ANIMAL TRODUCTION. 875 



The influence of the system of feeding on molting was studied with repre- 

 sentative pullets from each lot, the hens being dipped in dyes in order that 

 the feathers shed could be readily gathered and those from each pullet identi- 

 fied. On an average tne early-laying forced pullets molted S2.7 days and the 

 late-laying forced pullets 103.1 days. The early-laying retarded pullets molted 

 97.1 days and the late-laying retarded pullets 89.8 days. 



According to the author's sunnnary, the hens fed only whole grain ate oS 

 per cent more grit than those fed mash in addition and although they laid 

 fewer eggs they consumed 27.9 per cent more oyster shell. On the whole, the 

 forced pullets gave more profit than the retarded pullets, eating less per pullet 

 at a less cost. They also i^roduced more eggs of a larger size at a less cost 

 per dozen than the retarded pullets and produced more eggs during the early 

 winter. The forced pullets showed less broodiness, lower mortality, and better 

 vigor than the retarded pullets and produced eggs of a higher degree of fertil- 

 ity. Forced pullets which matured early also molted earlier than similar 

 retarded pullets. 



From the recorded data the author also discusses the comparative value of 

 wet and dry mash for pullets and the value of hand feeding as compared with 

 hopper feeding. 



"Hopper-fed dry mash gave better results in gain of weight, production of 

 eggs, gain in weight of eggs, hatching power of eggs, days lost in molting, 

 mortality, health and profit per hen, than wet mash. 



"Wet mash and grain fed pullets consumed slightly less food at less cost, 

 and produced eggs at slightly less cost per dozen than dry mash and grain 

 fed pullets. 



" \Yet mash and grain fed pullets produced slightly larger eggs of slightly 

 bettfei" fertility, and showed less broodiness than dry mash and grain fed 

 pullets. 



"Dry mash and grain fed pullets laid eggs of good size at an earlier period 

 than wet mash and grain fod pullets. 



"Hopper-fed pullets ate more than hand-fed pullets. 



" Pullets having whole grain ate more grit and shell than those having a pro- 

 portion of ground grain. 



" Pullets fed on grain were more inclined to develoi) bad habits than those 

 having a mash. 



" Earliest producers did not give as many eggs in early winter, 



" Early layers gained as rapidly in weight as those beginning later to lay. 

 Prolificacy made but slight difference in weight of hen and weight of egg. 

 The most prolific pullets did not always lay earliest. Pullets did not as a rule 

 lay while molting." 



The hen's place on the farm, O. Erf {Kansas 8ta. Bui. J')0, pp. ]o-7S, fi(js. 

 17). — On the basis of data gathered from Kansas poultry feeders and the 

 experience of the Kansas Station, breeds, feeding, care and management, hous- 

 ing and apiiliances, trap nests, marketing, poultry diseases, and related ques- 

 tions are discussed with special reference to Kansas conditions. 



According to information gathered n^garding breeds on Kansas farms, Barrtnl 

 Plymouth Pocks were the most popular bi'ing found on 113 farms, with Brown 

 Leghorns next in order on oO farms. Black Langshans on 24 farms, White 

 Leghorns and mongrels each ou 17 farms, and other breeds in smaller propor- 

 tion. Barred Plymouth Rocks were found to be ranked first by packers, and 

 Brahnias and Cochins were considered among the best as capons. 



As regards incubators, replies received from 111 Kansas farmers report that 

 21 have tried them and that (> have found incubators an improvement over 



