4 
THE POULTRY BOOK. 
of the sides, the windows two of the others. The roof is supported by a 
central pillar F, and, if desired, may have a lantern light at the top, with 
louvre hoards or other openings for ventilation. The centre pillar is by far the 
best plan of supporting the roof, for if horizontal tie-beams are used the fowls will 
unquestionably perch on them. Around seven sides of the interior runs a broad 
stout shelf, c c, over which the two lines of perches, d d, are supported on inclined 
rests. Underneath c c is a narrower shelf for the nest boxes, e e. If desired, 
moveable baskets or boxes can be placed on this shelf. 
The advantages of this arrangement are obvious. The fowls, following the 
natural instinct which leads them to select the highest perches, roost over the shelf, 
and the nest-boxes are undefiled. The dung on the shelf is in a position in 
which it can be easily scraped away with a flat hoe or scraper, and the shelf sanded 
daily. The floor is kept free from filth, and the house consequently always pre- 
served clean and wholesome. The space under the nest-boxes will serve for the 
cooping of the hens with chickens, if no better situation offers. 
- If extreme cheapness of construction be an object, the house may be built by 
driving eight poles into the ground at equal distances, and closing in the spaces 
between them with weather boarding. The form admits of easy ornamentation, 
and may be adapted to harmonise with almost any style of buildings. 
The following plan for a poultry yard is suitable for a confined situation — for 
