256 SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH 



had a distending effect on the pigs' stomachs and induced a 

 rapid and healthy growth. 



Silage versus grain. — A feeding test to determine to what 

 extent silage can be made to replace grain in the dairy ration 

 was carried out last winter on the College herd. This ques- 

 tion yet remains to be supplemented by further tests which 

 will be conducted as soon as opportunity permits. It has 

 already been found, however, that the flow of milk is lessened 

 as the amount of grain is reduced and is not fully restored 

 as the amount of silage is increased. The exact data regard- 

 ing cost of rations, quality of milk and condition and health- 

 fulness of the animals are not ready for publication. 



IV. P0ULTR\^. 



The poultry work has been planned to secure data con- 

 cerning the use of various prepared and condimental feeds 

 as against exclusive corn, wheat, barley, dry mash and cer- 

 tain variety rations. 



Four colony houses, 6x8, with a scratching shed under- 

 neath, have been constructed at a cost of $15 each, and are 

 intended to accommodate 15 birds. A study of the advant- 

 ages and disadvantages of colony houses as regards temper- 

 ature and general healthfulness, together with a comparison 

 of glass and canvas for windows, is to be made. 



While the poultry work is not being attempted on a large 

 scale, it is designed to determine certain important points 

 which are of interest to all poultry raisers in the state. 



V. Sheep Breeding. 



In the sheep breeding work which will be conducted dur- 

 ing the coming winter, the primary object will be to deter- 

 mine the best breed or cross-breed for the production of 

 early spring lambs for the Boston market. The principal 

 points of consideration will be, (1) weight at birth, (2) 

 rapidity of increase in weight, (3) vigor and healthfulness, 

 (4) weights at market time, (5) character and per cent, of 

 carcass. 



