The Poultry Yard Month by Month. 565 



8h\L],ot.s and Uarlic. — This is the best month for planting; most people 

 bury tlie small bulbs too deeply ; this is a mistake, the tops of the bulbs should 

 be just under the surface. Shallots are always needed in the kitchen, and 

 garlic as well when sauces and other condiments are being made. 



Potatoes are best allowed to remain in the ground until required for use. 

 If lifted for storing let the tubers be placed in a pit and cover them with fine 

 soil or sand; if exposed to too much light they turn green and are not fit for 

 human consumption. 



Jerusalem Artichokes are produced under ground similar to potatoes. 

 They may be dug out now when required, and make a delightful cliange to the 

 usual vegetable. 



Swiss Chard, as a substitute for spinach, will continue to make plenty 

 of leaves if given liberal waterings and kept Avell hoed. 



It is hoped that where provision has not been made for the growing of 

 vegetables on the farm, if only to supply the homestead with a change of 

 vegetables several times a week, a start will now be made, as the most important 

 sowing months are rapidly approaching, and if one is prepared the rest is 

 simple. 



THE POULTRY YARD MONTH BY MONTH. 



By J. .J. .JcntDAAX, Lecturer and Instructoi- in Poultry, (illcn School of 

 Agi-icnltnre, ()i-angc Vvov State 



June. 



Feeding. — Good circulation is essential to good lictlth ; tluTciorc^ lirovide 

 exercise by digging all grain food into the ground S to 12 inches deep. Throwing 

 it into chaff, leaves, etc., is not severe enough. A good plan is to have a place 

 dug, say, G feet sciaare for the purpose. The feeding of the breeding birds 

 should be of the best and closely studied. Avoid warm mashes and all forcing 

 foods. Good, sound, hard grain is best. Green food, grit, and oyster shell or 

 lime should be provided ad lih. If green food is scarce or unobtainable oats. 

 barley, mealies, kaffir corn, or an,y other available grain should be sprouted; 

 the feeding values are excellent, and green food is essential to fertility ; 

 Cabbage, lettuce, barley, mangel wurzel, or dry lucerne hay soaked over- 

 night in warm water, are all good. To sprout grain, take as much as is 

 required for a day, put it into a grain bag, tie fast, and place in 

 a bucket of water (warm is best) until saturated, and then place m a 

 dark corner and keep moist and covered with old bags, etc. In a 

 Aveek or ten days, according to the weather, it will be fit for use. In feeding, 

 just throw the tangled mass of growth to the bii'ds; they will soon shred it. 



Egg Production. — Laying birds for table-egg production must have stimu- 

 lating food. (See last month's notes and formula.) 



Breedivg Penx. — In the breeding pen do not be tempted into giving the 

 male bird more hens than will ensure strong fertility. 



Showing. — The show season is now at its lieiuht; 1)e sui'c to attend at least 

 one of the leading shows — the information to hr gathered thcie is invaluable. 

 If you are not clear upon any point look up the judge and ask him; especially 

 get him to explain that class m which you are interested or of which you are a 

 breeder. It is also wise to exhibit some birds of your own breeding to compare 

 your stock with those of other breeders. In sending your birds to the show see 

 that the coo]) is well made, warm, and roomy. Such a coop lasts longer, and as 

 the bird is comfortable whilst travelling, its chances of winning are improved. 

 Two or ihree hours before sending the bird nway give it a pill the size of, say, 

 a walnut, consisting of equal parts of giound chalk and ginger; it will then be 



