WAR-TIME FOREWORD vii 



his own incubator or under hens. It is true that 

 this may mean a little extra work, but this should 

 not stand in the way. Hatching with hens is a 

 very satisfactory method, and must be resorted to 

 this year more than ever. 



In order to get pullets that will lay early next 

 fall, it will be necessary to begin hatching" as early 

 as possible in the spring. There is always a short- 

 age in fresh eggs during the late fall months, and 

 this shortage will be greater than ever until the 

 total number of fowls in the country is restored to 

 normal. Eggs from the larger breeds should be 

 set in March, or by the first of April at the latest. 

 Chicks of the smaller breeds like the Anconas and 

 Leghorns should be out before the first day of 

 May. If one is going to buy eggs for hatching, he 

 should get them as near home as possible and from 

 a breeder who has a reputation for keeping hens 

 that lay well. 



There is an enormous loss every year from the 

 fact that hens with chickens are allowed their 

 liberty. This is especially true in the country, where 

 the mother hens drag their chickens through the 

 wet grass and for long distances, with the result 

 that a large percentage die from exhaustion or ex- 

 posure. A hen having chickens should be kept 



