Sko. 9.] 



POULTRY. 



123 



SECTION IX-POULTRY. 



axiras for Poultry Keepers.— Tliose who expect to 



be successful in raising or managing poultry, or 



]ioi)e to make it a paving part of farm luisinesf:, 



bliould observe a few simple rules vviiidi ^vill 



save thera from much disappointment and trouble. 



1. It is not advisable to keep large numbers of hens 



together, or go into the poultry business on a large scale. 



It is found impracticable and unprofitable ; besides, thev 



can not be kept in so healthy a condition as where but 



few arc together. 



2. It is impossible to keep liens to advantage without 



having a pro|)er]y arranged house for their acL'onmioda- 



tion. This is as necessary as that a farmer should have 



a stable for his cattle or a dwelling for his family. 



3. In connection with the house, a poultry-yard should be provided, which 



should contain a grass-plot, gravel, some quantities of slacked lime, and dry 



ashes. 



i. Tlie inside of the ])Oultry-house should bo whitewashed twice a year, or 

 oftencr, which will serve to keej) it free from vermin, and the hens will be 

 kept in better condition. 



5. Pure water, in sufficient quantities, must be provided several times a 

 day, in winter aiul in summer. 



6. Feed should be given at regular periods. To fatten fowls, they must 

 not be allowed to run at large. 



These rules are subject to variation under certain circumstances. A new 

 settler in the woodD would not consider them applicable. It would he more 

 profitable to let his poultry run at large. 80 it is upon all farms at some 

 treasons, but there arc but few farmers who would not somctinu'S find it prof- 

 itable to shut up all his poultry, the gallinaceous portion of it jiarticularly. 

 For this jnirpose a poultry-yard will bo foimd always a great convenience, 

 if not a great profit. Ii fchould be so constructed that its first cost will not 

 1)0 money unprofitably Bpct;t. ^lany jiersons have found it profitable to 

 have a tolerably large inelosure for poultry, and [ilant that with j)lum-trees. 

 It is asserted that curculio insects never disturb plums upon such trees. It 

 is our opinion that it would ha fou'id very ]U-ofitabIe to have a jiortable 

 ]ioultry house and yard, which could be conveniently moved from place to 

 l>lace, keeping it upon one spot one year, and upon another the ne.\t. By 

 this means some bad brier-patchos would be subiluetl, and some poor spots 

 cheaply enriched. 



If poultry arc kept in a yard, tlio groiind shoidtl bo often dug up. If the 

 yard is large enough, it may be i)lowed It i* u good \va\ to Iiave a largo 



