FiaST LESSONS IN POULTRY KEEFING. 



81 



Construction. 



Bnof. — In the low single roofed house we have the warmest conotruction obtainable at a 

 minimum of expense iu building, and overcome any olyectiou that there may be on the score of 

 poor ventilation by curtains in front of roosts and at certain windows. 



Framing.— Thw studs are toe nailed directly to posts set into the ground 18 in., and project- 

 ing 6 in. above ground, and the rafters are nailed directly to top of studs, which are cut at the 

 riglit level to til them, thus doing away with sills and plates. This construction gives ample 

 strength for buildings of this class. The front studs arc spaced to take in the three windows 

 shown iu cut, Fig. 1, about 2 ft. 10 in. apart, which allows windows to slide vertically between 

 studs. This also establishes the spacing of rafters and rear studs at 2 ft. 10 in. 



Dimensions. —The ground dimensions, 15 x lOj ft., gives a pen of sufficient size for twenly- 

 tive fowls, and lumber will cut to good advantage. The height, T ft. front, 5 ft. rear,is suili- 

 cient for doing the work, while contributing greatly to the warmth, and lessening the expeu.-e! 

 over higher studding. 



Windows. — Four six-light sash, three In front and one in opposite end to dooi', are sufficieitt 



for light and ventilation. Thet-e are arranged to tlide 

 up and down readily, and should lie open a jjiirt of 

 each day. For these window spaces also we should 

 have at least two frames same size as sash covered 

 with cotton cloth lo slip in in piaceof glasson ttormy 

 days, to give ventilation and lieep out snow and rain. 

 Sliding frames are preferable to those hinged at the 

 top for window openings, as the latter catch dust 

 when up, whicli exidudes light. For our part we 

 use no glass at all in our laiing houses, (except in a 

 house for breeders, and this only to protect combs 

 of males), but rely on curtains entirely. In summer,. 

 . with front and end windows out, and slat door, the,- 

 s house will cool perfectly on hottfst nights. 

 ^ Floor.— Vov aInio>t all locations, or on practically 

 i all land suitablefor fowls, a dirt floor is far superior 

 i to one of boards or other material. The buildins 

 „ should be filled in several inthes higher than ground 

 I outside, with fine dry dirt. A dirt floor furnifbes 

 = the best possible aljsorbent for droppings, and con- 

 ''^ tributes greatly to the health of the fowls— a dusting 

 1^ medium which the fowls may use at will — a good 

 V. foundation for litter, and the labor of removing dirt 

 ^ and replacing with fresh each spring and fall, is less 

 ft| than keeping a board floor properly clean, to say 

 e nothing of the high fertilizing value of the dirt 

 ■.. removed, which is fined up ready for use. 

 ^ Covering. — The sheathing, being covered will) 

 paper, may be of unplaned lumber, if cheaper, and 

 the bottom courses should be of hemlock, which uill 

 last longest when in contact with the earth. The 

 sheathing runs lengthwise of the building; a sheath- 

 ing paper is used to increase the warmth, and in 

 laying work should be begun from the oiiposite 

 end of building from that used in beginning to lay 

 the roofing proper in order lo break joints with the 

 roofing and render the building warmer and more 

 wind proof. A very good way to lay the paper is 

 to run the strips from the ground or windows ia 

 front up over the roof and down to the ground iu 



