HOUSES. ' 2G9 



and simplicity. To suit the size of the poultry- 

 house, which forms one side of the yard, the 

 ground enclosed should not be less than fifteen 

 feet long, and the materials used wire-fencing 

 stretched on larch posts. If covered over the top 

 with netting, five feet high will be sufficient, but 

 uncovered, the fencing must be at least eight feet 

 in height, and the posts pointed sharp, to pre- 

 vent the birds flying to them in their endeavour 

 to escape from their prison. The door of the 

 poultry-house should open into the yard ; but 

 there must also be a door cut in the fencing to 

 admit of the fowls being let out to their run, 

 and for the convenience of cleaning and digging 

 up the ground. A small lean-to low shed (under 

 which the dust-box is placed) affords the fowls 

 shelter from sun and rain, and is a favourite 

 resort at all times ; it can be placed in a corner 

 of the yard. Nothing more, I think, is required 

 for the erection of a poultry-house, and arranging 

 a yard suited to the wants of the finest varieties 

 of poultry. It is a mistake to suppose that any 

 out-house, pig-sty, or shed will do for fowls. 

 How often do we see them with no other house 



