164 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[10 Dec, 1908. 



in laying out pens is the avoidance of unnecessary labour in opening two 

 gates where one is practicable. This has not been overlooked by Mr. 

 Dickson. 



The birds are an even lot, consisting of White and Brown Leg- 

 horns, Barred Plymouth Rocks and White Wyandottes, from which 85 

 dozen eggs weekly have been repeatedly marketed. Mx. Dickson is a 

 believer in the early pullet — hence the dear egg is the one that pays him 

 best. Cool storage is provided so that eggs may be kept for a period when 

 prices are low. Adjoining the pens (7). :\re several plots of 3 acres each 

 under maize, oats, rape and barley. 



The incubating' room is cool and well laid out and is white washed 

 throughout. It will accommodate 50 hens during the breeding season. 

 Mr. Dickson prefers the Plymouth Rock to the incubator and he has 

 little difficulty in getting broody hens early in each year, as, in hatching 

 •early chicks, he is always sure of early brooders. At the same time, it 

 must not be overlooked that artificial incubation is the most economical 

 and, where large flocks are required, it is an absolute necessity. A farm 

 is not complete without poultry, neither is a poultry farm complete without 

 artificial means of incubation. This is a progressive age — we must 

 advance with the times and incubators will heln us. 



WINTER SCRATCHING PENS FOR EGG PRODUCTION. 

 (Poultry Farm of Mr. J. Liersch, Werribee.) 



The breeding of ferrets is a unique feature on this farm. I saw 22 

 young ones and Mr. Dickson states that there is a good demand for them 

 ill payable prices. He also utilizes the ferrets when rabbiting. The 

 rabbit is the only animal food his birds receive. Last year the rabbit 

 skins sold realized £fi ; so in this case, at all events, bunny is worth more 

 than he is usually given credit for. 



Another farm visited was that of Mr. J. Lodge, well known as an 

 exhibitor of Minorcas and Black Orpingtons. He has an area of 5J 

 acres which is an object lesson in intense culture. Not only poultrv, but 

 21 hives of bees are kept, yielding 150 lbs. of honey every alternate year. 

 Vmes produce \ ton of grapes each season. There are also roses of the 

 choicest kinds, Jonathan apple trees, gooseberries, lucerne, onions, lettuce, 

 beans and peas— all free from pests. This farm was a revelation to me of 



