No. 4.] POULTRY CULTIJKK. 25 



pcjis, soja beans and .suntlowcrs as partitil substitutes for aui- 

 iual food ; and eontainini>- gravel, which the fowl may use as 

 grit or grindstones for its gi/zard grist-mill. 



Slope. — The nu»st favorable aspect is one which inclines 

 gradually to the south, with south-east a second and south- 

 west a third ehoice. Thereby is secured the full benctit of 

 the sunshine in winter, and ready surface drainage in spring 

 and fall. 



Shelter. — The protection of rising ground, })referably 

 covered with forest growth to the north and north-west, is 

 desirable tt) break the strength of the strong i)re vailing 

 winds, and aid in producing an approximation to the condi- 

 tion of balmy June in the substantial shelters diu*ing the 

 season of severe cold, Avindy and rainy weather. 



Carefully constructed, comfortable houses are most impor- 

 tant aids in ameliorating the somewhat unfavorable natural 

 influences of a rugged and changeable climate. 



S/tade. — Summer as well as winter must be planned for. 

 Sultry, stagnant, superheated surroundings in July and 

 August are unquestionably more debilitating and destructive 

 to hen health than the rio-ors and sudden chano;es of our 

 New England Avinter. There is nothing more comforting 

 and gratifying to hen or human than the cooling shade of 

 leafy trees in the heat of mid-day in summer time. Suffi- 

 cient trees, then, in the ^ards or on the range are necessary 

 to the health and happiness of the feathered flocks of the 

 farm. 



Structures. 



Situation. — The poultry house ought to be placed on a 

 well-drained spot, facing the south or south-east. Its floor, 

 Avhether of earth, boards or concrete, should be at least six 

 inches above the level of the surrounding ground, and shaped 

 so that an}^ unwelcome water which might get upon it shall 

 immediate h' flow ofl' and away from the house. 



Ventilation. — The hen houses in summer time, instead 

 of being close, stifling boxes, with fronts all of glass, should 

 be made into shad}- shelters by replacing windows and doors 

 with frames of wire netting, and by otherwise opening up 

 the quarters so that they shall be little more than open 



