30 



to the discomfort of fowls, if they are exposed to them. Where 

 the houses and yards are frequently swept by searching winds, 

 the fowls abandon the runs, neglect healthful, out-door exercise 

 and huddle stupidly in their houses. It is also undesirable to con- 

 fine the poultry where in the hot weather the air stagnates, and 

 the sun beats down into the unprotected yards or close houses. 

 Both the cold of winter and the heat of summer must be tempered 

 for the comfort of the birds, if they are to thrive and do well for 

 their owner. Shade must therefore not be forgotten in locating 

 the yards or the ranges and the houses. Oftentimes the hen 

 house can be placed where the apple orchard or some group of 

 trees will furnish both shade and shelter. Fowls delight in the 

 conditions found beneath low-growing pines and other evergreens. 



Fenced Kuns and Free Range. 



One thing had best be definitely settled before attempting to 

 keep poultry on the farm. The fowls should not be allowed to 

 run at will within the garden or in and about the farm buildings. 

 Nothing is more aggravating or disgusting than to have the nice 

 vegetables or beautiful flowers scratched up, and the doorsteps, the 

 porch, the paths and the farm machines and vehicles fouled with 

 poultry droppings. Separate the poultry also from the other live 

 stock of the farm. This is easily accomplished when undertaken 

 in a business-like manner. If the fowls are to be kept near the 

 farm buildings, provide ample yard room, enclosed by wire fencing. 

 The best material for this purpose that I know of at this date is the 

 M. M. S. poultry fencing, which is made of any height ordinarily 

 required, with small meshes below and wider meshes above. It 

 requires ordinarily but few posts, is easily put up and has a very 

 neat appearance when in position. Another way of separating the 

 fowls from the centre of farm operations is to place the houses at 

 a considerable distance from the farmstead, in a pasture, where 

 the fowls will have free range. The latter plan may entail some 

 extra travel by the attendant, and there is the risk in some locali- 

 ties of depredations by foxes, hawks or other wild animals or 

 thieves. The young, strong farmer boy may find advantages in 

 the second or so-called " colony plan," while the housewife will 

 probably find the fenced enclosure near the farm house preferable. 



The Houses and Yards. 



In a fickle and somewhat rugged climate like that of New England, 

 shelter from the extremes of weather, which check the growth of the 

 fowls and their egg production, is necessary. No doubt some of our 

 domestic fowls, if turned loose in the woods, could adapt themselves 



