250 



AX EGG FARM. 



successfully without machinery, the owner working at 

 nothing else the year round, either thoroughbred fowls 

 and eggs have been sold at high prices and the business 

 kept afloat in that way, or the proprietor has struggled 

 and toiled with an amount of care, painstaking and 

 unremitting industry, which, if employed in almost any 



other staple calling, in office, 

 hotel, mine, factory or store, 

 would have paid him better. 

 In this last instance, talents 

 and zeal have been virtually 

 squandered, since they could 

 have been employed to better 

 advantage elsewhere. As re- 

 gards the breeding and sale of 

 fowls, or of livestock of any 

 species, at fancy prices, it is 

 an important branch of rural 

 economy and brings about a 

 vast amount of good in dis- 

 seminating valuable breeds of 

 animals all over the country, 

 and finally at prices within 

 the reach of the multitude. 



But it is not a staple busi- 

 ness. In the nature of things, but a few can work at it, 

 and in the last analysis its foundation will be found to 

 rest on the use which the breed serves in the hands of 

 those who produce for sale at ordinary market rates. To 

 illustrate, if the regular dairy business is not profitable, 

 then the raiser of extra premium Jerseys or Holsteins 

 will have no customers. The raisers of prize winners 

 must be few in number ; for if like produces like, then 

 by natural increase their excellent breed will soon be 

 common ; while if, on the other hand, the superior quali- 

 ties of their high priced specimens are not hereditary, 



FIG. 138. SHAFT WITH WINCH. 



