PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 187 



well as of the waters, of the land and hence healthful 

 conditions. 



In northern latitudes slopes to the south, southeast 

 and southwest secure the advantage of more direct sun- 

 light in winter than other aspects. 



If storms and winds are prevalent in the locality a 

 place should be sought out which is naturally protected 

 by higher land and trees of the forest or orchard. If 

 theste natural windbreaks are lacking the poultrymcin 

 should ascertain the possibilities for planting hedges to 

 the windward of the poultry plant. Fowls ought to be 

 out of doors ranging in pleasant weather rather than 

 standing still and moping in confined quarters. 



Nearness of lakes or other large bodies of water may 

 be an advantage if the climate is, by such influence, 

 made more even in temperature. 'Sometimes, however, 

 winds and storms sweep over these water levels and 

 strike the poultry plant with especial severity. 



Son. AXD DEAINAGE. A heavy clay soil may not show 

 its undesirable character in dry summer weather, but 

 if seen under conditions of wetness reveals its unfitness 

 for poultry culture. 



The rains falling upon such a soil do not quickly 

 enter the land but tend to overflow it, to form gullies 

 and gradually saturating the upper layer cause the 

 surface to become muddy, sticky or slippery. Great 

 discomfort to the poultryman and his fowls is liable to 

 result. The droppings of the birds scattered over the 

 land failing to enter the soil, become soaked by the 

 rains forming a pasty mass which in dry weather forms 

 a filthy crust over the surface of the yards. On a clay 

 soil the sills of the houses tend to rot away and fence 

 posts decay rapidly. If snow falls upon the land it 

 sticks and stays and finally melting produces very un- 

 pleasant conditions under foot. 



Such soil on a poultry farm, however, is usually cap- 

 able of producing excellent crops of grass, grain and 

 fruit. 



Clay land may be greatly improved for poultry pur- 



