REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 



(A. G. Gilbert.) 



To Dr. William Saunders, 



Director Dominion. Experimental Farms, 

 Ottawa. 



I have the honour to submit herewith the tenth annual report of the Poultry 

 Department. The work of the year has been principally in the line of feeding reduced 

 rations, and noting — 



1. EflFect in increased, or, decreased output of eggs. 



2. On the general health of the laying stock. 



The results were most gratifying and are given in the following pages, with full 

 particulars of the change in quantity and value of the rations. The experience gained 

 cannot fail to be of interest and value to all those desirous of obtaining eggs from 

 their laying stock, in winter, at the least possible cost. 



Details are also given of the experimental managing and feeding of 50 hens, as 

 requested by the members of the Committee on Agriculture, of the House of Commons 

 of 1896. 



There is a marked increase in the correspondence of the year and no little part of 

 it is devoted to inquiries as to the best means of artificially hatching and rearing of 

 early chickens, ducks, &c. 



Addresses on the care and management of poultry, markets for eggs and kindred 

 subjects were delivered at the following points during the year, viz.: — 



Ontario — Lanark, Kingston, Guelph, Monklands, Moose Creek, Maxville, Quigley, 

 Summerstown and Smith's Falls. 



Quebec — Montreal. 



Nova Scotia — Grand Pre and Cornwallis (2). 



New Brunswick — Fredericton, Upper Maugersville, Hampstead, Long Reach, 

 Riverside, St. Joseph's College, Pointe de Butte and Sackville. 



Prince Edward Island — Charlottetown, Alberton, Summerside and Georgetown. 



A new feature at the Smith's Falls meeting was the exhibition of poultry, killed 

 and dressed, to suit the requirements of the British market. The poultry was killed and 

 dressed on the Experimental Farm by an expert. The exhibition consisted of turkeys, 

 geese, ducks and chickens and was closely examined by a large number of farmers and 

 their wives. As an interesting and instructive object lesson it was much appreciated. 



I have the pleasure of again testifying to the zeal and energy of Mr. George Deavey 

 to whose faithful carrying out of instructions given and interest taken in the work 

 much of the success attained is due. 



I have the honour to be. Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



A. G. GILBERT. 



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