s and robbers.
Let the hens lay some time before they are allowed to set, the proper
time for which will be from the end of February to the beginning of
May. Broods of chickens are hatched all through the summer, but those
that come out very late require care till they have gained sufficient
strength. Feed the hens well during the time of laying, and give them
oats occasionally. If the eggs of any other sort are put under a hen
with some of her own, observe to add her own as many days after the
others as there is a difference in the length of their setting. A turkey
and duck set thirty days, the hen only twenty. Choose large clear eggs
to put her upon, and such a number as she can properly cover; about ten
or twelve are quite sufficient. If the eggs be very large, they
sometimes contain a double yolk, and in that case neither will be
productive. When some of the chickens are hatched, long before the
others, it may be necessary to keep them in a basket of wool till the
others come forth. The day after they are hatched, give them some crumbs
of white bread or grots soaked in milk, which are very nourishing. As
soon as they have gained a little strength, feed them with curd, cheese
parings cut small, or any soft food, but nothing that is sour, and
provide them with clean water twice a day. Keep the hen under a pen till
the young have strength to follow her about, which will be in two or
three weeks; and be sure to feed the hen well. Poultry in general should
be fed as nearly as possible at the same hour of the day, and in the
same place, as this will be the surest way of collecting them together.
Potatoes boiled in a little water, so as to be dry and mealy, and then
cut, and wetted with skim milk that is not sour, will form an agreeable
food for poultry, and young turkies will thrive much on it. Grain should
however be given occasionally, or the constant use of potatoe food will
make their flesh soft and insipid. The food of fowls goes first into
the crop, which softens it; it then passes into the gizzard, which by
constant friction macerates it; this is facilitated by small stones
which are generally found there, and which help to digest the food. If a
setting hen be troubled with vermin, let her be well washed with a
decoction of white lupins. The pip in fowls is occasioned by drinking
dirty water, or taking filthy food. The general symptom is a white thin
scale on the tongue, which should be pulled off with the finger;
a