290 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



porcine meat ; but with this, as with other articles of food, all 

 must judge for themselves. 



In the last report of the Commissioner of Agriculture, the 

 the number of hogs in the United States is given as 26,751,400, 

 at an average price of $6.99, giving a value of $187,191,502 ; 

 while the export of hogs, with their immediate manufactures, for 

 the year ending June 30, 1870, was $15,624,190. Some idea of 

 the extent of this business may be had, when it is remembered 

 that this was at a time when there was great loss and discourage- 

 ment among farmers on account of cholera, which proved fatal 

 to thousands. 



We recommend, then, the keeping of swine by all who have 

 accommodations, and want this article of food in their families, 

 selecting a pig of approved breed, feeding well, and, in a term ot 

 years, the balance will most certainly be found on the right side 

 of the account. Let the society then continue to encourage 

 liberally this branch of husbandry. 



De Witt C. Bates, Chairman. 



POULTK Y. 



MIDDLESEX SOUTH. 



Statement of Sturtevant Bros. 



Our flock consisted of about thirty head in March, when the 

 account commences, and varied, by purchase and the hatching 

 of chickens, from this number to about two hundred and 

 twenty. 



About April 12, a flock of nine dark Brahmas was purchased 

 and set apart. 



About April 12, a flock of seven Partridge Cochins was pur- 

 chased and set apart. 



About March 24, a flock of six, afterwards-increased to nine, 

 light Brahmas, was purchased and set apart. 



At date, the dark Brahmas had laid 172 eggs, or 21| per hen. 



At date, the Partridge Cochins had laid 158 eggs, or 26|- per 

 hen. 



