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85^th Meeting

Nine members of the "Home Interest" met
at "Belmont" Feb.9^th 1878, considerably earlier than
usual. After waiting hopefully for our absent[ ?]
we began business at five. The combined result of
snow and rain made us loth to take a walk, even
to see the spring-house which is said to be perfect
in its way; so we commenced with the question

1^st"How many eggs do you get a day?" C Stabler has
120 hens, and gets one. Sarah B. Lea gets eleven doz
per week. She feeds the hens in corn meal and red
pepper. The other members average about one egg to
five hens, at this season.

2^nd How often should lettuce in a cold frame be
watered? Recommended not to give much water
but infrequently in moderate weather.

3^rd How soon shall we set hens? Some advise as
early as middle of Feb. but a majority think the
middle of March soon enough. E.P.Thomas wishes
to make an independent fortune in chickens, has
a variety of breeds. He is advised to get young
hens and continue to keep mixed breeds mostly
of Leghorn, Spanish & Pheasants, if eggs are the
chief object.

4^th What is the proper time to sow cabbage seed in
a cold frame? Early in March.