254 EXPERIENCES OF SPORT. 



to hatch near the place where your coops are, 

 for when they hatch off they are sure to come 

 to your rearing ground, and will play old Harry 

 with your tame ones. 



On dry ground no floor is required for your 

 coops, but when the soil is damp and humid, 

 a bottom is indispensable, otherwise your birds 

 will get the cramp, and many will die. 



The best way is to have the floor a trifle bigger 

 than your coop, but not nailed to it ; it can 

 then be easily scraped and washed, as the 

 greatest cleanliness is necessary. 



The floor may be gas-tarred on the side 

 nearest the ground, which will make it last 

 much longer. Many gas-tar their coops outside, 

 which is a good plan ; oil will do nearly as 

 well, as all that is required is to keep damp 

 out. 



Your coops should be constantly hot lime- 

 washed to destroy the vermin and keep them 

 sweet. The pheasant feeder cannot be too par- 

 ticular in having his coops wholesome and clean. 

 They should be constantly shifted to fresh 

 ground, facing them to the sun, but this can- 

 not always be done, as I consider placing the 



