The number of eggs placed under a hen usually varies from ten to fifteen; no fixed rule can be given--so much depends on the season of the year, the size of the eggs, and that of the hen. If the eggs are cooled during the sitting, which necessarily happens if they are so numerous that the outer ones are covered merely by the feathers, and not by the body of the hen, the chicken will be weakly or deformed; and as the hen constantly shifts their position by pulling those outside into the centre, and so forcing out the others, all become chilled in their turn, and a weakly brood is the result. A hen when sitting, separates the feathers to so great an extent, that the eggs, if they are not in too great number, are in contact with the naked skin of the breast, and such a quantity should only be given, as can be covered in that manner. I am quite confident that a larger number of chicken can be ensured by sitting a moderate than a large number of eggs, and as to their health and vigour there is no comparison. In those varieties which lay large eggs, such as Dorkings, I never give a hen more than thirteen eggs, and usually a smaller number; in winter, I would not exceed eight or nine. In the case of Cochins, where the eggs are small and the hens large, a greater number may be given. With regard to the age of the parents, I believe that it is not so desirable to breed from hens in their first as in the second or third years; the chicken of first year fowls, are more leggy, smaller, and less hardy and vigorous than those that are produced by more mature parents. When young birds are employed, it is desirable to mate pullets with cocks two or three years old, and cockerels with old hens. Some persons even carry their objection so far, as not to allow young birds to hatch the eggs of older birds, being under the impression they do not sit with sufficient steadiness. This is certainly not true as regards Dorkings and Cochins, for I have found pullets of eight months age, exemplary sitters and nurses; and at the time of writing this in July, I have two Dorkings of fourteen months age, which are running about with their third broods, having hatched in January, May, and July.