i6 



time, saving considerable trouble in going through the building 

 and closing each one separately. This method is excellent to 

 shut windows quickly when a shower arrives suddenly in sum- 

 mer. On the inside of the building before any jnest boxes, etc., 

 are buift, tack tar paper one-ply on all sides. This makes the 

 building considerably warmer in winter and prevents vermin in 

 the summer. Some tack the paper on the outside, but this must 

 be replaced with new every year, where if it were placed upon 

 the inside it will last for years. The roof must have the thickest 

 of felt (three-ply). To preserve this well so it will last for 

 many years, coat with tar or slag cement at least once each year. 

 While applying the tar or cement, before it has become dry upon 

 the roof, throw pewter sand or small pebbles upon it. This 

 renders it tough and hard, and even hail cannot do much damage 

 to it. Without the sand or pebbles the cement should be applied 

 every spring and fall. This must be done when the sun is 

 shining warm, for it will then run easier and be far easier to 

 apply. 



Interior Construction of a Building. 



The interior should be divided into compartments 8 or 10 

 feet wide, and the partitions can be made of laths or wire net- 

 ting. At the floor a 12-inch board should be used for two rea- 

 sons: it keeps the dirt in its own pen and prevents the birds 

 from fighting. A slide-door should be made in each partition. 

 By doing this it will not be necessary to have an alleyway 

 through the building. However, an alleyway is very convenient 

 when it comes to cleaning the coops and attending the birds. 

 The first pen should be boarded up tight and kept for a store 

 room, and can also be fitted up for killing and shipping room. 

 Each compartment should have a window, and at the side of 

 each window two holes 4 by 5 should be made to be used by 

 the birds in winter when the windows are closed The perches 

 should be along the side of a building, and as many perches as 

 there are cocks in the pen should be used. By having their 

 perches the cock birds will not be compelled to roost on the 

 nests The nests should be made along the side and two nests 

 provided for every working pair. The nests can be made of 

 any cheap material, and should be not less than 18 iSs h 

 length, 12 inches wide and 12 inches high. Nail a 3-inch strip 



