272 HOUSES. 



a consideration. The hens are taken off their 

 nests simultaneously^ well fed, allowed access to 

 sand or ashes, and in twenty minutes all should 

 be replaced on their eggs, to sit in peace till the 

 return of another day calls for a similar routine 

 of action. The sitting-house may be fitted up 

 with rows of nests, with folding flaps in front, to 

 confine a careless, giddy hen if she shows any 

 inclination to wander, and on the flap may be 

 marked the date of setting, which will be found 

 useful where there are many hens sitting at the 

 same moment. The rearing of poultry is a very 

 pleasant recreation. "We know that our gracious 

 sovereign. Queen Victoria, stands first on 

 the now long and fashionable list of poultry- 

 fanciers ; and in humbler quarters we find the 

 love of animals deeply implanted in the minds 

 of children. To them the care of the hen- 

 house forms a useful and instructive lesson — it 

 teaches them regularity, tidiness, and persever- 

 ance ; and while affording a harmless amuse- 

 ment as well, it may be made a self-supporting, 

 if not profitable one. It is essentially a 

 home pleasure, and whatever tends to increase 



