POULTRY-YARD. 29 



which last two species are particularly salubrious to 

 poultry. The surface must be so sloped and drained 

 as to avoid all stagnant moisture, most destructive 

 to young chickens. The fences must be lofty, well 

 secured at the bottom, that the smallest chicken 

 cannot find a passage through, and the whole yard 

 perfectly sheltered, from the north-west to the south- 

 east. Various beds, or heaps of sifted ashes, or very 

 dry sand, should be always ready, in which the hens 

 may exercise that propensity, so delightful and salu- 

 tary to them, of rolling or bathing themselves. This 

 is effectual in cleansing their feathers and skin from 

 vermin and impurities, promotes the cuticular excre- 

 tion, and is materially instrumental in preserving their 

 health. 



The poultry-houses within the court, if there be 

 a choice, should have a southern aspect, at any rate 

 should be well defended from cold winds and the 

 blowing in of rain or sleet. If the number of the stock 

 be considerable, the houses had far better be small 

 and detached, both for health and safety sake, and 

 especially they should be absolutely impenetrable to 

 vermin of every description. Should these houses 

 abut upon a stable, brew-house, or any conductor of 

 warmth, it will be so much the more comfortable and 

 salutary to the poultry. 



The form and conveniences of the poultry-houses 

 are these the bottom or floor should consist of well- 

 rammed chalk or earth, similar to the court-yard, that 

 its surface being smooth, may present no impedi- 

 ment to being swept perfectly clean. For health's 

 sake, the roof should be lofty ; the perches will be 

 c 3 



