160 HOUSING 



grouped as to make an attractive appearance from the high- 

 way, to be easily accessible, and to reduce the amount of 

 labor. The principal buildings, such as feed room, incu- 

 bator, and brooder houses, should be centrally located, with 

 the young stock range near the residence or in the center 

 of the plant. In this position the youngsters can be better 

 protected, and more closely watched. To the pupil starting 

 out with a small pen of birds, proper location is the most im- 

 portant consideration, for if successful with his small flock, 

 he will doubtless wish to enlarge his poultry plant in the near 



future. 



LABORATORY EXERCISES 



Exercise No. 29. — To demonstrate the water holding 

 capacity of soil and to show why a light soil is drier and 

 warmer than a heavy soil, secure three glass tumblers. In 

 the bottom of each place four or five small stones about 

 the size of one's thumb. Secure two types of soil, one pure 

 sand and the other a heavy clay soil. In one tumbler place 

 clear sand, filling the tumbler to within one-half an inch of 

 the top. In a second tumbler place the same amount of the 

 clay soil. In the third tumbler place the same amount of 

 a mixture of one-half sand and one-half clay. Into the top 

 of each tumbler pour an equal amount of water, about one- 

 half a tumblerful will be sufficient. Watch the rapidity 

 with which the water soaks down through the different 

 types of soil. Note in which tumbler the water reaches the 

 open spaces around the stones first. With a pencil stir the 

 top of each tumbler and note the condition of the top soil. 

 Which of these three types of soil is best for poultry? 



Exercise No. 30. — If an effort is being made to organize 

 a small flock for the school have the pupils build the fences 

 according to the plan described in this chapter, Be sure that 

 the posts are firmly set. 



Exercise No. 31. — Have each pupil lay out on paper an 

 ideal arrangement of the essential buildings for a small 



