The Question Box. 170 



individual, even if poorly bred, can transmit vigor, size and g 

 health — both combined is the desired specimen. 



Mrs. Monroe. — If one is starting from the foundation without 

 fowl pure bred, introduce new blood from eggs, but if possible, 

 visit the yards from which such are bought. After that introduce 

 new blood through the female. Keeping the same type of male 

 bird. By this method it is also possible to determine the laying 

 qualities of the new blood. A male bird from a poor layer would 

 undo the work of years, along the line of increasing egg yield. 



Mr. Chapman. — The most satisfactory way, all things consid- 

 ered, is to buy eggs, as no disease can be brought to the farm. 

 I have known cases where a single fowl has caused a loss of nearly 

 all of the home flock by introducing some contagious disease. 



BUILDING POULTRY HOUSES. 



Question. — Do you prefer the " scratching-shed principle " in a 

 hen house \ Why ? 



Mrs. Monroe. — I prefer the scratching-shed principle, because 

 I think hens are hardier and stronger by working in the open 

 air. In the spring when the eggs are used for hatching, stronger 

 chicks and more of them are hatched from hens so raised 

 and kept. These houses are also pleasanter to work in, and are 

 always dry, if muslin curtains are used for stormy weather. 



Question. — Would you recomm,end open front or scratch shed 

 houses and have a tight roosting room back? Or would you make 

 it all tight ? How ventilated ? 



Mr. McGrew. — The open or scratch-shed house for laying 

 hens is fast losing favor in the colder climates. Inclosed 

 rooms are most favored by those that have had the greatest experi- 

 ence. The best way, if possible, is to have a large open room with a 

 good, deep sand floor, well covered with litter, in which the fowl 

 can dig. Such a room should have only enough glass windows to 

 furnish light sufficient for their comfort. A closed roosting room 

 attached to the same is best. The whole should be built to furnish 

 good protection from the cold. 



Indirect ventilation is always the best for winter. The best 

 form of indirect ventilation is to have the roof of the hen house 

 sealed up so as to make an open air space between the inside lining 

 and the roof. One or more outside ventilators should connect with 

 this air space and the inside ventilation should be carried into the 

 air space from the highest point in the room. Close to the floor 

 would be better if possible, but this can seldom bo arranged. 



