DOGS, CATS AND POULTRY 
555 
5. Hatching. 
Hatching may be conveniently divided into two classes: 
(a) Hatching by natural processes, and (b) artificial incuba- 
tion. The first implies the use of the mother hen, while the 
latter that of the incubator. The merits of these we shall 
not attempt to discuss, our purpose being to outline each in 
so far as each relates to the rearing of healthy chicks, and 
thus fortifying them against the ravages of the diseases to 
which they are subject. 
(a) Hatching by natural processes is the system more 
commonly used by the farmer and smaller poultry man. 
While there are a great many methods advocated, each hav- 
ing individual merits, we here present that which we find 
in our experience to be the best. 
Fig. 98. A Setting Box. 
When the hen exhibits a desire to set, provide what may 
be termed a setting box (Fig. 98). This should be large 
enough to contain the nest, a dusting place, feed place and 
drinking pan. A packing box with from four to six square 
feet floor space will answer the purpose. Tack this upon the 
wall of the hen house or in some other comfortable, well- 
ventilated position. Attach a door such as may be made of 
ordinary lath. The purpose of this is to protect and prevent 
annoyance to the hen. Make a small compartment in one 
corner by nailing two strips, a foot or fourteen inches long 
and about three or four inches wide, together at the ends 
and securing them to the floor and sides. In the bottom of 
this place a couple of inches of dry earth and upon this build 
