9 
THE POULTRY BOOK. 
The best of all aspects is south or south-east ; and the side of a gently rising 
hill, if sheltered from the north and east by plantations, leaves little to he desired 
on this point. If the birds can have access to those plantations and to a grass 
field, and the soil is such as we have described, then, so far as the ground and 
situation are concerned, nothing remains to be desired. 
The houses and yards must be constructed according to the purposes of the 
proprietor. Those who keep a cock and three or four hens merely for home 
supply will require a very simple building ; hut the proprietor who breeds for sale 
and profit must have a more elaborate arrangement. 
The most essential requisites in a fowl-house may he briefly stated. They are, 
warm, dry shelter ; pure air, which is dependent on a capability in the house of 
being readily cleansed ; a supply of the requisite perches ; and a proper arrange- 
ment of nests for the laying and hatching hens. 
These four requirements do not demand any distinct building or architectural 
outlay. Almost any shed, even an ordinary lean-to, can at a trifling expense be 
converted into a fowl-house. Warmth, particularly in winter, is essential ; as not 
only is a greater amount of food required if the fowls roost in an exposed situa- 
tion, hut the production of eggs is remarkably lessened. Even young pullets can 
scarcely be induced to lay in severe weather, if compelled to roost in a very cold 
situation. It is desirable, therefore, that the shed should open to the south ; 
northern or easterly aspects being particularly unfavourable during the colder 
seasons of the year. The roof should not consist simply of loose open tiles, which 
permit the escape of the warmth ; but should either be ceiled or constructed of 
thatch, or some other warm material. 
Dryness is one of the most essential requirements in a fowl-house. Exposure 
to damp, particularly at night, frequently produces attacks of that most fatal and, 
in its severest stages, contagious disease termed roup. 
Pure air is ensured by such a construction of the house as admits of a frequent 
removal of the dung. The house, therefore, should be sufficiently well lighted to 
allow of its state of cleanliness being observed, and the floor should be formed of 
some hard material which admits of ready cleaning. A very easy method of 
keeping a fowl-house clean consists in laying a loose board below each perch, so as 
to receive the dung as it falls. This board, being perfectly loose, is readily lifted 
up and cleaned. The value of the manure will amply pay for the trouble employed 
in collecting it. It is a strong, stimulating, nitrogenous fertilizer, possessing 
great power of forcing the growth of vegetables, particularly those of the cabbage 
tribe. As an example of its value, we may state that we have had a bed of Brussels 
sprouts upwards of six feet in height, that were manured solely with the scrapings 
of the fowl-house. 
The form and arrangement of the perches, particularly where heavy fowls, such 
as Dorkings, are kept, is a matter of considerable importance. If they are small 
in circumference, the weight of a heavy growing fowl is very apt to produce crooked- 
ness of the breastbone, which detracts very much from the appearance of the bird 
