126 



PRACTICE OF POULTRY-HOUSE CONSTRUCTION 



can be graded up against the foundation, turning the water away. 

 The trench should be dug approximately three feet deep, or below 

 the average frost line. Before laying the foundation, if the ground 

 is moist, it is well to lay a three-inch tile in the bottom of the 

 trench (Fig. 81, a), running it to some suitable outlet at a lower 

 level. After laying the tile, the trench should be filled up to a 

 depth of about one foot below ground with stones or coarse cinders 

 (Fig. 81, 6). This should be firmly tamped and levelled. This 

 gives a good foundation on which to lay the stone, brick, or con- 

 crete foundation wall, with little danger of heaving. A concrete 

 wall is the most desirable and economical for the foundation. 



Making Frames for Concrete Walls. The frames for concrete 

 walls are usually made of one-inch material, preferably eight to 



FIG. 81. Five steps in the construction of a concrete foundation, a, Tile in the bottom 

 of trench; b, tamped cinders over drain tile; c, forms ready for pouring concrete; d, forms 

 filled with concrete, sill bolt in place; e, forms removed, foundation completed, and cinders 

 filled in on both sides. 



ten inches wide. These frames should be made in sections, cleats 

 being used to fasten them together, all cleats being on the outside. 

 If the wall is to be eighteen inches high, the frames should be con- 

 structed eighteen inches wide. They may be from eight to sixteen 

 feet in length, so they can be easily handled. After the frames are 

 made, they should be set in the trench so that the top is level with 

 the top of the foundation wall when completed. They can be held 

 securely in place with stakes outside of the frame (Fig. 82). The 

 corners should be securely nailed together to prevent bulging. 

 Every three feet, cross pieces should be nailed to keep the frames 

 from spreading while the concrete is being poured (Fig. 81 c, d). 

 The frames should be constructed and set up so that they can be 

 readily taken to pieces without breaking the wall. One set of 

 frames can be used over and over again. If they are no longer 

 desired for ^that purpose, the boards can be used for roofing or 



