WATER SUPPLY 49 



scanty vegetation. The presence of natural forest growth is an 

 advantage, from the fact that it provides shade, and also acts as 

 windbreaks and prevents erosions in hilly country. An abundance 

 of trees and natural vegetation has a cooling effect, as well as a 

 purifying effect upon the surrounding atmosphere. 



Water Supply. Stagnant waters about the poultry farm are 

 very undesirable, but a constant supply of fresh pure water for 

 drinking purposes is a great advantage to any location. A satis- 

 factory supply of water may be attained by any of the following 

 methods, which are arranged in the order of their value: 



1. A perpetual stream of running water through the farm, 

 which not only acts as a source of pure water, but aids in main- 

 taining perfect soil and surface drainage. This method of water- 



FIG. 35. Ideal location for poultry farming. Rolling land gives good drainage and proper 

 air circulation. (Photo by Southern Railway Land Department.) 



ing is most economical, and is desirable where the colony system 

 is used. Where the birds are kept in the community system, a 

 large number in small runs, it is not advisable to have a brook 

 running through the yards, for fear of contamination. 



2. It is often possible to dam such a stream to form a head of 

 water on elevated ground not far from the plant, so that a small 

 reservoir may be formed and pipes run to the desired points of 

 distribution. Gravity distribution is the most efficient and 

 economical if sufficient pressure can be attained. 



3. The presence of a never-failing spring at some elevated 

 position may be utilized in the same way, there being no power 

 required for distribution. 



4. If the source of water supply is below the level of the plant, 

 the water can be elevated to stand-pipes or reservoirs in any of 

 the following ways: Hydraulic rams, gasoline engines, water- 

 wheels, or windmills. 



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