Milk is frequently used to mix the barley or oatmeal, but from the extent to which it is then exposed to the air it soon becomes sour in summer, and is decidedly injurious if employed in that state; no more food, therefore, should be mixed with milk than can be eaten in a couple of hours. Sopped bread is by no means desirable, the chicken become weakly and affected with diarrhœa from its use, in fact it has not that degree of solidity which is requisite to afford an opportunity for the exercise of the natural grinding action of the gizzard. A little chopped onion, or, still better, some finely shred green onion tops mixed with the food is highly advantageous, and, in the opinion of many persons, lessens very much the susceptibility to roup. With regard to animal food there is none equal to the natural supply of worms and insects obtained by the hen; small worms, or a barrow full of mould, containing an ant’s nest, may be given if the chicken are in a confined situation, and will be found far superior to boiled egg, chopped meat, or any more artificial substitute. Curds are frequently used, and, I believe, furnish the best substitute for the natural insect food, but I have had no experience in their use, as I have never kept, nor even think it desirable to keep fowls, or at all events to rear chicken, in situations where their natural food is unattainable. It is requisite that chicken should either have a constant supply of food or be fed at very short intervals--even every hour is not too often, if practicable. Cooping, which is so frequently employed to restrain the wandering of hens with chicken, I regard as exceedingly objectionable. In many cases I admit it to be a necessary evil, but not the less an evil; a hen when cooped has no power of scratching for insects and worms (the best of all possible food), the chicken are therefore confined strictly to the artificial diet with which they are supplied. Whatever also may be the difference in the temperature of the day or change of weather, she cannot alter her position, or seek shelter from cold, wind, or wet; the ground under the coop becomes foul unless the latter is moved frequently, and the hen does not so soon recover the effects of her confinement in sitting as when she is allowed her liberty and obtains green food to peck at.