CHAP. 1.] FARMING FOR LADIES. 19 



to weaken them. In order, therefore, to com- 

 bine the advantages to be wished for in a 

 hen-house, it should neither be too cold in 

 winter nor too warm in summer ; its size 

 should also be proportioned to the number of 

 inhabitants, though rather smaller than too 

 large, and fitted up with such attention to 

 their habits as to make them fond of it. 

 Whatever may be its size, form, or situation, 

 it should therefore be dry and warm ; free 

 from exposure to strong currents of air ; and 

 with every facility for cleanliness, together 

 with perfect security from the introduction 

 of every kind of vermin. 



The sheds usually adopted for that pur- 

 pose are commonly roofed with tiles, or slates ; 

 which, although affording shelter from the 

 weather, are yet, if not ceiled, extremely cold. 

 In that case, therefore, it is an excellent mode 

 to stow as many trusses of straw over the 

 rafters which connect the walls as will fill up 

 to the roof. The cost will be absolutely 

 nothing, as the straw is not thrown away ; 

 and, even if the rafters be not sufficient to 

 support the straw, any serving-man can fix 

 a few rough poles from wall to wall, to an- 



c 2 



