December, IgII 
AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS iil 
pers and dry grains exclusively. He may 
make his work still easier by purchasing 
prepared mixtures, the use of which will 
relieve him of all speculation as to whether 
he ought to feed more of this grain and 
less of that. There are mixtures of ground 
grain to be used in hoppers, and mixtures 
of whole or cracked grain to be fed in the 
litter. They cost a little more than grains 
bought separately, but they offer advan- 
tages which may offset this slight extra cost 
in the mind of the poultry-keeper. 
Hoppers may be relied upon entirely, in 
which case they need be filled only once or 
twice a week, but this plan is not one to be 
recommended. A far better method is to 
keep a mixture of ground grain in the 
hoppers and to scatter whole grain in the 
litter once a day. Then the birds are in- 
duced to scratch industriously for their liv- 
ing and will keep in much better condition 
as a result. That is the natural way for a 
hen to get her meals. When it can be done, 
it is even better to scatter grain in the litter 
very early in the morning and again about 
two hours before dark, for then the hens 
are certain to take sufficient exercise, be- 
sides going to roost with their crops packed 
with grain. 
AMOUNT TO FEED. 
The amount of whole grain fed must be 
decided upon by the poultry-keeper as he 
observes conditions. It may be as little 
as two ounces a day for each hen, and it 
may be more. The grain should always 
disappear in the litter and no more should 
be given than will keep the hens scratching 
all day. If a prepared mixture is not used, 
it is well to make the ration half cracked 
corn, with other grains making up the other 
half, using wheat, oats, barley and buck- 
wheat. Little of the last should be used, 
however, while both wheat and oats should 
be fed liberally. Much will depend upon 
the prices of the various grains in the local 
market. If one kind becomes abnormally 
high in price, it should naturally be fed 
sparingly. The cost of producing the eggs 
is of as much importance as the number 
laid. 
With grain fed in this manner once or 
twice a day, and a hopper of dry mash 
always before the fowls, amateur poultry- 
keeping is greatly simplified. If one wants 
to mix his own dry mash, let him use equal 
parts of wheat, bran and ground oats, with 
a very little middlings. In case the birds 
do not seem to scratch as energetically as 
they should, a handful of millet may be 
thrown into the litter. The hens will work 
hard for the seeds. If a little hemp seed 
is scattered about they will search for it 
as long as they can see, but it must not 
be fed freely, because of its extreme rich- 
ness. 
The second method of feeding involves 
the use of mashes wetted with milk or 
water. Many poultry-keepers believe that 
the hens lay more eggs when given a warm 
mash once a day. Care must be taken, how- 
ever, that too much is not fed; otherwise 
the birds will sit around in the cold and 
become thoroughly chilled. Even when a 
mash is fed, a little grain should be scat- 
tered in the litter once a day and only 
enough mash should be given to partly ap- 
pease the hunger of the hens. 
Bran, ground oats, corn meal and mid- 
dlings in equal parts make a satisfactory 
mash, especially if mixed up with skim 
milk. If milk is not to be had, warm 
water should be used, and the mash should 
be dry enough so that it will crumble in 
the hand when squeezed. A soggy mash 
is an abomination, with all due respect to 
our grandmothers, who used to feed it ha- 
PRE 
Johnson’s 
T is far from our intention to create 
I the impression that our stock is high 
priced. It is, however, exclusive in 
design, and it is also true that we have 
had the patronage of the most discrimi- 
nating and particular people in all parts 
of the country. 
The reputation of our furniture has 
been built upon distinctive features, such 
as, the simple artistic lines of our de- 
signs, solid construction, and a variety 
of custom finishes. 
Our cottage furniture is especially 
adapted for both Shore or Country houses 
where a simple, harmonious and artistic 
effect is desired, conforming with the sur- 
roundings, and yet not sacrificing one’s 
comfort. 
Shipments are carefully crated, insur- 
ing safe delivery: NEP, ye 
Send for’ complete set, of over® “200. 
illustrations. 
WILLIAM LEAVENS & CO. 
MANUFACTURERS 
32 Canal Street - - Boston, Mass. 
A Book of Valuable Ideas 
for Beautifying the Home 
E will send you free of charge 
our “book += Vhe- Proper 
Treatment for Floors, 
Woodwork and _ Furniture,’’ two 
sample bottles of Johnson’s Wood 
Dye and a sample of Johnson’s Pre- 
pared Wax. 
This text book of 50 pages is very 
attractive—80 illustrations—44 of them 
in color. 
The results of our expensive experi- 
ments are given therein. 
There is absolutely no similarity between 
Johnson’s Wood Dye 
For artistic coloring of all 
woods in the following 
Water ‘‘ stains” 
shades: 
raise the grain of the we. 12 zich oa: 
No. 123 Dark Oak 
And w the soLdinany= stain.” 
and spirit ‘‘stains’’ 
wood. Oil ‘‘stains’’ do not sink below the sur- wo. 125 Mission Oat 
face of the wood or bring out the beauty of No. 110 Bog Oak 
the grain. Varnish ‘‘stains’’ are not stains at  No.129 Dark Mahoceny 
all. They are merely surface coatings which — Wo.131 Brown Weathered Oak 
No. 130 Weathered Oak 
produce a cheap, shiny, No. 132 Green Weathered Oak 
It penetrates 0.172 Flemish Oat 
the high ‘lights and brings out the beauty of the wood. 
painty finish. wo. 121 Moss Green 
Johnson’s Wood Dye is a dye. No. 172 Flemish Oak 
Prepared Wax 
No. 122 Forest Green 
the wood; does not raise the grain; retainS No. 120 Fumed Oak 
will not scratch or mar. It should be applied with a cloth; dries instantly } 
—rubbing with a drv cloth gives a velvety protecting finish of great oO 
beauty. It can be used successfully over all finishes. es 
We want you to try Johnson’s Wood Dye and Prepared Wax ~ 
at our expense. Fill out attached coupon being careful to specify Ss. 
the shades of dye wanted. We will mail you promptly the co in 
booklet edition A. H. 12 and samples. Do not pass this page ses 
until you have mailed the coupon. 
S. C. JOHNSON & SON 
Racine, Wis. 
“The Wood Finishing Authorities’’ 
