2-3 EDWARD VII. 



SESSIONAL PAPEK No. 16 



A. 1933 



REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 



(A. G. Gilbert.) 



To Dr. Wm. Saunders, 



Director Dominion Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



Ottawa, December 1, 1902. 



Sir, — I have the pleasure of herewith submitting to you the fifteenth annual report 

 of the Poultry Department. 



Perhaps in no previous year has more extended inquiry been made by farmers and 

 others, more or less interested, into the best methods of profitable poultry keeping with 

 the object of producing eggs in winter and early chickens for export or home market, 

 than in the past one. With the hope of aiding, more particularly on this occasion, in 

 the production of the early chickens which bring the highest price, the subject is dis- 

 cussed in all its various phases. Such information is given and deductions made as 

 experience has shown are likely to be conducive to the best and quickest results. 



The best types of early chickens and how they may generally be produced are 

 discussed from various standpoints. The objectionable features in many early birds are 

 pointed out and a remedy suggested for the same. 



Experimental fattening of chickens of different breeds in crates and with limited 

 run and on various rations, furnishes important and interesting data. Some results 

 showing the length of time in which the best gains are made and the time at which pro- 

 gress ceased cannot fail to be of value to those interested. 



Details of the work of the year are given in such shape as calculated to be most 

 useful. 



During the year a number of addresses were delivered in many parts of the Dominion 

 on subjects akin to my department. 



The annual Christmas Poultry Fair at Renfrew, Ont., on December 2, was remark- 

 able for the great improvement in the quality of and the manner in which the birds were 

 dressed. The same may be said of the dressed poultry display at the Fat Stock Show 

 held in Guelph, Ont., from December 8 to 12. It is evident, from the improved appear- 

 ance of the dressed poultry exhibited on both occasions, that farmers are fast realizing 

 the importance of having their exhibits present an inviting appearance and the enhanced 

 value accruing thereby. 



I have pleasure in mentioning the faithful services of Mr. George Deavey, who 

 assists in the care and management of the poultry under my charge. 



The demand for information on all lines of poultry keeping continues with unabated 

 interest from increasing and varied sources, and which may fairly be taken as an instance 

 of the rapid development of the poultry branch of farm work. 



I I'.ave the honour to be, sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



A. G. GILBERT. 



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