326 



MANAGEMENT 



neglected (Fig. 177). There is no egg production during the 

 winter months, but their maximum is obtained during the 

 months of March, April, and May. Most of the eggs pro- 

 duced are shipped to the East, especially to New York and 

 Philadelphia, and go through a good many hands before 

 reaching the consumer. These eggs are not of as good quality 

 as those produced near the Eastern markets. Owing to the 

 low cost of grain, poultry in this section has been made. to 

 net considerable profit, with but little attention. In the 



FIG. 177. In most cases farm flocks are largely cared for by the women of 

 the family. They are looked upon by the men as side lines, not worth bothering 

 with. Young folks can, and do in many cases, raise such flocks by careful attention, 

 from non-producing to very profitable business. 



future, however, more systematic and business-like methods 

 must prevail. The central part of the United States fur- 

 nishes the great supply of eggs demanded by both Atlantic 

 and Pacific coasts. 



In Sonora County, California, lies an intensive egg pro- 

 ducing district. It centers around Petaluma, and is com- 

 monly called the Petaluma district. In this district large 

 poultry farms are common, the White Leghorn breed pre- 

 dominating, and the poultry being kept to supply high class 

 eggs to the Pacific markets. The poultry farmers in this 

 district are specialists. Most of them do little incubating, 



