140 THE PEOPLE'S PEACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 



the engraving. If water willow cannot be readily obtained, any other wood 

 that is susceptible of weaving into baskets will answer the purpose. This 

 device makes a good cool retreat for hens in hot weather. 



TIGHT WOODEN BOX NEST. 



It is only necessary the birds should be protected from wind and rain, in 

 order to avoid rheumatism ; and this is most effectually done by employing 

 for the nest a tight wooden box, like figure 2, open at the bottom, and also 



FIG. 1. FIG. 2. 



in front, with the exception of a strip three inches high to contain the straw. 

 Let one of these boxes be placed in the back corner of the shed, touching 

 the side, the front being turned to the back wall, and about nine inches from 

 it ; and the hen will be in the strictest privacy, will be both perfectly shel- 

 tered and kept cool, and will never mistake her own nest for the one which 

 may be placed in the other corner. If a third must be made room for, let 

 her nest be placed the same distance from the wall midway between the 

 others, and like them, with the front of the nest to the back of the shed. 

 There will then be still nearly a foot between eacji two nests for the birds to 

 pass. 



