HOUSES. 271 



ture. A wooden shed, if perfectly waterproof, is 

 even more advantageous to the health of poultry 

 than a stone and lime house ; it is less close, and 

 affords a freer circulation of air. This, and 

 scrupulous cleanliness, are essential to the well- 

 being of all stock. The fowls having perfect 

 liberty only require a sleeping habitation, and 

 access to it for laying. By all means have a door 

 with lock and key, and a trap for the egress 

 and ingress of the fowls. The trap should have 

 a sliding panel, which, in winter, can be shut from 

 sunset to sunrise. The only inside fittings re- 

 quired are a few nests raised off the ground, and 

 a movable perch,' not more than three feet high. 

 This is best made of spui; trees, the bark left on, 

 to give the fowls a firm hold. The setting up of 

 a poultry establishment is thus not a serious ex- 

 pense or troublesome matter ; but in addition to 

 the general living abode there should be a sitting- 

 house, devoted entirely to the sitting hens. Here 

 they will be secure from intrusion, and the greatly- 

 increased return from the clutches set will soon 

 pay the small outlay expended on the house. 

 The saving of time to the poultry manager is also 



