3U EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



1-2 EDWARD VII., A. 1902 

 EEPORT OF THE WORK OF THE PAST YEAR, 1901. 



The experiments and observation in connection with the procuring of eggs in 

 winter to be sold for eating purposes, or their conversion by means of artificial incu- 

 bation into chickens, technically known as broilers, were continued last season. Much 

 attention has, in recent years, been directed to the latter part of the work. In the report 

 of my department for 1900 (last year), results were given of the attempts made during 

 the previous winter season to ascertain the cause or causes of the weak germs in so 

 many of the fertilized eggs laid by hens and pullets during that period, and which re- 

 sulted in a large percentage of the embryos dying, in the course of incubation, notably 

 at the ' pipping ' stage. This large percentage of loss is a serious drawback to the suc- 

 cessful prosecution of an enterprise that offers a large margin of profit. It was shown 

 by last season's operations that it was easier to get the fertilized egg than the strong 

 germ so necessary for the hatching of the robust chicken. This is an important point 

 to remember, and in reference to it a leading poultry paper remarks : ' Is a distinction 

 that is hardly ever given any thought. If the eggs are fertile that is as far as we have 

 gone.' The results as given in report of last year attracted widespread attention, and 

 the hope was expressed that investigation would be continued until a satisfactory solu- 

 tion of the difficulties is discovered, if such be possible. 



WHAT PAST EXPERIENCE HAS MADE EVIDENT. 



The experience so far gained in connection with this important work shows that 

 there is room for much study and experiment. The close observer cannot fail to realize 

 bow many are the factors to be considered, how finely adjusted must the balance be, 

 in the treatment of his stock, so as to have them profitably productive during the win- 

 ter months, when it is so much against their natural instinct to be so. In fact so great 

 have the drawbacks in connection with the artificial hatching and rearing of chickens, 

 during that season been found by many persons, that they unhesitatingly state their 

 belief that more money is to be made out of the sale of winter eggs at the city prices of 

 85 and 40 cents per dozen than by their conversion into broilers, worth later on $1.25 

 to $1.50 per pair. However open this statement may be to challenge there can be no 

 denial of the ever increasing demand for both winter eggs and early broilers. The 

 high price offered for the latter is doubtless the incentive to their production. The 

 numerous letters received from farmers and ambitious beginners asking for informa- 

 tion on the subject is proof of this. In such cases the advice given in report of last 

 year still holds good. It is to the effect that with the facilities usually at his command 

 the farmer or beginner should be content with the production of winter eggs and late 

 April or May chickens rather than to attempt the raising of broilers which requires 

 expert knowledge and a special plant. The large poultry purchasing companies estab- 

 lished in different parts of the provinces in recent years, and which are the outcome of 

 the rapid development of the poultry interests of the country, call loudly for a well 

 grown, plump July or August roaster. This demand should easily be filled by farmers 

 who have the rapid flesh-making Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes or Buff Orpingtons. 

 That it affords a profitable margin of profit is be3 r ond question. Doubtless there are 

 farmers who are engaged in broiler raising, but their number is few and they are pos- 

 sessed of all the requisites to success in knowledge, facilities and near-by city market. 

 The situation from the farmers standpoint is well described in the following note from 

 the wife of a widely known farmer : — 



' Exoleside Farm, 

 ' The Manager ' Brockville, Oct. 22, 1901. 



' Poultry Department, Experimental Farm, 

 ' Ottawa. 



1 Dear Sir, — In reply to your question as to which pays best, from a farmer's 

 standpoint, sale of new laid eggs in winter at 35 to 10 cents per dozen, or their con- 



