10 June, 1916.] Fifth Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16. 



331 



from these particular peas and also made a difference to the total laying 

 from the whole of the birds for twelve months. 



An idea may be given as to the great improvement made in Victoria 

 in respect to egg producing White Leghorns during the past eleven years, 

 the greater portion of which may be credited to the influence of laying 

 competitions. At Dookie College, in 1904-5, six Whit© Leghorns won 

 the test witli 1,313 eggs for twelve months. In the test just concluded 

 at Burnley, the winning pen of six White Leghorns in the wet mash 

 section produced 1,661 eggs, this being an increase of fifty-eight eggs 

 from each bird, working out an extra return of 6s. per bird. This con- 

 clusively proves that the laying competitions must have benefited poultry- 

 keepers to a great extent, and also largely increased tlie yearly value 

 of the industry in the State. The five leading pens of White Leghorns 

 produced a total of 8,160 eggs for the year. This means that thirty 

 birds put up an average of 272 eggs each, bringing in a gross return 

 of 35s. lOd. per bird, and a total of £52 16s. from the thirty. 



■G. E. Graham, Black Orpiiigton.s, 1st \m/A- \,i\d uohl iiuulal. heavy bieeds 

 mash section, 1,507 eggs for twelve mouths' test. Value £9 18s. 6d. 



J 

 wet 



This certainly constitutes a record in any test in the world for tliat 

 number of birds. White Leghorns were very much in the majority, 

 tlie whole of the birds in the light laeeds tests being of tiiat variety. 

 Although it must be admitted that White Leghorns are at the top a^ pro- 

 lific egg j)roducers, it is a matter for regret that owners of some of the 

 otiier liglit breeds do not make an effort to improve the laying qualities 

 of their biids and etiter into competition witli White Legliorns. When 

 it is considered what a marvellous improvement has been effected in tlie 

 latter l)reed, it appears quite feasiV)le that, if ennal attention were yiven 

 to other breeds, it would result successfully. With respect to the lieivv 

 breeds section, it is pleasing to find that several breeds are included 

 Black Orpingtons kwp up their reputation bv holding the two leading 

 positions. The practically new breed of Rhode Island Reds have made 

 a name for themselves as layers by filling the tiiird position, and a pen 

 of Flaverolles has done leally well ])v taking ninth plac One pen of 



