10 June, 1918.] Beport on Egg-laying Competition. 329 



Between the English and Victorian prices for all classes of table 

 birds there is a great difference. In our Melbourne markets, second- 

 grade table birds, such as fat hens of first or second season, as well as 

 first-class table poultry, may be purchased at a lower price per pound 

 than beef or mutton. This fact alone shows that the poultry-farmer 

 is scarcely obtaining as good a return from one branch of his industry 

 as he might reasonably look for. No doubt, when the war is over, and 

 shipping becomes normal again, much of our poviltry will be sent to 

 the other side of the globe, and, with this outlet, local prices will harden. 

 A number of our returned soldiers have decided to become poultry- 

 farmers, but it will be difficult for them to carry on the work with profit 

 to themselves unless the sale of some of their produce overseas is 

 assured. 



Hints to Prospective Competitors. 



When single birds are entered, there is not so much trouble for 

 beginners to select birds for laying competitions as in the choosing 

 teams of six pullets. Competitors in past tests have learnt, wholly or 

 partly by experience, the best methods of selection ; and, if new nomina- 

 tors wish to succeed, they must acquire this knowledge. A few hints 

 on the subject, therefore, will not be out of place. When a pen of six 

 is required, fifteen or sixteen birds of the same age and strain should 

 be placed in an observation pen, where the number of eggs laid by each 

 may be carefully noted. The poorer layers should be gradually culled 

 out, and no doubt in two or three weeks the number remaining will be 

 reduced to eight or ten. A little further observation will serve to show 

 the best six, and these should be sent to the competition. Where single 

 birds are to be entered, it is advisable to place pullets of varying ages 

 and strains in the observation pen. While the birds are in the pens, 

 they should be fed on similar lines to those followed at Burnley, so that 

 when the competition commences the competing birds will not have to 

 undergo a change in diet. Particulars of the food given to the fowls 

 at Burnley are mentioned later, and it should not be difficult for owners 

 to adopt these rations. The crates used for sending the birds to Burnley 

 should be large and roomy, so that the inmates may not be too closely 

 packed. A heavy feed should not be given to the birds immediately 

 before putting them into the crate. A few handfuls of grain may be 

 placed in the litter which, for preference, should consist of coarsely-cut 

 chaff, as it is easy for the birds to scratch in such material for the grain. 

 The address should be affixed on the top of the crate, and the owner's 

 name also indicated. JSTotification should be given to the authorities 

 at Burnley of the dates crates are being sent from the consigning 

 stations. 



Conclusion, 



Every credit is due to Mr. Macauley for the way in which he per- 

 formed the arduous duties in looking after the various competing birds, 

 and there is no doubt that the increased egg-production at the competi- 

 tions was, to a large extent, due to his untiring efforts during the whole 

 period of the tests. 



