30 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. No. 123. 



development. Some of these are projecting plans for several 

 thousand laying hens. It is barely possible that these very 

 large undertakings are not desirable or wholesome; neverthe- 

 less, they reflect the general trend of the industry, and we 

 firmly believe that their chances for success are very much 

 greater than in former years, owing to the fact that much 

 progress has been made in the past few years on poultry farm 

 organization. 



Our duck industr}^, of such importance a few years ago, is 

 well on the way to recovery, and the low price of feed should 

 see a revival in this line. 



The production of soft roasters, the pride of our State before 

 the war, is showing signs of coming back, and this too should 

 make rapid progress under existing economic conditions. 



Our more enthusiastic turkey growers have not lost heart. 

 The fact that a few are succeeding in rearing a goodly number 

 in spite of the ravages of black head show the possibilities of 

 increased production of our Thanksgiving bird, and who knows 

 but what our New England turkey industry may again flourish 

 as in former years. 



Some interest has been shown in squab production also. 



Facts that lead us to believe in the increase and stability of 

 the poultry industry in Massachusetts are — 



1. There is a greater diversity between consumption and production in 

 the State than ever before. 



2. The ease mth which baby chicks can be secured will increase the 

 number raised on small holdings and back lots. 



3. Plans for poultry farms are being projected with more hope of 

 success than ever. 



4. Grain prices are nearly on a pre-war level. 



5. Statistics show that for a number of years following • wars, prices 

 of poultry and eggs have held up well, and that they have, therefore, been 

 produced at a profit. 



