AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE. 



houdana are, also, in favour for crosses with orpingtons, 

 Plymouth rocks, brahmas and cochins. Heavy-breasted, 

 firm-fleshed birds, with white legs, and weighing up to 

 91bs., are desirable. 



For Export. A bird with yellow skin, clean white or 

 yellow legs, small in bone and plump when dressed. 



BREEDING. Hens, Turkeys, or Incubators ? Much 

 experience is available concerning the merits of hens, 



turkey hens, and incubators for 

 hatching. So far as the time is 

 concerned there is no difference; 

 but as to the results, very 

 marked differences occur. 

 Briefly it may be said that it is 

 best to gain experience with 

 hens, or turkeys, before ventur- 

 ing upon an incubator. A good 

 deal will be learned during a 

 season or two with hens, which 

 will simplify matters when the 

 incubator is taken in hand. 



Self-regulating Incubator. 



Hatching Time. Which ever process we follow, the 

 cooler months from July to September answer best for 

 bringing out chickens ; but, with the precautions 

 mentioned regarding nesting, hen mothers, vermin, &c., 

 other seasons will do, though there is always the serious 

 risks of vermin during hot weather. With the aid of 

 incubators, chickens can be raised at any time. Hen-eggs, 

 of all breeds, take 21 days to hatch cut ; ducks, 28 days, 

 with the exception of the Muscovy, which often takes 35 

 days ; goose, 30 to 35 days ; Guinea and pea fowls, from 

 28 to 30 days ; turkeys, 28 days. 



The Breeding Stock. Select the fowls from which the 

 next year's stock of chickens are to be bred and place them 

 apart from others. Even if not pure bred, a careful 

 selection of half-a-dozen hens which are in good health and 

 good layers, and a vigorous male of the breed considered 

 best for the purpose in view, will give eggs more sure of 

 hatching and more hardy and vigorous chickens than can 

 be got from twice as many eggs taken from a larger stock 



