FOWLS AT WATER.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 440, 17 February 1912, Page 3

FOWLS AT WATER.

Fowls are copious drinkers, and apart from the cruelty of keeping them days and days wihtout water, perhaps feeding on dry grain the while, al! manner of diseases will follow negligence in maintaining a good supply. So necessary is water to feathered creatures that many wild birds in dry summer weather will eat fruit for the juice it contains, when it is contrary to their nature to do so. So true is this ttiat many fruitgrowers will contend that where water is naturally plentiful or supplied, the wild birds are not nearly such a nuisance in destroying fruit. The water, of .course, must be pure. Rain water contains impurities from the air whicn may De nutritious to vegetables, but directly the opposite to animals. If drinking vessels are allowed to be exposed to the sunlight, the contents will purify, not only losing their health-giving properties, but-develop-ing those that are absolutely poisonous. Then, again, water, though not so to such an extent as milk, will absorb impurities from the air, so that if it is left standing where there are foul smells arising from drains, decaying vegetables, or accumulation of manure, it is extremely dangerous to drink it. Many animals, it is true, will "wallow in the mire," and ducks often may be seen drinking the filthiest of stagnant water with apparent relish.