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A VALUABLE PRESENT. 



During the month of October last, two large and handsome Langshan cockerels 

 were presented to the poultry department of the farm by Mr. W. H. Doel, of Eglin- 

 ton, North Toronto, a gentleman well known as a veteran fancier and breeder of 

 poultry. The birds are a valuable acquisition to the farm stock, and a splendid 

 instance of skill in mating and the benefit of early hatching. 



THE INCUBATOR. 



So great was the demand for eggs during the hatching season that it was impos- 

 sible to save enough to fill the incubator at the early period it was desirable to have 

 it in operation. An effort will be made to hatch out a number of chickens in it 

 during the approaching spring. 



THE WILD GEESE. 



The wild geese mated in early spring, but did not breed, piobably owing to 

 limited quarters and water supply. When removed to a new and more extensive 

 run and pond accommodation they may do better. 



VISITORS. 



During the year a large number of persons visited the poultry department. 

 Many of them were farmers who sought information as to the best breeds for 

 layers and market fowls, care of chickens, appliances, and the most suitable kinds 

 of food. 



RECAPITULATION OP INFORMATION GIVEN IN PREVIOUS REPORTS. 



The following summary of information, previously given, may be found useful 

 for reference : — 



HOW TO SET A HEN. 



Make a comfortable nest on floor or ground. 



Place the sitter where other stock cannot annoy her. 



Dust the sitter and nest with lice-destroying powder. 



Put three or four imitation eggs in nest. 



Allow hen to sit on these eggs for two days. 



Then give her the valuable eggs. 



Give a small hen nine eggs in spring. 



A large hen may have eleven eggs, later in season thirteen. 



If possible choose a light sitter to put on early eggs. 



TREATMENT OF A SITTING HEN. 



Have food, drink and dust bath convenient. 



In cold weather see that sitter is not off nest more than seven to nine minutes. 



In early spring Indian corn is the best food, as the crop can be quickly filled 

 with it. 



Do not disturb the sitter, particularly when the chicks are hatching out. 



Choose hens that have proved reliabie sitters and good mothers. 



Should an egg bo broken in nest, gently wash remaining ones in luke-warm 

 water and return to nest. 



TREATMENT OF CHICKENS. 



After hatching leave them in the nest for 24 hours. 



Take hen apart and feed her well and give water to drink, or she will eat all 

 the chicken food. 

 6e— 15^ 



