i& i I 4-A P0 UL TR r- CRAFT. 



t t l i - * * i c ii . e fc v 



quite impossible for their plants to grow beyond their ability to manage them. 

 These men were pioneers in poultrying. The records of their progress are 

 found in modern books on poultry, and in the files of the poultry journals. 

 The results of their work may be seen in up-to-date poultry plants, and in the 

 methods in use on such plants. The beginner of today finds sources of 

 information and instruction to which his predecessors could not resort. He 

 would be foolish, indeed, not to take advantage of such opportunities. A 

 man should learn the business before engaging in it on his own account. 

 Books and papers are within the reach of all. Practical instruction is more 

 difficult to obtain the difficulty being to some extent due to the fact that 

 those who want instruction are so often unwilling to pay for it. Too many 

 have thought a few months of their unskilled labor on a poultry farm would 

 amply pay for time devoted to teaching them, for losses and damages due to 

 their inexperience, and for the opportunity to draw at will on the accumulated 

 knowledge of an expert poultryman. Those qualified to give instruction will 

 not take pupils on such terms. 



3. How Much Income. Business Risks. A living from poultry is 

 surer to one who makes it his business than are profits from poultry to one 

 investing in a poultry plant to be conducted by another. To give a definite 

 idea of the amount to be annually realized from a plant of any given capacity, 

 would be as impossible as to estimate in advance the annual profits in any 

 business. People do make such estimates; but, how often are they right? It 

 may be said, however, that except in a few rare instances, poultry keeping is 

 not a lucrative business. Very few poultry men are making more than a good 

 living. Whether one can make a living from poultry, will depend on his fit- 

 ness for the business, his judgment in choosing a location, and on the effects 

 of influences by which, like every other business, this is affected. The poul- 

 try keeper is subject to all ordinary business risks. Those who go into this 

 business should not fail to consider ; that, 



Success, the success that brings a living from poultry, means work 

 hand work, head work, and hard work. This is a condition not peculiar to 

 poultry keeping ; that, 



Prices fluctuate, and profits vary accordingly ; and that, 



Causes beyond a man y s control may cause his failure, or delay his success. 



Those points need to be emphasized, because of some serious misconcep- 

 tions which have arisen in regard to poultry keeping as compared with other 

 businesses. It is unique in some respects, but not in being exempt from 

 influences affecting business in general. 



4. More About Profits. More detailed statements concerning profits 

 can now be given. Having read the last paragraph, no one need misunder- 

 stand the statements in this. Experienced poultrymen know about what they 

 can count on under favorable circumstances. They also know how to make 



