FOODS ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 923 



grains were fed. At noon a liyht grain of some s<>rt was fed to keep 

 the liens busy seratcbingj. In tlie afternoon a liberal ration of wlieat 

 or buckwheat, mostly the former, was fed. Sometimes cut bono was 

 given instead of the morning'' ov afternoon ration, (Ireen food, in the 

 shape of cabbages, turnips, or mangel-wurzels, was liberally fed, and 

 occasionally clover hay was steamed and mixed with the mash. Broken 

 oyster shells, mica, and grit were furnished the hens in liberal quanti- 

 ties, as well as an abundant supply of water. Ten lots of 11 hens, 

 mostly pullets, were compared for egg production. 



"The greatest egg production actually came from the Barred Plymouth Rocks, 

 closely followed by the Langshaus. The latter were, perhaps, the later hatched 

 of the two. The White Miaoi-cas did not show much vigor during the early part of 

 the winter, and several of them died during the early part of the month of March. 

 The Colored Dorkings were, apjtarently, lato chickens, and were slow in maturin"-. 

 The Brahma hens did not do well, as they were 3 years of age and were likely fat." 



The eggs laid by the stock kept for breeding purposes are also 

 recorded. 



Early in March the different breeds were mated for breeding. The 

 White Java eggs hatched remarkably well during all the season. 

 The chickens were hardy and made rapid development. " The Light 

 Brahma eggs did not do well, owing to the hens being 3 years of age 

 and at that age predisposed to take on fat. The Plymouth Rock- 

 Colored Dorking cross eggs hatched well."' The feeding and care of 

 the chickens and the egg jiroduction is discussed. The characteristics 

 of some crossbreeds are given. 



A trial has been made for 2 seasons of straw litter compared with 

 sand and gravel. The results were altogether iu favor of the straw. 



An incubator trial and diseases of poultry are spoken of briefly. 



Poultry, S. A. Bedford {Canada E.vptl. Farms Rpi. 1895, pp. 305, 

 306). — This is a report of work carried on at the Brandon Experimental 

 Farm during 1895. Barred Plymouth Rocks, White Leghorns, and 

 Black Minorcas were compared. The morning ration consisted of half 

 boiled roots and half ground wheat wet with skim milk. Dry grain, 

 consisting of 25 per cent of barley, 25 per cent of oats, and 50 per cent 

 of wheat, was fed in the evening. One ounce per head daily of ground 

 green bone was also fed, and the fowls were supplied with fresh water 

 and lime and grit. The largest number of eggs was laid by the White 

 Leghorns, the next by the Plymouth Rocks, and the smallest by the 

 Black Minorcas. The age and live weight of the poultry are given. 



"Although the White Leghorns are excellent layers tiiey are under weight for table 

 fowl, and having prominent breast bones their shape is also against them for that 

 purpose. The Plymouth Rocks sell readily as table fowls. The Black Minorcas 

 appear to be in many respects midway between the White Leghorns and Plymouth 

 Rocks." 



Flour considered from the standpoint of nutrition, L. M. Undekwood {Ala- 

 hanm CoUtfje Sta. Bui. 74, pp. 349-S5S).—'V\n- author discusses the relative value of 

 bread made from whole wheat and fine wheat Hour, an<l gives a receipt for making 



