52 LOCATION AND SITUATION 



moist air flows down the slopes and settles in valleys, swamps, 

 and low places. Thus, a rolling country is most desirable, and 

 the plant should be placed on high ground with a slight slope. A 

 swampy place should be avoided, not only from the fact that 

 there is a constant stream of damp air falling into it, but it is 

 also the natural catch basin for all surface drainage from the 

 higher land around. In nearly every case of this kind it will be 

 impossible to drain or put it in proper condition for health of the 

 flock. 



A southerly, southeasterly, or southwesterly slope is the best 

 for the more northern parts of the country. If the prevailing 

 wind is westerly, a southeastern slope is the one desired. In gen- 

 eral, the morning sun directly in the house is the best. It is not a 

 good policy to place the house on the very crest of a hill, as there 

 is usually not sufficient protection against the northern winds in 

 winter. If the house is placed on the south side just over the crest, 

 the air currents from the north are deflected up and over the house, 

 thus making it much warmer and of a much evener temperature 

 at all times. Forest growths on the north and west sides of the 

 farm shut out much of the undesirable wind. 



A southern slope has the great advantage of receiving the 

 direct rays of the sun, and is thus much warmer, due to the radia- 

 tion thus secured. A moderate slope is to be preferred to a very 

 steep one. With steep slopes there is great washing and gullying 

 during heavy rains. The labor of carrying feed and attending to 

 the flock, if a large one, is greatly increased by going up and down 

 steep grades. 



Water Supply. Stagnant waters about the poultry farm are 

 very undesirable, but a constant supply of fresh, pure water for 

 drinking purposes is a great asset to any plant. A satisfactory 

 supply of water may be attained by any of the following methods, 

 which are arranged in the order of their value : 



1. A perpetual stream of running water through the farm, 

 which not only acts as a source of pure water but aids perfect soil 

 and surface drainage. This method is most economical, and is 

 desirable where the colony system is used. Where the birds are 

 kept by the community plan, a large number in small runs, it is 

 not advisable to have a brook running through the yards, due to 

 the danger of contamination. , 



2. It is often possible to dam such a stream to form a head 

 of water on elevated ground not far from the plant, so that 



