POULTRY-HOUSES. 181 



of wings capable of symmetric extension, in which are placed 

 the model roosting-houses, and laying and breeding nests of the 

 fowls. 



HT8R MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S HATCHING AND LAYING NTBSTS. 



The ground, in front, slopes towards the park, and is enclosed 

 and divided by light, wire fences, into separate wards, for 

 the "run" or daily exercise of the birds. Inside these wards, 

 gravel walks, bordered by grass plots, lead to the entrances of 

 the fowl-house. In the proportions, distribution, and fittings of 

 the apartments of this house, considerable knowledge of the 

 habits, with a corresponding and most commendable regard to 

 the conveniences of their granivorous tenants, has been dis- 

 played; the chambers are spacious, airy, and of an equal and 

 rather warm temperature, which accords with their original 

 habits, and their nests are made, as far as possible, to resemble 

 the dark, bramble-covered recesses of their original jungles. In 

 this particular her Majesty has set a good example to the farmers 

 of this country, who too often follow the false routine of their 

 fathers, rather than consult the habits, and obey the natural in- 

 tincts of the animals about them. 



Her Majesty's collection of fowls is very considerable, occu- 

 pying half a dozen very extensive yards, several small fields, 

 and numerous feeding-houses, laying-sheds, hospitals, winter 

 courts, &c. 



It is in the new fowl -house that the more rare and curious 

 birds are kept consisting of Cochin China, white Java ban- 

 tams, some splended bantams of Sir John Sebright's breed, a 



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