POULTRY 131 



Insects as Food for Fowls. One other fact in con- 

 nection with the food of fowls is deserving of special 

 emphasis here. Since their food consists so largely 

 of seeds and insects, it is quite evident that they are 

 worth all it costs to keep them in the assistance which 

 they give to the farmer in devouring seeds of weeds 

 and in holding insect pests in check. 



HEN HONORS. 



The Poultry House. Like other farm animals, 

 fowls must be protected from cold and storms. Their 

 houses should be large, light, airy, clean, and dry. 

 Chickens should have a "scratching place" where they 

 can get to dry dirt and scratch and wallow in it. Dust 

 acts as a sort of insect powder, filling up the insect's 

 breathing pores, and thus keeps the chickens free from 

 lice. It is important that chickens have plenty of exer- 



