(5/14.

Azara volume 4 page 173.) If the hen was obliged to hatch her own eggs, before the last was laid the first probably would be addled; but if each laid a few eggs at successive periods, in different nests, and several hens, as is stated to be the case, combined together, then the eggs in one collection would be nearly of the same age.

If the number of eggs in one of these nests is, as I believe, not greater on an average than the number laid by one female in the season, then there must be as many nests as females, and each cock bird will have its fair share of the labour of incubation; and that during a period when the females probably could not sit, from not having finished laying.

(5/15.

Lichtenstein, however, asserts "Travels" volume 2 page 25, that the hens begin sitting when they have laid ten or twelve eggs; and that they continue laying, I presume in another nest.