82 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



exclusively on corn, they are apt to become so fat as to seri- 

 ously interfere with their laying qualities. They should 

 therefore have a good range of at least an acre of grass to 

 every twenty-five. If the range is limited, Brahmas, Cochins, 

 and their crosses, will be most profitable. If the soil is heavy, 

 and inclining to be damp, the Dorking, Black Spanish, and 

 Poland varieties will be found especially unprofitable, these 

 breeds having a tendency to roop. 



THE BEST FEED. 



In summer time, buckwheat, wheat, oats and plenty of 

 grass, cabbage, or other vegetable diet, should be fed instead 

 of corn exclusively : in winter, corn is the best grain, as it 

 generates more heat. There must be more or less meat in 

 some form given to fowls in winter, particularly when there 

 is snow on the ground. Remember that snow practically 

 destroys the range. Poultry are at such a time like a garri- 

 son closely besieged, and require extra attention to keep them 

 in health. Let the water always be renewed daily. In ordi- 

 nary winter weather a pail of hot water twice a day will 

 satisfy their needs. 



CLEANLINESS. 



This is of the very first importance. Lice being the foun- 

 dation of nearly all the diseases of poultry, the use of white- 

 wash mixed with sulphur and salt every spring and fall, and 

 kerosene-oil or carbolic acid applied to the roosts, is very 

 important. The house should be cleared of all manure as 

 often as once a week, or oftener if possible, especially in 

 warm weather. 



A little carbolic acid is a valuable ingredient in the white- 

 wash, and carbolic eggs put into the nest of a sitting hen a 

 few days after she has begun is an excellent precaution. 



In this connection it may be well to urge the use of mova- 

 ble boxes for nests, as these can be taken out, and easily 

 scalded with hot water, after the hen has hatched. 



It is well to take the hen off the nest, and powder her well 

 with flour of sulphur, two or three days before hatching. 



E. Rodman, Chairman. 



