THE POULTRY BOOK. 
19 
exposed situation, a better clutch may perhaps be expected than the more artifi- 
cially constructed nest will always ensure. 
Many of the most successful breeders prefer having the nests formed on the 
ground, by placing a little soft straw in a slight hollow ; whereas others give a 
I preference to nests raised some few inches from the ground, solely on account of 
the greater facility for the house being kept perfectly clean, by allowing the broom 
to reach beneath. 
But after all it cannot be denied, when we look at the secret places sometimes 
selected by the hen herself for incubation, and observe that, at the expiration 
of the allotted time, the number of young led forth tallies pretty nearly with that 
of the eggs deposited, that fewer eggs are to be found in an addled state in such 
circumstances than when they are selected and placed under the intended mother. 
We have reason to believe, indeed, that whatever care may be taken in keeping 
eggs, their vitality is better preserved when they are allowed to remain in the 
nest. Perhaps the periodical visits of the hen while adding to her store of eggs 
has a stimulating influence. The warmth communicated in the half hour during 
which she occupies the nest may have a tendency to preserve the embryo in a 
vigorous state. 
The Cochins possess one great recommendation as sitters, in the soft and 
abundant supply of downy feathers that so specially distinguish their race ; for 
under no other hens do the eggs appear to maintain a higher or more constant 
temperature. 
From the shortness of their legs and the density of their fluff, the best breeds 
of Cochins are especially suited for sitting. They will thoroughly cover thirteen 
of their own eggs ; and though the larger varieties might be equal to a greater 
number, thirteen would, in all cases, probably be a wise limitation, and result in 
the best and healthiest broods. An egg imperfectly covered by the hen while 
sitting becomes chilled, and, as all in turn are likely to be thus more or less 
exposed, the whole brood often suffers from the unwise desire to get an extra 
chick. 
When very early broods are required, either for exhibition in the chicken classes 
at the summer poultry shows, or for table use, every precaution should be taken to 
keep up an adequate temperature. The nest should be based on a deep founda- 
tion of ashes or earth, or a thick freshly-cut turf may be placed beneath the straw ; 
by these means the escape of the heat is greatly prevented, and consequently a 
more uniform and higher temperature secured. The number of eggs also should 
be much reduced, seven or eight being an ample number during January and 
February, as, even supposing a larger number of chickens to be produced, they 
suffer greatly when about a month old, from being inadequately covered by the hen 
at night. 
For the purpose of securing early broods, it is necessary to retain a sufficient 
number of early hatched pullets of the previous year. These generally begin to lay, 
if well fed, about November or December, and become broody in January or 
