The construction of concrete barnyards is exactly like that of FEEDING
FLOORS, page 43, except that the work is on a larger scale. Often
the entire lot is not paved in one season, but from year to year as
the farmer has time. In excavating for the drainage foundation (see
SIDEWALKS, page 29), be careful to remove all manure and straw which
may be tramped into the ground and which may be so solid as to resemble
earth. In time any kind of manure decays, shrinks, causes the floor to
settle and forms water and ice pockets on its surface. Dig the trench
for the foundation apron as for FEEDING FLOORS—there is no material so
rat-proof as concrete.
With the drainage foundation ready, set the forms in the manner
described for SIDEWALKS. Even if the whole lot is not to be paved
at one time, plan the grading for the entire barnyard so that the
completed pavement may have perfect surface drainage. Build and cure
the pavement and make provision for saving the manure the same as for
concrete FEEDING FLOORS. Do not be too particular about giving the
surface a smooth finish—a rougher finish affords the animals a better
footing. The cost per square foot is no more than that of feeding
floors—the investment yields a greater profit.