Practical Game-Preserving. 50 



It is necessary to point out that where the hens are set 

 in boxes placed in the open some protection must be 

 afforded to the hatching-boxes and to the hens in them at 

 times of severe weather. Thus, heavy rain or very cold winds 

 or frost are calculated to lower unduly the temperature of 

 the sitting hen, and, maybe, also affect the eggs. Some form 

 of covering should be thrown or placed over each box 

 under such circumstances, so as to protect them from the 

 wet or cold, but not to interfere with the ventilation of the 

 nest -boxes. 



Incubation should be completed upon the twenty-fourth 

 day, but it is impossible to lay down a hard-and-fast 

 rule as to the day or even the hour when the eggs should 

 commence to hatch out. Sufficient that they may be 

 expected to do so upon the completion of full twenty-four 

 days' incubation. At the end of this time examination of 

 each nest may be made, and if the eggs have already com- 

 menced to hatch out, just such observation without inter- 

 ference may be exercised as seems advisable. Speaking 

 roundly, the less interference the better until a further 

 twenty-four hours has elapsed after the first chick is born. 

 You may here and there save one from being crushed, but 

 you will probably contribute to three losing their lives for 

 every one succoured. 



Some difference may be made in regard to the treatment 

 of the broods in boxes provided with a run ; but even in this 

 respect a certain discretion should be exercised. However, 

 no harm can be done by placing a little food within the 

 run, so that any chicks which may as some of them do 

 find their way from the hatching-box to the run shall have 

 something to occupy them. 



