PLAN OF A SMALL YARD. 11 



Irish ; for moderate-sized fowls six feet will do ; whilst to 

 confine Game, Hatnburghs, or Bantams, a fence eight or nine 

 feet will be found necessary. The netting should be simply 

 stretched from post to post, without a rail at the top, as the 

 inmates are then far less likely to attempt flying over. 



We do not like to see fowls with their outer wings cut. 

 If their erratic propensities are troublesome, open one wing, 

 and cut only the first or flight feathers, usually ten in number. 

 This will effectually prevent the birds from flying, and as the 

 primary quills are always tucked under the others when not in 

 use, there is no external sign of the operation. 



The compartment for the sitting hen may be boarded in at 

 the front or not ; for ourselves, we prefer it open. Her run 

 may also be covered over or not, at pleasure, but it is better 

 covered. 



Such a yard possesses many advantages, especially when 

 used with the addition of a lawn for breeding fancy poultry. 

 Two separate runs are almost necessary if the rearing of 

 chickens forms part of the plan of proceeding ; and many 

 persons consider it advisable to separate the cocks and hens, 

 except during the breeding season, believing that stronger 

 chickens are obtained thereby. The need of the separate 

 compartment for the sitting hens is further insisted on here- 

 after, but it has also other uses, being, when not so employed, 

 convenient for the temporary reception of a pen of strange 

 birds, for which there may be no other accommodation. 



Each run will accommodate from six to ten fowls, according 

 to their size and habits. 



For those who purpose to engage more largely in prize 

 poultry-breeding, more extensive designs will be given here- 

 after ; but enough has now been said to enable the intending 

 poultry-keeper to select from the different plans here indicated 

 the one best adapted to his particular situation, or, mayhap, to 

 contrive a better one of his own. "We have pointed out the 



