14 The Hen at Work 



During the cold winters and wet springs of the 

 northern States these fowls seem to keep free from 

 iUs, and even if neglected, as so many home flocks 

 are neglected, they often cheerfully go about their 

 business, and lay brown eggs of good size and shape. 

 They are not easily disturbed by children or un- 

 usual ?ights and sounds. 



As hatchers and brooders, these hens are easily 

 champions of the world. I have one at this 

 moment that will not budge from her nest to eat 

 or drink. There is no sign that she has left it 

 during five days. When I lift her off, she sits 

 motionless on the ground and soon steals back 

 again. This is bad for the hen and also bad for the 

 eggs, as they should have a chance to cool and air 

 each day. 



It is not easy for the amateur to breed these 

 birds. They represent a mixture of different 

 breeds, and their traits are by no means settled, as 

 are those of the Barred Rock. Experts them- 

 selves do not depend so much on their knowledge 

 of points and mating qualities as they do on a 

 large number of chicks from which to choose. 

 From the most carefully selected birds chicks of 

 all varieties of color are likely to appear, so it is not 



