56 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



in during the Winter, until it may have become a foot 

 deep by Spring, at which time it should all be re- 

 moved, and will prove a valuable addition to the 

 garden. Swale hay makes good litter and a bale 

 will answer the amateur a long time. Good straw 

 is considered the best litter, but it is expensive. 

 Leaves will answer and need cost only the few 

 nickels which will reward a small boy for raking 

 them up. Leaves pack hard and need loosening 

 with a rake or stable fork. 



Whatever litter is used, the hens have a tendency 

 to scratch it to the rear of the house, and itjs a 

 good plan to take five minutes daily in order to scat- 

 ter it evenly over the floor. Some amateurs rake 

 the grain into the litter every morning. 



Poultry are early risers in Summer and need their 

 breakfast as soon as off the perches. If that is 

 too early for their owner, it is a simple matter for 

 him to scatter the grain in the litter the night be- 

 fore. 



The importance of green food is often overlooked. 

 It means much in getting a good egg yield and in 

 keeping the hens in condition. There is nothing 

 better than alfalfa, and clover comes next. They 

 may be made a part of the mash or cut into short 



