COCHIN. 145 



should not be kept in too high condition; the 

 eggs of such seldom produce chickens, and in a 

 short time barrenness ensues. 



"With respect to setting, the place chosen 

 should be perfectly free from draughts, and if not 

 on the ground, some sifted coal ashes should be 

 placed under the straw. A little flour of sulphur 

 dusted under the hen's feathers will prevent the 

 accumulation of vermin, thus freeing her from 

 one of the greatest annoyances to which sitting 

 hens are liable. 



"Although a Cochin hen can cover a large 

 number of eggs, I believe more strong chickens 

 can be reared from seven eggs than from an in- 

 creased quantity; and I am sure that this num- 

 ber of chickens is quite as many as the hen can 

 keep sufficiently warm and find food for, to en- 

 sure a rapid growth. For the first week, bread 

 crumbs and hard-boiled eggs, chopped small, 

 should form their food; afterwards groats; and, 

 as they increase in size, wheat and slacked oat- 

 meal will be found a valuable addition. Green 

 food and clean water are essential to health. 



"At three months old the sexes should be 



