TYPES OF MODERN HOUSING 165 



do a great deal of damage. A loose stone wall soon 

 becomes an ideal dwelling place for rats, and should, 

 on that account, never be placed under poultry houses. 



" A dirt floor must always be well above the outside 

 surface, so that the water drains away leaving the floor 

 dry and comfortable for the fowls. Where a cement 

 foundation is used for the house, one can frequently 

 tamp the surface hard and then fill in to the top of 

 the foundation with sand. This sand should be re- 

 placed each year before cold weatber. 



" A cement floor is much easier to keep clean and 

 is durable and rat-proof. A cement floor should never 

 be left bare, but should be kept constantly covered 

 with at least three inches of sand and with from six 

 to ten inches o^ straw in winter. When sand cannot 

 be had, e.xtra care should be taken to keep the floor 

 heavily littered so that none of it becomes bare. 



" In case a cement floor is used, it should always 

 be built so as to be just even with the top of the foun- 

 dation so that the entire surface is smooth and easily 

 cleaned. Where a cement floor and foundation are 

 placed in a house, it is usually better to put in the 

 floor before constructing the house." 



