248 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



the digestive tract of fowls and chickens, but are not extremely 

 harmful or deadly unless found in great numbers. It is almost 

 impossible to keep a place free from them, as they are carried 

 from farm to farm by sparrows, pigeons and possibly other 

 birds. Notwithstanding this, we have seen several flocks during 

 the last few years, and one in particular was raised under the 

 most unnatural conditions; that is, it was kept in the same yard 

 (a small pasture) wuth hens, ducks and geese, contrary to the 

 modern methods of growing good turkeys, and in spite of germ 

 theories a large flock of healthy turkeys was raised. Success 

 in this case was due almost wholly to the fact that the owner 

 was very sympathetic in nature, a good nurse and an inter- 

 ested worker. We may find that extreme care, sanitation, 

 better methods of feeding and some nursing will again enable 

 us to carry on this line of poultry farming successfully. If good 

 results can be obtained under the conditions mentioned above, 

 think what we should be able to do with our flocks spread out 

 over fields and wooded districts, instead of being confined to 

 already infested yards. Massachusetts is not lacking in land 

 for this purpose as there are thousands of acres of woodland, 

 dry and rolling, ideal for turkey runs. 



Production of Squabs. 



A number of people in the State have specialized in squab 

 raising with good results. This is a line of poultry work that 

 can be conducted on the intensive plan. It is well adapted to 

 back-yard conditions, and the nature of the work is such that it 

 can be carried on by boys, women or invalids. Furthermore, 

 the equipment for this work need not be expensive. 



Goose Farming. 



On account of the high price of meat, ideal climate and the 

 large area of suitable land, goose raising is bound to come to 

 the front in this State. Geese, like ducks, are very quick 

 growers, and are ready for market in from ten to fourteen 

 weeks. Being vegetarians, they are great foragers, and very 

 little grain is needed except for the fattening period. A piece 

 of swamp land containing some running water with a portion of 



