No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 97 



tively few years, numerous farms will be almost exclusively de- 

 voted to poultry breeding. The demand for first-class dressed 

 poultry is increasing, and the epicurian is determined to have the 

 best, even though fancy prices are asked. The market might possi- 

 bly be overstocked with antiquated, cold-storage poultry, but fresh 

 picked and good stock never lacked a market. 



The large duck breeding farms established in Eastern Pennsyl- 

 vania, which are now selling thousands of water-fowls as compared 

 with the few single specimens to be seen on the market stalls years 

 ago, demonstrate not only a growing demand for such stock, but 

 the fact that there is money in poultry raising. 



The egg market during 1905 was characterized by a high range 

 of prices. On many farms, even with indifferent treatment, the 

 poultry crop proved as profitable as the crop of cereals. Where 

 intelligence was exercised, the American hen surprised the farmer 

 by her ability to yield a large profit. 



The New York produce reports show that in June, 1905, fresh 

 eggs in wholesale lots were sold at from 16£ cents to 22 cents a 

 dozen, while during November and December the prices ranged from 

 28 cents to 40 cents a dozen. The extreme wholesale prices for the 

 two months just named were not only easily obtainable, but on some 

 days the market was almost entirely bare of strictlv first class stock. 

 These facts need no further commentary. The evolution of agricul- 

 ture towards poultry raising should be encouraged. The average 

 housewife on the farm knows full well the profitableness of the egg 

 basket, and the incomparable advantage of fresh eggs and fresh 

 dressed poultry. 



VALUE OF GROCERS' ORGANIZATIONS. 



That the agitation of the pure food question has been prolific 

 of genuine benefit in numerous and diverse directions, is unquali- 

 fiedly true. The grocers of the United States have a national organi- 

 zation, with many state organizations radiating all over our wide 

 domain, and these in turn, are ably assisted and sustained by hun- 

 dreds of subsidiary trade organizations. In addition to the above 

 facts, food expositions have been inaugurated to help along the good 

 cause, and the food industry never fails to rally upon such occa- 

 sions. The exhibitions held during the past year, generally speaking, 

 were the most successful in every sense in the history of the trade. 

 As an advertising medium, their value can scarcely be over-esti- 

 mated. 



Another important feature of these organizations is the fact that 

 members are elevated upon a higher plane. They work together 

 harmoniously, and petty jealousies, unscrupulous business methods 

 and damaging price cutting are an almost unknown factor in these 

 modern business times. The social feature is almost equally promi- 

 nent, and adds materially to their success. 



INTERNATIONAL STEWARDS' ASSOCIATION. 



It is very gratifying and a subject deserving of warm commenda- 

 tion to note the live interest in the jmre food subject which is 

 being displayed in various practical ways by the influential organi- 



7—6—1905 



