250 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND HAMPDEN. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



Poultry and eggs are to such a degree articles of necessity irf 

 household economy, that the production of them should hold 

 no inferior place in the consideration of the public. In health 

 and in sickness — to gratify the demands of robust life, or to 

 tempt the reluctant appetite of returning health, — the fruits of 

 the poultry yard are all important. 



Articles of such prime necessity, therefore, should receive as 

 much care and attention as is bestowed upon the rearing of 

 stock. It is believed that less is generally known respecting 

 the best methods of raising fowls than of any other animals 

 grown upon the farm. This ought not so to be. As much 

 should be known in regard to the best breeds of fowls, whether 

 for their flesh or for their eggs, as is known respecting the best 

 breeds of horses or cattle. Accurate information should also 

 be disseminated in reference to the best mode of keeping fowls, 

 to insure the largest return for the outlay of time and money. 

 Very few farmers raise fowls to gratify the fancy ; they raise 

 them for their flesh and their eggs, and they desire those breeds 

 of fowls, and that method of keeping which will best accom- 

 plish the result thus aimed at with the least expense. Fancy 

 fowl growing is not to be condemned, for it affords a healthy 

 pastime, and is not so expensive as some other sources of amuse- 

 ment. It is particularly a delightful occupation for children, 

 and they should be encouraged in it. It may not be amiss, 

 however, to hint, in this connection, that this description of 

 poultry breeders should not allow their animals to trespass on 

 their neighbors' gardens, especially in seed time. But farmers 

 have an object in raising poultry beyond mere amusement. 

 They look, as they should, to profit. They care little about the 

 names of the various descriptions of fowls, if they can pro- 

 nounce them, and not much respecting their plumage. But 

 tiiey want that variety, or those varieties, which will tell most 

 favorably upon the table and in the pocket. 



In view of the importance of this subject, would it not be 

 well for agricultural societies to offer liberal premiums for essays 

 upon the nature and habits of fowls, and the best breeds, includ- 



