POULTRY YARD. 23 



poultry. The surface must be so sloped and drained 

 as to avoid all stagnant moisture, most destructive 

 to young chickens. The fences must be lofty, well 

 secured at the bottom, that the smallest chicken 

 cannot find a passage through, and the whole yard 

 perfectly sheltered, from the north-west to the 

 south-east. Various beds, or heaps of sifted ashes, 

 or very dry sand, should be always ready, in which 

 the hens may exercise that propensity, so delightful 

 and salutary to them, of rolling or bathing them- 

 selves. This is effectual in cleansing their feathers 

 and skin from vermin and impurities, promotes the 

 cuticalar excretion, and is materially instrumental 

 in preserving their health. 



The poultry-houses within the court, if there be 

 a choice, should have a southern aspect, at any rate, 

 should be well defended from cold winds and the 

 blowing in of rain or sleet. If the number of the stock 

 be considerable, the houses had far better be small 

 and detached, both for health and safety sake, and 

 especially they should be absolutely impenetrable to 

 vermin of every description. Should these houses 

 abut upon a stable, brew-house, or any conductor 

 of warmth, it will be so much the more comfortable 

 and salutary to the poultry. 



The form and conveniences of the poultry-houses 

 are these the bottom or floor should consist of well- 

 rammed chalk or earth, similar to the court-yard, 

 that its surface being smooth, may present no impe- 

 diment to being swept perfectly clean. For health's 

 sake, the roof should be lofty ; the perches will be 

 then more out of the reach of vermin, should any 



