baldw!s] POULTRY RAIS/XG AS A SCHOOL OCCCPATIOX 19 



it was an excellent kind for the young women, but it was much bet- 

 ter for them than is the ordinary wood-working course. In fact, 

 many advantages might be urged for it, not the least being that 

 here was an urgent need for which they might help to 

 provide. 



As soon as the house was ready the fowls were installed in 

 their new and comfortable quarters. I was absent in Europe 

 during the winter and so can only write what has been reported 

 regarding the results. The fowls were put into the keeping of 

 successive Normal School students, each anxious to heJp to earn 

 his way and willing to get some experience in poultry raising. 

 The instructor who was in general charge found a great difference 

 in the quality of the work done by different students. Certain 

 very important characteristics which were not suspected from 

 the regular school work were clearly manifest in the poult v 

 house. In fact, enough has already come to me along this Hof 

 to prove that here is a new and reliable means of applying practi 

 cal tests and of helping students to see and to correct inherent 

 weaknesses which might never appear in the course of regular 

 school work. 



In connection with the incubation such points as the follow- 

 ing impressed themselves upon the students: Very much de- 

 pends upon the ancestors. Eggs should be obtained from a 

 reliable dealer who has standard fowls of a high grade. The 

 general health of such ancestors must be good. Both the cock 

 and the hens must be in a vigorous condition at the time of the egg 

 production. Even after exercising the utmost care in these 

 matters some eggs are not fertile and others cease to develop at 

 various stages of the incubation period. Some chicks break 

 through the shells but have not sufficient vitality to free them- 

 selves from them. Others are so weak after struggling from 

 their shells that they are trampled upon by their more 

 vigorous fellows. The greatest care must be exercised duiing 

 the period of incubation to keep an even temperature and to 

 prevent any jarring of the eggs. The young chicks must be 

 fed enough but not too much, and must be given some hard food 

 to provide work for their digestive organs. They must be 

 given plenty of fresh air and exercise, not too much heat and 

 opportunity to gradually accustom themselves to the cold air and 

 other conditions outside their brooder. 



