Practical Game-Preserving. 42 



time. Counting seventeen eggs to the clutch, this would 

 mean setting the hens in relays of twelve birds for each 

 1000 eggs intended to be hatched over the five weeks 

 indicated. Let this, therefore, stand as the basis upon 

 which the subject of hand-rearing has to be considered. 

 Of course, if desired, this basis of operations can be 

 modified, but I think that under ordinary circumstances 

 the preserver will find this the most workable arrangement 

 to adopt. 



Before going further, we must revert to the matter of 

 the eggs. As these are produced they must be placed in 

 boxes filled with fresh bran, be laid upon their sides, and 

 be turned half-round every day till they are required. 

 Eggs laid upon the same date should be assembled 

 together, and endeavour made when the time comes to 

 make up the clutches of each hatch -'from eggs of about 

 the same date. Arrangements must, of course, be made 

 beforehand to have a sufficient supply of broody hens of 

 the necessary type on hand. . Any medium-sized, well- 

 feathered, clean-legged fowl will serve; but in the case 

 of large preserves it is advisable and profitable to run a 

 poultry-yard in conjunction with the pheasant-rearing so 

 as to be sure of having all that is required. In this case 

 half-bred Silkies or Silver Wyandottes are the best strains 

 to maintain, as they brood freely, and being also fairly 

 good layers, there is always a plentiful supply of fresh 

 eggs on hand. It is a poor plan to be dependent upon 

 others for broody hens and for fresh eggs, and where any 

 quantity of pheasants are reared, provision in this direction 

 must be made beforehand, and in the manner named. 



Reference may be here made to the use of incubators 

 for pheasant-hatching, because it may be that the inex- 

 perienced preserver may be led into expense and disap- 

 pointment in connection with them. There is no difficulty 



