When a hen becomes broody, which is shewn by her remaining on the nest a longer time than usual, and by the peculiar _clucking_ noise she makes, it is desirable to give her three or four nest eggs to sit on, to test her steadiness for a day or two, and if she is found to sit well the eggs for hatching may be placed in the nest, either when she leaves it to feed, or by lifting her off in the evening; if a broody hen is removed from the nest during the day she usually flies back, at the great risk of breaking the eggs, whereas, if lifted off after dark, she generally remains quietly on the ground and allows the requisite number of eggs to be put into the nest, when she may be lifted back again. The fresher the eggs that are used for hatching the better. If practicable, it is desirable that they should not have been laid more than a fortnight; although they will hatch after a much longer time, if carefully protected from the drying influence of the air and light, and from too high or too low a temperature, in bran or some similar material. Eggs intended for hatching, should be kept with the large end upwards, otherwise they should be moved occasionally to prevent the yolk adhering to the upper side; the lid of the box containing them should be closed, in order to protect them from the light, and from the rapid changes of temperature, and the whole should, especially in summer, be kept in a cool place. When sittings of eggs are forwarded by railway or other public conveyance, it is customary to pack them tightly in bran, with considerable spaces between them, others recommend oats to be used; my own experience is most decidedly in favour of hay, or soft straw, which, by its elasticity prevents all shaking, and enables the eggs to be forwarded any distance without injury. This season, I forwarded two sittings of eggs to the far north of England, one packed most carefully in bran, the other in hay; of the first not one egg hatched, whilst every one of the second produced a chick; and a sitting that I received this season, which was similarly packed, every egg was fertile, although the basket had travelled from the north by coach, rail, and carrier.