ROOF MENAGERIE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6947, 28 June 1929, Page 4

ROOF MENAGERIE

A NEW YOKE INSTITUTION MEDICAL CENTRE’S GUESTS New Yorkers are not suprised at bungalows or penthouses, gardens or outdoor movies gracing the tops of skyscrapers. For many years, moreover, dovecots and pigeon houses have been an accepted bit of skyline to those who are accustomed to looking down on the city. But the appearance of a pig or a number of sheep on roofs may occasion a little surprise even in the most sophisticated and blase circles.

All medical schools are hostels, for various kinds of animals, and the many spacious roofs of the new skyscraping Medical Centre at 18th. street and Broadway seem to have been especially planned with an eye to tho breeding business. Here, 15 storeys above street level, is the latest thing in modern menageries. Besides outdoor pens for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and the liko, there is a sheep run, a pig sty and a fine chicken yard. And Charlie, the keeper of the animal hostel, says that they are to have even larger roof accommodation soon.

Tho two big sheep remain indoors in winter, but as soon as spring copies around they may be seen on the roof feeding and enjoying the warm sunshine. It is found that other animals are healthier when they live outdoors oil the year. As one enters the chicken coop lusty cackling and crowing announce that the inmates aro in good shape. Tho pigs grunt and nose the grating of their pen in hope that they may get an extra meal. They aro extremely clean pigs—and healthy enough to prove that grovelling in mud is not an indispensable factor in the life of a swine. Kittens and cats feel at homo on roof tops in New York. But the puppies, which havo tho largest roof space devoted to them, aro tho noisiest and most friendly of tho beasts. Great waggings of tails, barkings and running in circles is the greeting of anyone who approaches tho dog levels.