Every morning I fed a mash of meal, shorts, and beef scraps, in equal parts, mixed dry with boiling water; at noon and night oatmeal, cracked wheat, or occasionally cracked corn, and clean table scraps at any time. Oyster shells and fresh water were always before them. Mothers and children ate together, each taking what she liked best. As often as they soiled the grass I shifted the runs, and on fine days I let the families out for an hour before dark into an adjoining field, keeping an eye on their wanderings. October first I sold the four hens, which had laid meanwhile fifteen and a half dozen eggs. Twelve chicks were cockerels, which were killed as needed. November first I reduced the daily feed to two meals--a warm mash at half past eight A.M. so that they would scratch awhile before being fed, and for supper grain, generally oats, scattered about the yard, with a few handfuls inside the house to induce more scratching. They had all they would eat, but if they left any food I skipped the next meal and let them get hungry. The water was renewed often, dishes kept clean, and field excursions continued occasionally. November sixth I sold the first dozen eggs, and for eleven months the supply never failed. The eggs were large, and the hens were active, healthy, and happy. Any success I attribute to moderate feeding, exercise, and cleanliness. _May 1, 1901, to August 15, 1902_ EXPENSES Eggs, White Wyandotte $2.00 Express .25 Eggs, Plymouth Rock 1.00 4 hens 2.60 Boards, net, and boxes 1.22 Grain, 15½ months 31.41 ------ $38.48 RECEIPTS Eggs, 14 pullets, 162 dozen $47.33 Eggs, 4 hens, 15½ dozen 3.92 12 cockerels, 55¼ pounds 10.35 4 hens 2.00 14 hens (sold by reason of my illness) 8.00 2 barrels dressing 1.50 Runs, etc., on hand 1.00 ------ $74.10 38.48 ------ Profit $35.62 BELLE S. CRAGIN HOW I STARTED WITH HENS I am a boy, thirteen years old, and have always been very fond of farm animals, especially chickens. I like the White Wyandottes best for all-around, general-purpose fowls. They lay well, and when they are dressed for market there are no dark pin-feathers to spoil their looks.