92 DISEASES. 



Hens occasionally drop their eggs on the 

 ground, repudiating nests altogether, without 

 the slightest regard to les convenances. This 

 must be treated medically, and the hen shown 

 the impropriety of deviating from the usages 

 of society; it may happen that they lay soft 

 eggs, and this also demands treatment. A dose 

 of oil, in both cases, should be administered, 

 and a change of diet enforced; the hen is too 

 fat, and must be brought down in condition. 

 Moulting, though a natural process, at times 

 assumes the form of disease. The birds look out 

 of health, and suffer, even to death, unless 

 nourishing food is freely given ; if the weather is 

 severe, many old fowls die. It is advisable to 

 keep them warm, and feed well on hemp-seed, 

 bread and ale, buck-wheat d discretion, and ani- 

 mal food. 



Loss of feather (or mange) must not be con- 

 founded with moulting ; it is a sign of debility 

 and pining. Fresh air, good feeding, and free 

 range are the best cures; in country poultry 

 establishments mange should be almost unknown. 



Fowls, if too closely housed or restricted in 



