44 



■feeding the hens or the food cost of the eggs in these experiments 

 ^re based upon prices current at the time the feeds were purchased. 

 The nutritive ratio represents the proportion existing between the 

 nitrogenous compounds of the ration and the non-nitrogenous; or, 

 in other words, the proportion between the protein and the carbo- 

 iiydratesand fat, the 'latter being converted into an equivalent amount 

 of carbohydrates. The terms " flesh formers " in place of protein, and 

 " heat producers " in place of carbohydrates, have been proposed 

 for popular writings. 'I^hese terms, however, are not accurate as in- 

 dicating all the uses which the different constituents of the feeds 

 ■may serve. Protein may be oxidized in the body as a source of 

 heat, and carbohydrates and fat may undoubtedly be used as sources 

 of body fat as well as sources of heat. These so-called popular 

 terms will not accordingly be used in this paper. 



I. The Effect of CoNDirioN Powder on Egg PRODUcnoN. 

 These experiments were continued three successive years, two 



ilocks of fowls being used, both receiving precisely the same kinds 

 and amounts of foods, and one, in addition, condition powder mixed 

 with the morning mash in accordance with directions furnished by 

 the manufacturers. There was no great difference in the number of 



-eggs produced by the fowls under the two systems of management. 

 In two of the three experiments, the fowls receiving no condition 

 powder laid the larger number of eggs. In one of the three experi- 

 ments, the number was the same under the two systems. At the 



•close of two of the experiments, the average weight of the fowls re- 

 ceiving the condition powder was slightly greater than that of the 

 others. The eggs, also, in two of the experiments, were slightly 



■heavier, a consequence possibly of the fact that the number was 

 smaller. These slight differences in favor of condition powder are not 



•sufficient to offset the cost of the powder used. These experiments 



4:ertainly indicate that condition powder used in accordance with direc- 

 tions was not beneficial. It is believed that poultry keepers throw 



.away money expended for it. Such powder is not essential, and it 

 may be doubted whether it is useful in helping to maintain a condi- 

 tion of vigorous health. 



II. Clover Rowen vs. Cabbage for Egg Production in Winter. 

 The comparison of these two feeds has engaged our attention 



•during only one experiment. The cut clover was fed in the morning 



