SITUATION 49 



It should be friable and porous, so as to dry up quickly after a 

 rain. There should be a porous, gravelly subsoil, which insures 

 perfect underdrainage. This cleanses the yards and carries manure 

 into the soil where plants and grass roots can use it. The water 

 table should be so low that in no place moisture appears above 

 the surface, even by the presence of damp soil when turned over 

 by the plow. It should be a warm soil, and if warm it will be dry. 



The runs should be so constructed that it will be possible to 

 get into them with a plow to turn under the manure and cleanse 

 them. A system of alternate cropping should be devised to utilize 

 the manure which is voided in the runs. Green feed can be more 

 easily and cheaply supplied in this way than in any other. 



A heavy muck or clay soil should always be avoided, as poor 

 results are sure to follow its use. If it is necessary to locate on 



FIG. 35. Ideal location for poultry farming. Rolling land gives good drainage and proper 

 air circulation. (Photo by Southern Railway Land Department.) 



such a soil, it can be greatly improved by tile underdrains and by 

 heavy applications of lime. If the area is small it can be much 

 improved by mixing sand with the top soil. 



Character of Country. A slightly rolling country (Fig. 35) is 

 much better than perfectly level stretches or an extreme moun- 

 tainous section. There is better atmospheric drainage than on 

 level sections, and much less liability of heavy winds. A contour 

 and soil map of the country under study or observation will help 

 greatly, if it is impossible to spend the desired time in a personal 

 inspection. It is very desirable that the ground be gone over 

 thoroughly by the prospective investor himself. 



Situation. In considering the matter of situation the important 

 factors which must be constantly borne in mind are : (1) To have 

 the conditions as nearly perfect as possible for the health of the 

 4 



