64 VICTORIA SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. ^1901 



REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 



(A. G. Gilbert.) 



To Dr. Wm. Saunders, 



Director Dominion Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



Sir, — I beg to inclose herewith the thirteenth annual report of the Poultry 

 Department. 



Some space has been devoted to the results of observations made during the 

 past three spring seasons in connection with the hatching of early eggs from hens which 

 laid all winter and were gently stimulated to do so. The conclusions arrived at will 

 doubtless be useful to the many persons interested. 



The matter is an important one, as it has direct bearing on the profitable results, 

 or otherwise, attached to the hatching and rearing of early chickens by artificial or 

 natural means. It is well worthy of further careful scientific investigation. 



Information is also given, in detail, on the several points of poultry raising and 

 best methods of fattening, killing, dressing and packing of the birds for shipment to 

 British markets, or for home consumption. 



The characteristics of the leading Standard breeds are described and the weights 

 of the fowls given. Cuts of the leading breeds are also given. 



During the year addresses on subjects akin to my department were delivered at the 

 following places, viz, : — 



Ontario. — Peterborough, Lansdowne, Gananoque, Toronto, Guelph, Eeiifrew. 



Quebec. — Brigham, Mansonville. 



Prince Edward Island. — Marshfield (2), Alberton, Centreville (2), New Glasgow, 

 Montague Bridge, Murray Harbour South, Eldon, Kensington, Tyne Valley, St. 

 Peters. 



British Columbia. — Lulu Island, Central Park, Port Hammond, Abbotsford, 

 Mission City, Chilliwack, Metchosin, Royal Oak, Ganges Harbour, Duncan's, Ladner's, 

 Surrey Centre, Agassiz, Langley. 



Manitoba. — Xeepawa, Portage la Prairie, Carberry, Brandon, Winnipeg, Emerson, 

 Morris, Morden, Manitou, Pilot Mound. 



A feature of the Renfrew meeting was a large display of dressed poultry, consisting 

 of turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens. The birds were divided into numerous classei, 

 for which prizes ranging from $Y to $1 were given. This brought out a large number 

 of competitors. Several chickens dressed in most approved methods were taken from 

 our poultry department. At the meeting held in the afternoon, after the fair, the 

 manner of plucking, dressing and drawing the chickens was explained. The object 

 lesson was much appreciated. 



I have again the pleasui'e of testifying to the faithful services of Mr. George 

 Deavey. 



The marked increase in correspondence and requests for information in regard to 

 all phases of poultry keeping, is an evidence of the rapid development of that branch 

 of farm work. 



I have the honour to be, sir. 



Your obedient servant, 



A. G. GILBERT. 

 Central Experimental Farm, 



Ottawa, November 30, 1900. 251 



