No. 4.] POULTRY HOUSING. 407 



breeds, Plymouth Rocks, AYyandottes and Rhode Island 

 Reds. The larger house, unless in a very sheltered loca- 

 tion, is better to be tight everywhere but in front, for it is a 

 higher house, and the heat from the hens makes less impres- 

 sion in it. In the small house the heat from a dozen large 

 hens has a very perceptible efi'ect yn the temperature, even 

 in zero weather. 



In conclusion, let me briefly enumerate the advantages of 

 cold houses : — 



1. Economy of construction. 



2. Economy of time and relief from close attention to 

 ventilation. 



3. Healthier foAvls. 



The foregoing are the positive advantages. As to results, 

 we may say : — 



1. That, as a rule, the production of eggs will not be as 

 good as in warm houses that are carefully oi)ei'ated, but will 

 be better than in warm houses as commonly operated. 



2. That whether the difference in egg production in a warm 

 house can be made enough greater to pay for the better atten- 

 tion and the greater risks of disease as a result of any little 

 slip in the system, is a question for each individual to deter- 

 mine for himself. Most farmers would determine in favor 

 of the cold house, because it leaves them more free to look 

 after other work. 



A Final Caution. 



The cold house, though it has advantages, is but a part of 

 a system. I have made the point that the kind of house is 

 not a matter of prime importance ; that the essential things 

 in the production of winter eggs were : — 



1. To have pullets and hens ready to lay at the beginning 

 of winter. 



2. To feed them well. 



The argument for the cold house rests on the proposition 

 that uniformity of temperature and dryness in the house are 

 the most favorable conditions for health and egg production, 

 and that these are more surely secured by most people in 

 cold houses than in warm ones. 



The cold house is simply a condition for the hens, and a 

 couA^enience for the poultry keeper. 



