39 



even should she have been paired with the finest of singers. If the 

 breeder is willing- to part with young- hens at three or four shillings 

 a dozen, it may be assumed that they have not any particularly good 

 strain of blood in them. Healthy hens, six months old, procured 

 from a breeder of repute, fetch two shillings each at least, and from 

 these satisfactory results may be reasonably expected. But such 

 birds have not been fed all the winter on the leavings of the male 

 birds, like the common strain ; they have been properly fed on rape 

 seed, with egg food once a week ; kept in clean, roomy cages without 

 overcrowding, and in a cosy position free from damp, excessive cold, 

 or draught. They are. therefore, worth the (for Germany) high price 

 named. During moulting time the physical development of the 

 ovary takes place, and to allow this formation full play, moderately 

 high feeding is accorded the birds at that period • pork fat, salt, egg- 

 shells, occasionally canary, oats, and hemp, are not stinted. Hens, 

 young or old, thus cared for, are fit to go into the breeding cage by 

 February ; they will produce good sound stock, and last on the 

 average four years, often longer. 



