92 The Hen at Work 



would be too damp to leave the flock without a 

 constant change of air. Such days come often in 

 February and March in most States. 



During good weather the door may be left open, 

 and the door of wire netting, which will be used 

 through the summer in place of the wooden door, 

 will keep the hens at home. 



The Roof. — -The roof of a house ten feet deep is 

 very easy to construct. The boards should be cut 

 eleven feet, or possibly two or three inches less, 

 but should provide a generous overhang in front, 

 to protect window spaces in storms. These boards 

 should be nailed securely in place with strong nails. 

 Cut-iron nails are the best, as they wedge into the 

 wood and stay put. Galvanized nails will not 

 serve weU, as they are likely to work loose. A nail 

 which works loose means a hole in the roof paper 

 before long. After that is put on there is no way to 

 drive them in again. 



Lay the boards flush with the edge of the rear 

 roof stringer and allow an overhang seven eighths 

 of an inch on each side, to cover the sawed edges 

 of the side boards. 



If tempted to plan an overhang for the rear, 

 remember that this side must be absolutely tight. 



