1900.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 55 



At the close of the summer experiment the fowls were 

 most critically examined by a number of different parties, 

 working independently, and all were unanimous in the con- 

 clusion that the corn-fed hens were farther advanced in the 

 moult than the others. In my own opinion, the difference 

 amounted to some two or three weeks in time. The corn- 

 fed hens had shed all their old tail feathers, the others but 

 few ; the corn-fed hens had a large share of their new body 

 feathers, the others had not shed the old. It was evident 

 that the corn-fed hens were sure to begin laying again before 

 the cold weather, while it seemed that the others were un- 

 likely to do so. This judgment has been verified, for a small 

 number of the corn-fed hens which were purchased by the 

 writer have already laid one litter of eggs since October 1 

 and are beginning to lay a second, their plumage having 

 been perfect for many weeks (December 20). 



The great importance of an early moult in case hens are 

 to be kept over is recognized by all. It makes all the dif- 

 ference between profit and a probable loss. 



Our results with both breeds, both summer and winter, 

 are thus greatly in favor of the ration richer in corn meal 

 and corn. On its side we have: (1) lower cost of feed; 

 (2) from 23 to 91 per cent, more eggs ; (3) a far lower cost 

 per egg, making possible a saving of from 4| to 16 1 cents 

 per dozen in the food cost of their production ; (4) a greater 

 increase in weight; and (5) a much earlier moult. 



It may here be remarked, using the words employed by 

 the writer in a recent article, " that nature is generally a 

 safe guide ; ' Biddy,' kept healthy and vigorous, will take 

 corn always in preference to wheat. Man conceived the 

 idea that wheat is better for large egg-production. He has 

 been endeavoring to convince the hen that she doesn't know 

 what is good for her; and now it seems that, after all, her 

 instinct and not his supposedly scientific reasoning has been 

 right." 



The writer is aware that under different conditions other 

 results might follow. It is here particularly pointed out 

 that our fowls are given i)lenty of space and fresh air, and 

 that they are made to scratch vigorously for their whole 

 grain. 



