1072 EXPERIMENT STATION EECOED. 



Kafir corn) the average cost of feed for each pair of breeders was $1.03, the 

 average number of squabs produced per pair of breeders 4.5, and the average 

 value of the squabs per each pair of breeders $2.10. There was an estimated 

 net loss on the lot of $4.28, not including labor. When a more satisfactory- 

 grain mixture made up of whole corn, wheat, Kafir corn, Canada peas, and 

 millet was fed to 12 pairs, the average number of squabs per pair was 5.5, the 

 average cost of feed for each pair of breeders $1.96, the value of the squabs 

 for each pair of breeders $3.13, and the calculated total profit for the lot, not 

 including labor, $6.05. 



Some data are recorded regarding the prices paid in the New York market for 

 squabs. 



" The only consideration given, aside from weight, is to color. Dark-skinned 

 squabs are in very poor demand, and usually bring 25 per cent less than the 

 light-skinned bird. The consumer is becoming more particular, and many 

 of them to-day are careful to select only full-breasted stock; but while they 

 willingly pay a premium for such stock, it is only in rare cases that the pro- 

 ducer realizes any difference in returns because of this lack of meat on the 

 breast, provided the birds have the weight." 



As regards pigeon houses " heated houses have not been considered a success, 

 and for climate such as we have in Connecticut, provided the north and west 

 sides are well sided and lined with paper so that there is no danger of draft, 

 the uuheated house should be satisfactory. No such care need be taken in 

 regard to the south side of the house. In one of our lofts the windows of the 

 south side have not been closed for over a year, and the birds are fully as 

 healthy as any at the station and have produced as many squabs. . . . 



" Probably one of the worst enemies that pigeons have is the rat, and in 

 order to fight it the houses are generally built from 18 in. to 2 ft. from the 

 ground, using trapdoors from the floor to the ground, in order to keep the wind 

 from blowing under and lowering the temperature of the house during the 

 cold weather. The most economical construction is a house built 5 ft. from 

 the floor to the eave in front (the south side) and from 6 to S ft. on the north 

 side. Houses with a I'oof of this style are naturally very hot in summer, but 

 if built high on the south side it will be found almost impossible to get a 

 satisfactory alley in the building. For this reason a building that is 12 to 

 14 ft. wide and 6 ft. from the floor to the eave, and from S to 9 ft. from the 

 floor to the ridge, leaving the loft free from floor to roof, is most satisfactory. 

 A house such as this with capacity for 200 pairs should cost about $1.50 per 

 pair, including the cost of fly, nests, water fountains, etc. This is figuring labor 

 and lumber at average Connecticut i)rices. . . . 



'* The partitions between the lofts should be tightly boarded to the tops of 

 the nests, as there is naturally a draft through the house, yet in order to get 

 proper ventilation it is well to use poultry netting for division from the tops 

 of the nest to the roof. This will permit free circulation of air in the peak 

 of the house, especially by having windows on the north side that may be 

 opened when necessary, particularly during the summer months." 



Ostrich farming {Queensland Agr. Jour., 19 (1907), No. 4, pp. 188-192, 

 j)ls. Jf). — Feeding, care, and management of ostriches on a Natal ostrich farm 

 are discussed on the basis of personal exi»erience. 



The rate of g^rowth of ostrich feathers, J. E. Duerden (Agr, Jour. Cape 

 Good Hope, 31 (1907), No. .',, pp. J,So--'j38) .—'' The rate of growth of ostrich 

 feathers can be determined by tying at intervals a ring of fine thread around 

 the growing feather at the mouth of the socket, and then measuring the dis- 

 tance of the ring or rings at intervals of a few days. 



