viii WAR-TIME FOREWORD 



confined to a coop for at least three weeks. There 

 is no reason why the chickens should not be 

 allowed to have their liberty when this is done, for 

 they will wander only a short distance away. 



As soon as the hatching season is' over, all the 

 surplus male birds should be killed and dressed. 

 This is distinctly a war-time measure, for they will 

 consume a large amount of food without giving 

 any adequate return. It does not follow that these 

 birds must be put on the market. When there are 

 only a few it is much wiser to can them for use 

 later on. Canning fowls is a simple matter, and 

 when it is done, poultry is available for home use 

 at any time. Many amateurs who keep fowls for 

 their own use are in the habit of saving a number 

 through the summer and fall, to be eaten at in- 

 tervals. This plan is a wasteful one, and the can- 

 ning of the surplus birds should be undertaken 

 instead. 



The following method of canning fowl, while 

 simple, has been tested and found wholly satis- 

 factory : 



Cut up the birds and take off the skin. Take out 

 as many of the large bones as possible, especially 

 breast and leg bones, as they take up too much 

 room in the jars. Pack the meat tightly in quart 



