AMERICAN POULTRY FARMS. 127 



in January and February, and 70 to 75 per cent, in March and 

 April." It is quite possible to get an average very soon ol 

 150 to 175 eggs per year, which means a profit of 2\ to 3 

 dollars each bird ; and he considers that he now has an 

 average of 200 eggs each, well in sight. 



These few examples have been purposely selected of 

 farms on different scales and somewhat different plans, but, 

 above all, from cases which have stood the test of time and 

 experience. Many others before us have not been thus tested, 

 and may turn out successfully or not : in fact there are, as 

 in England, not a few cases of admitted failure. The most 

 common kinds of poultry enterprise in America are what 

 are known as " broiler farms." In these a long shed 

 perhaps 200 feet long, and 10 or 12 feet wide, is divided 

 into pens about 10 by 6 feet, with a yard outside about the 

 same size. These are heated by hot-water pipes extending 

 all along, nearer the floor at one end, and gradually rising 

 towards the other, under which the chickens crouch for 

 warmth. About 50 chickens will be placed in each, and 

 each lot will be moved one pen along every day, thus 

 gradually getting a little less heat, till they weigh about 

 \\ Ib. each, when they are marketed. A few of these 

 broiler farms appear to have stood the test ; but with time 

 many have certainly failed, and shut down. Several 

 enormous establishments on a more general plan, such as 

 the mammoth farm on Fisher's Island, may or may not 

 succeed, but have only had four or five years' experience. 

 But the above cases, which could be added to, are not open 

 to these objections ; and it is important to consider carefully 

 what may be the probable reasons for the more generally 

 successful American results in this field of enterprise. 



One reason, beyond doubt, is the methodical breeding f 01 

 eggs. For a quarter of a century we have urged this in 

 every work from our pen ; but not till very lately have 



