24 STUDIES OF OCCUPATIONS IN AGRICULTURE 



4. Disadvantages: The great need of constant vigilance and un- 

 ceasing effort; the dangers of losses from disease or neglect of 

 poultry stock; the excessive dust found in most poultry houses 

 and yards; the losses always resulting from goods in storage 

 or in transit to distant markets; the objectionable surroundings 

 of most poultry establishments, that must necessarily be con- 

 ducted at some distance from the better localities. 



5. Preparation: Training in an agricultural school or college, or 

 in extension courses upon agriculture, would be desirable for 

 conducting the industry on a large scale and by scientific 

 methods. Experience under trained men is of great value, and 

 often this is all that poultry raisers have for equipment. In 

 all cases the constant use of the books, papers, and magazines 

 of the industry is advisable. 



6. Other requirements: An interest in farm and animal life; abil- 

 ity to do constant, faithful work and to give great attention to 

 details; intelligence to understand the scientific features of the 

 industry; mechanical skill for the construction and repair of 

 building and equipment. A high degree of health and strength 

 is not required, and one not able to do full or arduous work in 

 another occupation, even a person having some physical handi- 

 cap, may engage successfully in poultry raising or assist in the 

 work. 



7. Income: The helper employed in this division of agriculture 

 receives about the same wages as in other agricultural activities, 

 according to local conditions. One who conducts the industry 

 under a moderate outlay may make a fair living from it; or with 

 a large outlay and the most approved methods he may realize 

 larger profits. 



8. Effect on the Worker : A narrowing, often, of general interests, 

 since poultry keeping is an absorbing work; the satisfaction, 

 however, of producing important articles of food, and thus 

 being a useful member of society. 



9. References: 



Blunt, Katherine, and Sprague, E. C. Food and the War. 

 Bowsfield, C. C. Making the Farm Pay, 244-274. 

 Filene, Catherine. Careers for Women, 37-42. 

 Giles, F. M., and I. K. Vocational Civics, 37 and 38, profits 

 from poultry raising. 



