FEEDING A LITTLE FLOCK 57 



lengths and boiling water poured over them, being 

 served after they have been allowed to steam for. 

 an hour or so. Indeed, the fowls will eat much dry 

 alfalfa or clover, and chaff from the barn loft is a 

 splendid addition to the litter, although still better 

 for the floor of the brooder or brood coop. Lawn 

 clippings are valuable and most amateurs can secure 

 them easily by attaching a grass catcher to the lawn 

 mower. The best way to prepare them for winter 

 use is to spread them on a strip of burlap or a grain 

 bag and let them stay in the sun until they crackle 

 when touched. Then they may be stored in bar- 

 rels or bags and will be greatly relished when soaked 

 or steamed months afterwards, or even when fed 

 dry. 



Lettuce and other greens are available in Sum- 

 mer, but it is a good plan to plant a few cabbages 

 or mangel wurzel beets for Winter. The beets are 

 easier to keep than the cabbage. Dwarf Essex rape 

 is excellent and if sown in April will be ready in six 

 weeks. If the tops are cut off several times, new 

 ones will grow, so that this plant offers an easy 

 means of getting greens in abundance. Swiss chard 

 may be used in the same way, renewing itself guickly 

 when the outside leaves are removed. 



