“My speckled hen,” said Mrs. Mansfield, “came off her nest, yesterday, with a fine brood of chickens.”
Arthur. That is the one, is not it, ma’am, that has been sitting so close ever since we came?
Grandmamma. Yes, and for a fortnight before, which makes in all three weeks; the time hens always sit on their eggs.
Charles. I think they must be tired of keeping still so long.
Grandmamma. I believe, Charles, you would be tired of such confinement; but birds do not seem to mind it at all. Though so active at other times; when they have laid their eggs, they are quite contented to sit still till the young ones are hatched.
Arthur. Do all birds sit for three weeks, grandmamma?
Grandmamma. No: ducks and geese sit for a month; and pigeons and smaller birds for about a fortnight. Now you may give them some of these grits, and then you will have the pleasure of seeing them peck.
Charles. Let me have a handful, if you please. Chick, chick, chick, chick! come here, poor chickey, and I will give you something to eat. Dear grandmamma! they will not let me catch them; and look at the old hen, she is almost ready to fly at me.