# get the extent as QgsRectangle
        layerExtent = layer.extent()
        # extends a little bit the layer extent to be sure to get all features
        layerExtent.scale(1.1, layerExtent.center())
        # select the features in this rectangle ie all features
        layer.select(layerExtent, True)
        # change the selected feature counter
        writeSelectedFeatureCount()