summer, on the other hand, the temperatures at his house are almost 

 invariably about the same number of degrees lower than at the lower 

 elevation. It is apparent from these statements that a moderate 

 elevation and shelter mean a more agreeable and less trying climate 

 — warmer in winter, cooler in summer. Such a location, too, will be 

 relatively free from fogs and the cold evening mists; it will have a 

 drier air. If, in addition to moderate elevation and shelter, the loca- 

 tion has perfect natural drainage and a coarse and naturally dry soil, 

 it will present ideal conditions for poultry. It may not always be 

 possible to secure the elevation. With good drainage and a naturally 

 dry soil success is possible. Shelter can be secured within a few 

 years by planting evergreens on the side from which come most of 

 the cold winds. 



Close versus Open Houses or Pure Air for Poultry. 



One of the most striking changes of modern times is the fuller and 

 more general recognition of the value both to man and to the lower 

 animals — whether in health or disease — of abundance of pure air 

 and sunshine. This change has greatly affected the views held by 

 the well-informed as to the best type of house for poultry. There 

 was a reaction first against a large proportion of glass in the south 

 side, as this type of house suffered too great variations in tempera- 

 ture, being excessively hot during bright sunshine, even in winter, 

 and cold at night. Such houses were also almost certain to be damp 

 These undesirable conditions were in part removed by a reduction in 

 the size and number of windows, but with this type of construction 

 the houses were, under some weather conditions, too dark and they 

 were still often damp. The need of better ventilation was then rec- 

 ognized, and improvement in that direction reduced the difficulties 

 from impure air and dampness. The houses were still sometimes 

 too dark, sometimes over hot and likely to be damp. 



The scratching shed style of construction next came into vogne. 

 These sheds were often permanently closed by muslin curtains, but 

 in the course of time were, so planned as to be open during pleasant 

 weather, so that the fowls were practically in the open air by day, 

 unless the weather should be stormy. This change marked a great 

 improvement, but it was for some time regarded as essential to pro- 

 vide each flock with a closed and warm room for the roosts and 

 nests. Many have not yet advanced in their belief in open air be- 

 yond the stage represented by this type of construction. 



