
fed. 
HOW TO FEED. 
Feed in the morning a warm, cooked meal of various 
ground grains, including a good proportion of middlings, 
shorts or bran. Season it slightly with a very little salt. 
About twice a week mix in a liberal dose of meat scraps 
of some kind, and occasionally season it with cayenne 
pepper. Vary the proportions of the different feeds 
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