8 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
this chapter, or from a i x 2 scantling, rounded on the edges of the uppermost side. This can be made any 
length desired, and wire, such as telegraph wire, used for stays and supports. A, greased rags tied to the 
wire ; B, wires attached to the roof or rafters ; C, wires to attach below for steadying the roost. As lice will 
not cross grease or oil, this roost is absolutely louse-proof. The same can be applied to nests fixed in the 
same manner. An admirable .sy.stem of laving houses or boxes is described by Figs. 10, 11, 12, combining 
Fig. 10 —Plan of Floor Section, laying houses 8 ft. by 4 ft. 10 in , to contain 14 nests 
the best of secluded nests, with covering from the weather and a shelter shed at the same time, suitable for 
placing out in the open. These are built at an elevation of two (2) feet from the ground, on four legs, and 
can be made any size re(}uired. If made to contain 14 nests, the size refjuired would be 8 feet x 4 feet 
10 inches. The nests are arranged in three rows lengthwise, with an opening 18 inches square in the centre 
for the hens to fly up from underneath, or walk up the latticed board resting against the aperture, the nests 
Fig. II.— Laying House, showing roof held in position to allow of the eggs being gathered. 
themselves also measuring 18 inches square, and divided by boards 9 inches in height, the sides and ends of 
the whole being 10 inches deep. These support the roofs, which on each side are hung on hinges from the 
top. The roof can be lifted up at will to obtain the eggs, being supported while this operation is in progress 
by a piece of scantling, suspended by a hinge to the bottom of the roof, the latter being covered with felt, or 
made with wide boards, the open space underneath providing good shelter from sun or rain. 
Fig. 12. — Laying House in ordinary position. 
An excellent drinking trough, to hold sufficient water for 50 to icc head of Poultry, is described by 
Figs. 13, 14, 15, and is made of an outside wood casing, with zinc or galvanised iron lining, the whole 
supported by four legs, four inches in height (to accommodate the number of birds stated, it will be under- 
