DOMINION EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 57 



THE POULTRY DIVISION. 



On the establishment of the Poultry Division of the Central 

 Experimental Farm in 1887, the production of eggs and 

 the better quality of poultry in winter was comparatively 

 unknown, and the ideas of most farmers on the subject of poultry 

 keeping were very crude. The hens, in the majority of the barn 

 yards throughout the country, were nondescripts and laid only 

 in the spring and summer, moulted in the late fall or during the 

 winter and were thus non-productive when the demand was 

 greatest. Their chickens were usually allowed to ''pick up 

 their own living" and, as a result, were lean and scraggy, dressed 

 badly and presented a decidedly uninviting appearance. 



The establishment of the Poultry Division of the Experi- 

 mental Farm was the beginning of a better state of affairs. Its 

 good effects soon began to be felt, its good example to be imi- 

 tated. The improvement in the class of stock kept and in its 

 management resulted in a greatly increased supply of winter 

 eggs, the chickens were hatched earlier in the season, were 

 fed well and regularly and were carefully cooped. This resulted 

 in a far better quality of poultry flesh being produced. 



At that time, the best breed for farmers was considered to 

 be the Barred Plymouth Rock (a comparative newcomer), 

 because they were both good layers and excellent table fowls. 

 Their chickens were hardy, vigorous and quick growers. Later, 

 the Wyandottes made their appearance and proved to be another 

 utility variety of merit. 



It was also shown that hens which laid well in winter made 

 early sitters and, with proper treatment, could be induced to 

 moult in midsummer, when weather conditions were most 

 favourable. They were thus ready again to make winter layers. 

 Hitherto, the impression was that the hen moulted at her own 

 sweet will. 



From 1890 to 1900 there was a rapid advance in the poultry 

 industry. Some of the incentives to this may be mentioned as 

 follows: — 



The practical information conveyed in the annual reports 

 of the Poultry Division; addresses at Farmers' Institutes and 

 other meetings throughout the country; evidence before the 

 Agricultural Committee of the House of Commons; attendance 

 at Fairs, etc. As an instance of the practical results of the 

 experimental work of the Poultry Division, it is shown, in the 

 report of the Poultry Manager for 1903, that 14,289 eggs were 

 laid from December, 1902 to June, 1903, both months inclusive. 

 This covers that portion of the year when the highest prices are 

 obtained. This table and similar ones published in other annual 



