"No one can be
successful in raising poultry in large numbers," she said, "unless they
keep their quarters clean and comfortable."
As yet we had seen no hens, except a few on the nests, and Miss Laura
said, "Where are they? I should like to see them."
"They are coming," said Mrs. Wood. "It is just their breakfast time, and
they are as punctual as clockwork. They go off early in the morning, to
scratch about a little for themselves first."
As she spoke she stepped off the plank walk, and looked off towards, the
fields.
Miss Laura burst out laughing. Away beyond the barns the hens were
coming. Seeing Mrs. Wood standing there, they thought they were late,
and began to run and fly, jumping over each other's backs, and
stretching out their necks, in a state of great excitement. Some of
their legs seemed sticking straight out behind. It was very funny to see
them.
They were a fine-looking lot of poultry, mostly white, with glossy
feathers and bright eyes. They greedily ate the food scattered to them,
and Mrs. Wood said, "They think I've changed their breakfast time, and
to-morrow they'll come a good bit earlier.
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