lo Feb., 1909.] Utility Poultry Kee fin g. 113 



of one's own experience with the hints of poultry writers should be safe 

 ground to work upon. Many other requirements, such as proper food, 

 regularity in feeding, selection of stock, housing, penning, and other 

 surroundings, should all receive consideration. Situation of poultr)- 

 yards, climatic influences, &c., must all be thought out carefully. It 

 may appear somewhat difficult to comply with all these essentials, but 

 if anything is worth doing at all it is worth doing well. Starting on 

 correct lines will lighten the work afterwards and must certainly have 

 a very marked influence on the success of the undertaking. 



Breeds to Keep. 



In selecting stock to form the foundation of the general flock, the first 

 question is what is the principal requirement. If eggs are to be the 

 source of revenue then the best egg-producing breeds must be chosen. 

 If table poultry is wanted then the best breeds for that purpose must 

 be selected. As the production of eggs is generally the most profitable 

 to the poultry -keeper, I would advise that breeds with high egg-producing 

 qualities be secured. Of course, when space is available, both egg- 

 producing and table varieties may be kept. Breeds which possess both 

 qualities to a certain extent may also be chosen. 



For the very best breed for egg production the White Leghorn must 

 be given the premier position. From the results of 12 months' tests in 

 Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and West 

 Australia, the White Leghorn has asserted its superiority over all other 

 varieties. One pen of six pullets in the Queensland test produced i>538 

 eggs in 12 months, averaging over 256 eggs per bird. At the Rose- 

 worthy (South Australia) competition, the pullets in the first and second 

 pens produced 1,531 and 1,528 eggs respectively, from each pen of six 

 birds. Many other high records could also be quoted. There are of 

 course strains of White Leghorns which are not such prolific egg pro- 

 ducers, and this point must be borne in mind when selecting stock. 



Of the other light breeds which can be reconunended for egg produc- 

 tion. Brown, Buff, and Black Leghorns, Anconas, Minorcas, Andalusians, 

 and Hamburgs are worthy of notice. 



If a GENERAL PURPOSE FOWL is required, the Wyandotte must be placed 

 in the front rank. The Silver, White, Columbian, and Golden varieties 

 are certainly the best of this family. But as with Leghorns, there are 

 some strains much better than others for egg production, and care must 

 be taken to choose birds which are good in this respect, as well as being 

 typical specimens of the breed. The varieties mentioned develop at an 

 early age, and are so plump and shapelv that they can be placed on the 

 market when very young. This is a point in their favour as the cockerels 

 can be sold when 10 to 14 weeks old, providing they are in good con- 

 dition. For a general purpose fowl, either Silver or White Wyandottes 

 should be selected. 



In the heavy breeds, which include Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, 

 Langshans, Dorkings, &c. , the first named can be placed in the premier 

 position. The Black are quick growers, very hardy, and develop into 

 large and shapely birds. They are also very good layers as pullets, 

 and when not allowed to put on too much fat, will also lay fairly well 

 during their second year. They make a first class table fowl, and al- 

 though not possessing the orthodox white, pink, or yellow shariks which 



