To secure Hardy Chickens. 163 



himself. Either plan will answer the purpose so long as it 

 is seen to. We need only just mention that material will 

 be needed for the formation of the shells, and this may be 

 old mortar, broken oyster shells, lime and gravel, the last 

 being specially useful, in assisting the birds to digest their 

 food, and should for that reason always be supplied. 



The chief object should be, to keep the breeding stock in 

 the best of health and condition, as this is most conducive 

 to the production of strong and hardy chickens. It can 

 only be secured by selecting good birds, in the way indicated 

 by us, by giving the birds as much room as possible, by 

 housing them well, and by feeding them in a systematic and 

 sensible manner. Neglect any of these points, and the 

 result will show itself in the progeny, because in this, as in all 

 other similar operations, effects follow causes remorselessly. 

 We do not say that the effect is always immediate, or even 

 apparent at once, but it is nevertheless there, and sooner or 

 later will declare itself. 



M 2 



