CEICKEXS AND DUCKLINGS. 223 



different nests can be examined, cleaned, &c. 

 In case of frost, it is desirable to have a flue in 

 the sitting-bouse, so that a little heat may be 

 given at night ; none is necessary during the day, 

 nor at all for the laying-houses. , The food sup- 

 plied gives sufficient warmth. This should 

 be of thirds — sometimes called sharps — slaked 

 with water, made overnight, and given as early 

 as possible in the morning ; at mid-day (for the 

 second meal), a little minced liver or cooked 

 meat of any kind, hemp-seed, and any green 

 food procurable at this season ; at four o'clock, 

 for the last meal, give as much grain as they 

 will pick up — light wheat or barley is the best, 

 and, in addition, a little Indian corn, but this 

 last sparingly, as it tends to fatten too much, 

 and I need not say that aU breeding birds should 

 be in stock condition. Very heavy fowls seldom 

 either lay or breed well. Setting-hens are not 

 plentiful at this time. One is indebted to kind 

 neighbours for all their spare setters. It is a 

 good plan to place a number of early-hatched 

 pullets of all kinds that sit well in a yard with 

 any cocks reserved to fill up vacancies by ca.su- 



