The weekly union record., 1865-02-11
Heneries.

u. VI. w. VI OUlCutSS COuuly ~ &.
Y, writes to an agricultural exchange
as follows: SIN every essay that l
have read on the construction of poul-
try houses or 'heneries,' or on points of
importance to the well-doing of fowls,
have, with one single exception, found
it set down as an imperative necessity,
that as much light as possible should
be admitted into the building; and, in
one number of your paper there is an
engraving of Mr.. Vassar's poultry
house, at Po'keepsie, the whole front Of
which is glass. Now, sir, whence aris-
es the opinion that fowls require light !
ask this, simply because my exper-
ience has proved the contrary to be the
fact, as far as my breeds are concern
ed. Having one of a series of new
stables and other buildings to spare,
used it for my fowls. 1t is a room
16x1S feet, and 10 feet high, and light
ed by two large windows. l made it
every way, as | thought, an enticing
habitation, supplying it with every la
test approved convenience for la ying,
sitting and roosting, and scrupulous
privacy. Food and fresh water, ashes
and lime always ad Hbltum in the house
as well as outside, not emitting soap
boilers fat (known as greaves,) at
discretion They could roam where
they pleased, yet in spite of the light,
the comforts and conveniences of the
large, new, clean apartment provided
for them, almost, without exception,
made nests in the darkest corner of the
barn, or most hidden and inaccessible
part of the NOV, and in such places
(the darker the better, and only in
such did they seem really content to
lay, and there they did lay, sit and
hatch (as far as the results VENT to
my entire satisfaction.
The more pains and care took with
my fowls (beyond, of course, clean and
comfortable quarters, and plenty to eat
and drink, the less profit l derived,
and the fewer chickens l invariably
raised. The hens would insist on max
ing and sticking to their own nests out
in the meadow, or beside the stone
fence, or among parcel of old boards
at the back of the barn, and such hens
l therefore left to themselves, through
all sorts of weather, wet and dry.
They invariably brought up all their
chickens, which were always harder
than any of the others, they got over
the 'gapes' without interference from
me, and (by reason of the mother
never being kept from them under
a coop), were never successfully as
sailed by the common enemies of young
chickens, because the mother was al
ways present to defend them, which she
frequently did most valiantly and tri-
umphantly. l am the very last man in
the world to uphold that horrid shift
ing for themselves which so very
many think good enough treatment for
fowls, but do believe that so long as
We do supply them with all necessary
provisions and comforts, it is better to
leave the disposal of these to their own
interests, rather than force upon them
any particular human theories of 'edu-
ucation,' las the French call it), which
for one, at any rate, have never found
any great reason to crow over"
Remarks.-A hen likes secrecy, and
will hide her nest like other birds.
This natural tendency of birds to shun
light, leads all birds, wild or domestic,
to place their nests where the sun can
not shine upon the eggs, which would
spoil them. They seek also to hide
them from their enemies. The nest
boxes should therefore be provided in
the darkest part of the poultry-hous
and be shut off from the light. This
Is usually recommended, and always
should be. 1t is advisable to have
hen-houses light, where they are de-
signed for Winter quarters, and in case
the fowls are to be kept shut up. The
fowls, if well kept, will thrive in close
quarters. Still they certainly do bet
ter, and enjoy life better. if they have
their freedom. The art of a good poul-
terer is to give hens in confinement
such care, food and little conveniences,
that they shall not pine for this liberty.
This may be done and is done by hun
dreds. 1t is great art to make hens
choose to lay exactly where YOU want
them to, and to take best care of them
by letting them have their own way.
In London, where they have close