56 PROFITABLE POULTRY PRODUCTION' 



almost flat. The former are cooler in summer and 

 winter, and the latter usually warmer and even 

 hot in summer. 



The essential points to secure in a foundation 

 are dryness and wear. For permanent houses, i 

 foundation walls should extend below the frost line , 

 and high enough above to prevent the inflow of 

 water during wet weather. Other necessary points 

 are to have the foundation rat-proof and strong 

 enough to support the building economically. Posts 

 are undesirable, since the house is likely to settle, 

 and there is always opportunity for drafts; 

 besides, they rot. Brick, stone, or concrete founda- 

 tions are best as a rule. The former requires skilled 

 labor; anybody can construct the latter. Floors 

 should be smooth, hard, easy to clean, dry, durable, 

 and of economical construction. Unless ground is 

 naturally dry, it should be drained. Too much 

 emphasis cannot be laid upon securing dryness. 

 Earth makes the best covering for a floor, whether 

 there is concrete or not. 



Whatever the material and construction of the 

 walls, every effort should be made to secure 

 warmth, dryness, strength and cleanliness, as well 

 as durability and economy. A tight wall is essen- 

 tial. It is cheaper in the long run to use matched 

 lumber than any other style of siding. This material 

 should be planed so that it may be easily painted 

 and thus made to last still longer. It is highly 

 desirable to use building paper between layers, 

 since this makes the walls extra dry. The north 

 and west walls, or walls exposed to the wind, should 

 be made especially tight. 



Properly constructed poultry houses will not 

 need special ventilation. It is essential, especially; 



