70 The Hen at Work 



finally the little A-shaped house, so small and 

 cramped that one must either back in or back out, 

 for there is no turning arotmd therein, and even 

 large hens wear off their tail feathers for lack of 

 room. 



Beside the buildings purposely constructed, wei 

 find unlimited adaptations. Hens are kept in old 

 bams, sheds, cellars, carriage houses, old horse, 

 electric, and steam cars, to say nothing of ancient 

 hacks. If we add piano boxes and back steps we 

 shall just be starting the list. 



Although many of these various houses give 

 satisfaction in some localities, and during certain 

 parts of the year, the fact remains that if we expect 

 results from hens we must provide certain essen- 

 tials. Damp, dark, dirt, and drafts cause discom- 

 fort, disease, and disaster in any hen house. This 

 means that houses must be dry and snug, must 

 have plenty of sunlight and fresh air without drafts, 

 and must give the fowls ample room to move about 

 and exercise. 



Fortunately all these requisites are to be had 

 for small cost and little labor. Some of the adapted 

 buildings prove excellent if they assure the poultry 

 of stin, dry quarters, and good ventilation. 



