DOMESTIC ANIMALS 291 



amount of special knowledge and experience and the 

 closest possible attention to details. There is probably 

 somewhat more trouble from mites and other parasites 

 than at the North, and some diseases occur that are not 

 known there, like the so-called ^' sore head " that is so 

 troublesome with young chicks hatched during the 

 rainy summer season. These disadvantages are, how- 

 ever, more than offset by the mild climate that allows 

 poultry to range throughout the year and by the 

 cheap and varied food supply. The entire region 

 offers an inviting field for chicken fanciers and expert 

 breeders. Every farm should unquestionably pro- 

 duce an abundance of chickens and eggs for house- 

 hold purposes with a margin over for the grocer, and 

 much more attention should be given to the breeding 

 of improved strains and races ; but those without ex- 

 pert knowledge of the business should make haste 

 slowly in embarking on large commercial poultry 

 enterprises until this knowledge has been gained by 

 considerable practical experience. 



