196 PKOFITS IN POULTKY. 



inches in diameter, are the best material, and these are 

 the most convenient sizes for the scaffolding upon which 

 the birds are to roost. The odor of these woods is a 

 protection against the vermin which sometimes infest 

 the young birds. The size of the poles for the roosts is 

 a matter of importance. It is much easier for these 

 heavy birds to keep their balance upon a large pole than 

 upon a small one. Then, in the freezing weather of 

 winter, the feet of the birds are more completely pro- 

 tected by the feathers. Another advantage of having 

 the turkeys roost together is the saving of manure. If 

 the ground under the roost is kept covered with muck, 

 or loam, and occasionally stirred, several loads of a valu- 

 able fertilizer may be made every season. A roost made 

 of durable wood, like cedar, will last for a lifetime. It 

 is but a little trouble to train the young broods to go to 

 their roost every night. And after the habit has once 

 been formed they will go to the same roosting-place regu- 

 larly every night. One of the secrets of success in tur- 

 key-raising is in having a secure roosting-place. 



FATTENING TURKEYS. 



It is a goodly sight, as the summer days wane, to 

 see the flocks of turkeys coming home from the 

 woods and pastures at nightfall with full crops. If the 

 farm has not been overstocked with these birds, they 

 have very largely made their living upon grasshoppers, 

 crickets, worms, and other small fry. The regular food 

 they have had has been rather to keep them wonted 

 than to supply any lack of forage. As the cool nights 

 come on, and the supply of insects declines, the business 

 of fattening properly commences. It should be remem- 

 bered that plump, well-dressed turkeys not only bring a 



