268 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



years, an increase which the author points out would not be of great im- 

 portance when liogs are raised for the l)utchers' trade, but whicli represents a 

 very substantial increase to the value of the breed considered from a breeding 

 standpoint. 



Considering American and Ohio Poland China records for 1898 to 1902, the 

 average sized litter is 7.52. The records for Duroc Jersey sows showed dif- 

 ferences too small to have any particular importance as regards increase or 

 decrease in fecundity. The average size of litters for 10 years covered by the 

 records consulted is 9.20. These results confirm common observation — that 

 Duroc sows are more prolific that Poland Chinas." 



Laws pertaining to horse breeding in Wisconsin ( Wisconsin Sta. Rpt. 

 1905, pp. 37 9-3 S. 2). —The text of the laws enacted April 22, 1905, regulating the 

 public service of stallions in Wisconsin is quoted. 



Ostrich, farming in Arizona, W. Pickrell (U. S. Dcpt. Agr. Yearbook 1905, 

 pp. 399--'i06, pis. 3). — An historical account is given of ostrich farming in 

 Arizona and general problems concerned with ostrich raising are spoken of, 

 such as egg laying and incubation, feeding and care of the chiclis, pluclcing 

 and sorting feathers, handling and feeding ostriches, and the possible profits of 

 the ostrich industry. 



Young ostriches, according to the author, are usually kept in troops of 25 to 

 50, and when a year old the males should be separated from the females. 

 When .3 years old the birds should be paired and each pair placed in a separate 

 inclosure. If they are to graze on alfalfa or other green feed, the inclosure 

 should be large enough to supply them all they need. If given dry feed, the 

 inclosure need only be large enough for exercise. 



" One of the very [test feeds for ostriches is alfalfa. One acre of good alfalfa 

 in Arizona will maintain 4 ostriches without their receiving any additional feed. 

 When pastured or fed on green alfalfa they are always healthy. . . . 



" Ostriches thrive well on any tender green forage, and they prefer the kind 

 they have been taught to eat. Birds fed on hay, when turned out, often refuse 

 to eat grass until they become very hungry. 



" For dry feed, alfalfa or clover hay cut up, mixed with bran, and moistened 

 is excellent. An ostrich will consume about 3 ll)s. of hay and 1 lb. of bran 

 daily. They should have gravel and broken bone at all times. Occasionally an 

 ostrich will get a piece of bone lodged in its throat. In such case, if the bone 

 can not be worked up or down by external manipulation, the throat may be cut, 

 the bone removed, and the incision sewed up. It will heal very quickly. 



" Ostriches may be fed any kind of grain — corn, wheat, barley, oats, or peas. 

 Some farmers feed a little grain while the birds are nesting. Oi'dinarily, how- 

 ever, if ostriches are in good fiesh and have plenty of good green feed they 

 need no grain. Besides, if fed much grain they are liable to become cross and 

 hard to manage." 



As regards ostrich farming as a profitable industi-y, the author points out 

 that an acre of alfalfa will keep 4 birds, yielding annually 1.5 lbs. of feathers 

 with an average value of $20 per pound, and 36 to 90 eggs, weighing 3.5 lbs., 

 which may be used for incubation or for food, and if the ostriches are sold, 

 which is rarely the case, the price ranges from $100 for months old birds to 

 $800 or more per pair at 4 years. 



Ostriches are too valuable for food purposes at present, but it is iiointed out 

 that the flesh is said to be much. relished by those who have eaten it. while the 

 eggs are palatable when made into omelets, etc. 



Poultry experiments, W. P. Brooks, F. R. Church, and S. P.. Haskell 

 (Massachusetts Sta. Rpt. 1905. pp. .'iS-.'iG). — Wheat and corn supplemented by 

 animal meal were compared with 2 lots, the ration in both cases being charac- 



