PREFACE IX 



charge or which can be found in reference libraries. The miscel- 

 laneous references in the appendix deal with the entire subject in 

 a general way. It is recommended that references be studied so 

 far as facilities will permit, since a broader conception of the sub- 

 ject will thus be obtained. 



That this book may fill a place in the world of poultry litera- 

 ture, may meet the need for a modern text-book, and may help 

 solve the problems which are so annoying to many, whether they 

 be students, poultrymen, or farmers, is the earnest wish of the 

 author. 



Harry R. Lewis. 

 New Brunswick, New Jersey, 

 October, 1913. 



PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION (1921) 



The extensive and cordial reception which has been given to 

 previous editions of Productive Poultry Husbandry has been most 

 gratifying to the author. It has encouraged a continual effort to 

 keep the text up to date in every respect. An industry never 

 stands still, but must either make progress or go back. The last 

 three years have witnessed most marvelous and far-reaching de- 

 velopments in improved methods of handling fowls for commercial 

 purposes. During this period there have been developed very 

 valuable methods of culling fowls to eliminate the non-producer. 

 These same methods when properlj^ applied enable the more accu- 

 rate selection of the best hens for breeding. These two practices 

 result in a maintenance of full production with a very definite 

 reduction in production costs as well as an improvement in pro- 

 duction through better breeding methods. 



During the same period of time new and complete studies have 

 been made dealing with poultry management problems which have 

 given the poultry keeper very definite information pertaining to 

 the business side of his work. Such questions as the influence 

 of capital, size of flock, production, experience, and the organiza- 

 tion of the business have all been studied and their relation to 

 profits determined. 



Recently the development of artificial illumination as a means 

 of increasing and changing the normal period of egg production has 



