THE BOOK OF POULTRY. 



has shuttered lattices which can be opened in 

 hot weather. The roof is a pitched or gable 

 one, as shown. One length of fence between 

 the outer yards, ne.xt the buildings, is made to 

 lift out, so that a team can be turned in to 

 plough up the runs when required. To the 

 south of the enclosed yards are three acres of 

 grass run, and at the north five acres more ; and 

 it was stated that the owner was able to run the 

 whole establishment himself without difficulty ; 

 a statement which certainly gives one an 

 impressive idea of the activity and energy of 

 American poultry-farmers. 



This plant — a good example of the corridor 

 system as carried out in America, where the 

 double-range is impracticable owing to the real 

 need for southern aspect — was however alleged 

 to have serious disadvantages, as pointed out 

 in various poultry journals, which upon the 

 whole criticised it favourably. The greater 

 height at the back increases the cost, as does 

 the solid wall of the corridor. The greater 

 height of the roost was also said to be less 

 warm. But chiefly, in a really severe climate, 

 the high centre roof is said to retain a bank of 

 unsunned, cold, unsweetened air. 



These details have been selected, not with 

 any delusive idea of presenting a complete 

 picture of American practice, but as showing 

 the careful and systematic study given to 

 problems connected with climate, saving of 

 labour, or the well-being of the fowls. From 

 this point of view they may prove useful and 

 suggestive, and perhaps stimulate invention or 

 contrivance in other circumstances widely dif- 

 ferent. We need only add that in America the 

 double-board system of building, with a dead- 

 air space between the two skins, is very widely 

 practised for the sake of warmth, which has an 

 importance far greater than in England. Some 

 prefer to make the inner skin of lath and 

 plaster, as better for lime-washing, giving less 

 harbour for insects, and warmer than plain 

 boards. Linings of building-paper under or 

 over the boards are also commonly used. 



Local buildings or accommodation are, of 

 course, often at hand, and may be largely 



utilised. The extensive yard of the late Lady 

 Gwydyr, figured in the earlier editions of 



this work, was founded upon some 

 Utilising modification of the extensive build- 

 Buildinls '"5^ ^"'-' shedding of the home farm, 



ail of which were devoted to the 

 purpose. The most remarkable example we 

 ever came across, however, was in the case of 

 the late Mr. Henry Beldon, once invincible as 

 an exhibitor of Hamburghs. Many of his birds 

 were reared on farms around ; a good system, 

 followed still by many breeders in the country, 

 and even by a few in towns, but altogether 

 depending upon integrity on both sides to 

 carry out satisfactorily. But he had also in 

 addition a deserted cotton-mill, containing four 

 floors, each one hundred and twenty feet by 

 thirty feet. One floor was of wood, the others 

 concreted ; and they were divided into pens, 

 the smallest about ten feet square, and well 

 lighted by windows. When well matured, ;\Ir. 

 Beldon found no difficulty in keeping birds 

 even for months on these floors of the old mill, 

 till wanted for disposal ; with the help, of 

 course, of proper litter underfoot and care. 



We only need add a few miscellaneous hints 

 as to planning and putting up a range of build- 

 ings. We have already advised regard to the 

 standard length of twelve feet for timbers ; but 

 it is worth remembering that it will add scarcely 

 anything to the cost of material if all the six- 

 feet boards are ordered cut to that length, 

 ready for nailing on, while it saves a great deal 

 of labour. At some timber-yards the price " per 

 square" (lOO feet) would hardly be affected at 

 all. There should also be plenty of doors and 

 gates, as it saves time to be able to get about 

 from one house or run to another in all con- 

 venient ways. Again, let these be wide enough 

 to take a basket or basket-coop through easily, 

 occasions for which may often occur. Where 

 the corridor plan is not adopted, it is best to 

 arrange all the doors in line through a range of 

 buildings, on Mr. Hunter's plan, so that they 

 swing back both ways into place and stay 

 there ; this saves a great deal of time and 

 trouble. 



