"She flew off as soon as he was fairly out of the yard and came clucking back to her chickens, her feathers all bristled up, as proud a hen as I ever saw. She is very fond of me. Just see this!"
Mrs. Spencer opened the door of the little house and called the speckled hen, who ran out clucking and calling her chickens after her. The whole brood crowded themselves into Mrs. Spencer's lap, as she sat on the grass beside the house.
Robert laughed merrily. "That is the funniest thing I ever saw a hen do!"
"I never before had one that would get into my lap," said Mrs. Spencer, "though my hens often eat out of my hand."
"I thought hens were too stupid to care for any one," said Robert.
"I believe it is possible to win the affection of any creature we have under our care," said Mrs. Spencer.
[Illustration: A HAPPY FAMILY.]
HOW TO FEED AND CARE FOR HENS.
"Do you give meat to the hens?" asked Robert.
"They do not need meat in summer," said Mrs. Spencer, "because they catch bugs and grasshoppers. In the winter, if it seems to be necessary, it is possible to buy animal food that is prepared for the purpose.