10G MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



the compost is rightly proportioned, half a gill is sufficient for a 

 hill of corn. 



From careful experiments, it is believed to be safe to say that 

 this compost, judiciously applied, will add one-sixth to, the quan- 

 tity of most of our garden and field crops, besides pushing them 

 forward a week in advance. 



When the winter droppings are removed, fill the space under 

 the roost with fine loam — sand will be too drying in warm 

 weather — as before, and once a fortnight, spread over a light 

 coat of plaster and fresh loam. "When ready to prepare the 

 hennery for winter, work over thoroughly, and put two shovel- 

 fuls round each of your pear trees, and spread the balance on 

 grass land, where yon will see the effect for five years. 



The winter product of forty fowls, when composted, will be 

 twenty bushels ; the summer product ten bushels. 



A prime object with the poultry breeder, whether he looks to 

 eggs or chickens for profit, is to keep up the health of his stock. 

 If for any cause, this deteriorates, all his plans are disappointed. 

 The number of eggs laid decreases, and when put under the 

 sitting hen they fail to hatch, or the chicks die prematurely. 

 In all these respects something depends on the breed ; but when 

 in high health, almost any of our well known breeds will meet 

 reasonable expectations. 



Among the causes of deterioration, may be named : 



1. Too close confinement. This happens mostly with breeders 

 who have several varieties, and wish to keep them separate ; 

 and with such as have near neighbors and limited grounds. 

 Some overcrowd the capacity of their hen-house and yard ; 

 inferring, without due reflection, that if twenty fowls thrive 

 and pay a large profit, forty of course, will pay double ; not 

 considering that forty need more than twice the room and range 

 which suffices for twenty. 



2. Injudicious feeding. Chicks should never be fed on fine 

 meal nor watery pudding, nor should fowls be fed on meal, 

 except for a change, and where you would force the fattening 

 process. Very coarse Indian meal, slightly wet, is best for young 

 chicks, and whole grain as early as they will take it. Whole 

 grain should be the main feed for fowls. Their natural habits, 

 and the structure of the stomach, determine this point. Fowls 

 must have plenty of fresh water, and must be fed at regular 



