lo Aug., iyii.] Victofiaii Egg-laying Competition, igii-12. ^(t^ 



The weather conditions have been ad\erse, the rainfall greatly exceeding 

 that of previous years. For the three months (April, May, and June) 

 -85, 306, and 376 points re.spectively were recorded. On three occasions 

 the temperature fell to }^2 degrees Fah., and twice to 29 degrees, the 

 majority of the readings being between 40 and 47 degrees. The number 

 of eggs laid must therefore be regarded as very satisfactory. 



Of the 9,872 eggs laid during the quarter, 62 were double yolk. In 

 addition, 18 soft-shelled eggs and 8 underweight eggs (less than ij ozs.) 

 were laid, but are not included in the total. Two pens only (Faverolles 

 and Leghorns) were responsible for the soft-shelled eggs. 



A mild outbreak of chicken pox occurred ; no deaths resulted, but 

 two birds were removed and replaced. Owing to prolapse of the oviduct, 

 two Leghorns were destroyed. Prolapsis is not uncommon with non-sitting 

 breeds. 



The Leghorns, Orpingtons, and A\\\andottes have responded well to 

 the attention given them. One pen of Minorcas has not yet laid an egg, 

 whilst only 18 eggs have been returned from another pen of the same 

 breed. These pens have seriously affected the average, but render the 

 competition all the more educational. The varying results have aroused 

 considerable interest. 



During the period under review there have been upwards of 1,000 

 visitors, including numerous residents of other States and many oversea 

 arrivals. Some of the latter, who have settled in the irrigation districts, 

 have since erected poultry pens, similar to tliose at Burnley, on their 

 holdings. The competition has thus been of practical value to these new 

 settlers. In addition the University students, in agriculture and veterinary 

 science, and also the students at the Burnley School of Horticulture, ha^■e 

 had instruction in scientific poultry farming. 



