434 



JouDial of Agriculture. Victoria. [lo July, 1912- 



for cleansing and [)eriodical soaking with kerosene to prevent vermin. 

 On tile floor is 6 inclies of sand, which goes to produce both cleanliness, 

 and comfort to the birds. It is also a safeguard against dirty or broken' 

 eggs. Outside each shed a triangular sand bath was provided which, 

 during the hot weather, was kept damp. A tin is kept full of fresh 

 water, and vessels are also placed conveniently for charcoal, shell and' 

 earthenware grit. It is amazing the quantities of these aids to digestion 

 which the birds consume. Oaten hay is placed in each pen, and feed is. 

 scattered amongst this to induce exercise. Young trees (Buddleia formosa) 

 were planted in the centre of each pen ; and as it could not be expected' 

 they would provide any shade during the first year, collapsible frames of 

 light timber were made and covered by hessian. These frames, standing. 

 like an inverted V (see plate) provided excellent shelter from the blazing 

 sun during summer, and allowed free circulation of air ; and it is pleasing. 

 10 note that no deaths occurred from heat apoplexy during the whole com- 

 petition. The general health of the birds has been good throughout, with, 

 the exception of an outbreak of chicken pox during the early period. 



SHOWING TRAYS USED IN COI.LKCTING AND KGG BOXES FOR DESPATCH. 



Twelve deaths occurred throughout the competition, principally on account 

 of troubles of the reproductive organs ; and a few replacements of birds- 

 took place owing to other causes incapacitating them. Of the three lead- 

 ing pens, Mr. Pope's passed through without sickness or replacement;. 

 Mr. Cosh had to replace one — a wing of one of the hens having been 

 broken ; and Mr. Swift had also to replace one, owing to rupture of the- 

 oviduct. 



Egg Production. 



During the year the total number of eggs produced was 73^325 , and 

 these were sold to the Victorian Railways at is. per dozen — the average- 

 market price for the term being is. 2.38d. per dozen. This value is basecE 

 on the figures supplied bv the Western District Co-operative Association^, 

 and ranges from 8fd. on 17th October, to is. iid. en iith May. 



