VARIETY OF PRODUCTS 



277 



when bred on special roaster farms, to be sold as roasters to 

 the large fattening establishments in the central part of the 

 country. The highest priced roasting chicken is known as 

 the milk and corn fed pullet, a plump but immature bird, 

 which, by 'a special method of fattening, is put into prime 

 condition for eating. Capons possess many advantages over 

 the cockerel. They can be produced much more cheaply; 

 they grow to a larger size, the quality of the meat is much 

 better, and they bring a higher price (Fig. 153). The 

 price for a cockerel roaster averages about 26 cents, and for 

 a capon roaster about 34 cents. The demand is steady and 



FIG. 152. Six small roasters, weighing four pounds each. Note the plumpness, 

 which is necessary if they are to be in demand for eating. 



constantly increasing, and the tune is coming when a poultry- 

 man, to realize the largest profits from his male birds, must 

 resort to caponizing. 



Fowls. Fowls are old hens. They are usually marketed 

 after their pullet or second year in the laying pen; but they 

 bring a fair price in the market at any season of the year. 

 They are especially hi demand in the large markets in the 

 late summer and early fall, and the immense Jewish trade 

 materially affects prices during the Jewish holidays. Fowls 

 are often bought and sold alive, but market poultry will 

 usually bring the highest prices when shipped dressed. 



