44 



Fig. 32. 



Fig. 33. 



Fig. 31. Trap nests as arranged in the pen and two of the bred-to-lay Barred 

 Plymouth Eoek hens. 



Figs 32 and 33. Type and color of Barred Plymouth Rocks, which have been 

 selected for generations for color and type. Xo particular attention was paid to 

 egg production. 



The writer believes that by -careful breeding for a few years a family can 

 be secured that will mature early and lay well, which will have fair to good color 

 and type. 



FATTENING CHICKENS. 



The selling of lean chickens is wasteful, to say the least. Much more interest 

 is being taken in this branch of the industry year by year, and in districts where 

 buyers discriminate in prices between the Avell finished and thin chickens, the pro- 

 gress has been very pleasing. There are many buyers who now pay a premium for 

 good chickens. The demand for home consumption has increased to such an extent 

 that the supply falls far short, and more than one wholesale dealer in our large 

 cities is fattening the thin chickens sent to market. Some of the dealers have 

 buildings which they are using this year, where they are fattening hundreds of 

 birds weekly. They know that the farmer or grower can do this work better and 

 more cheaply, but if he will persist in sending lean chickens to market, and the 

 consuming public demand fat chickens, some one must supply the demand. Some 

 dealers have been trying the proposition in what might be termed a small way during 

 the past two or three years. The business has, as I understand, been profitable, 

 even where the milk was brought in by express, and a high rental paid for the 

 building used. Surely if the dealer can buy all the raw materials from the farmer 

 or grower, and make a profit, the producer should do as well or better. 



