18 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



American general-purpose breeds are characterized by slow 

 growth, and hence must be hatched earlier than the light, 

 active Mediterranean breeds which mature in from one month 

 to six weeks' shorter time. The Leghorn and birds of their 

 type are best hatched about the middle of April. Where it is 

 necessary to bring off more than one hatch, they can be safely 

 brought off from April 1 to May 15. This will give them be- 

 tween five and six months in which to mature, and thus be in 

 laying condition by October. Heavier breeds will usually do 

 better if hatched from the middle of March, and not later 

 than the last of April. 



The following are some of the more important advantages 

 coming to the poultryman who tries February hatching : — 



1. A considerable egg yield is secured during the late sum- 

 mer and fall, when the yearling hens are on strike, due to 

 molt. 



2. The eggs produced during these fall months bring high re- 

 turns when sold for table purposes, due to scarcity. 



3. The pullets may be profitably used to produce hatching 

 eggs the following spring. A good number with strong germs 

 and of good size is assured. 



4. Cockerels which can later be used for breeding make good 

 size and strong development early in the season. 



5. The chicks will make an excellent growth before the hot, 

 dry weather of summer comes on with its retarding effects. 



6. Surplus cockerels will sell for high prices as broilers during 

 the early spring. 



7. The farmer will find early hatching profitable, as he can 

 give them better care at this time than after the rush of 

 spring planting begins. 



8. To the commercial poultryman it lengthens his hatching 

 season, and does not compel such intensive concentration as if 

 all the pullets were brought off during one month. 



9. The females reach maturity long before the intensely 

 cold weather commences, which means greater vigor and better 

 resistant powers. 



10. A greater combined efficiency from all operations if the 

 proper proportion of early hatched birds is kept. 



Another factor which affects the time of hatchins: is the con- 



