240 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



health. A yarc^or walk, connected with a place for shelter and 

 roosting, is what is required. 



Care should be taken in fixing upon a situation for these 

 accommodations. A south or south-easterly exposure is the 

 most proper place to be chosen, and a building of brick or 

 stone is preferable to one built of wood. The extent of the 

 place should be proportioned to the number of fowls kept ; and 

 if any error is to be tolerated, it might better be on the side of 

 small buildings. It is said, on good authority, that infectious 

 diseases are not to be feared, even in the case of confined accom- 

 modations; and laying, in the winter season, is rather pro- 

 moted than otherwise, when fowls are thus situated. A medium 

 course should be adopted, as at once the wisest and most econ- 

 omical. If fowls are not sufficiently defended from the cold of 

 winter, they become torpid ; if exposed to intense heat in sum- 

 mer, they are enfeebled. To avoid the numerous diseases 

 which are induced by dampness, care should be taken that the 

 poultry-house should be in a dry situation, and properly defended 

 from the effects of rain. A due regard to ventilation is indis- 

 pensable to guard against an infected atmosphere, and suitable 

 facilities should be afforded for the necessary exercise which 

 all kinds of poultry daily demand. Arrangements for securing 

 an ample supply of water must never be overlooked, and it is 

 advisable to have receptacles of ashes or dry sand within the 

 enclosure, in which the fowls may enjoy the luxury of rolling 

 themselves, in order to free themselves from vermin, and for 

 amusement. 



When poultry are kept on a large scale, a yard is set apart 

 for their use, enclosed either by a wall or by a fence of paling, 

 of sufficient height to prevent any escapade. This yard should 

 be well drained, but if a stream of water can be made to flow 

 through it, it is an important advantage. A part of the yard 

 should be floored or flagged, to feed the fowls upon ; a part 



