208 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



they have access to it ; and in fact when it is often supposed 

 from their motions that they are feeding upon insects, it is only 

 upon the leaves and hlades of the grasses and clovers. In con- 

 finement a very good substitute may be found in dry shorts, 

 ■which they will eat very freely. 



5th. Lime. This may be fed in the condition of egg-shell, 

 ground oyster shell, bones, or old mortar. 



6th. Gravel stones. When confined, it will be necessary to 

 give them a supply of gravel, or, in winter, we have found a 

 good substitute in pounded anthracite coal, or the unburned 

 bits of coal left in the ashes. Dry coal ash is also one of the 

 best absorbents of their droppings. An inch or two spread 

 upon the floor of their house will keep everything dry and 

 sweet for a long time. It will also afford a very good dusting 

 material, that will be of great service in keeping them free 

 from vermin, one of the most essential things in the whole 

 management. 



For the best results, chickens should be hatched so early in 

 spring that the pullets will commence laying in September or 

 October, and they ought not to be kept more than about a year 

 from that time, as the number of eggs laid the second year will 

 be slightly less than the first, and less of them will be laid in 

 the time of the highest prices. 



Jabez Fisher, Chairman. 



BRISTOL. 



From the Report of the Committee. 

 Considerable Inquiry was made of the Committee to know 

 some of the most useful breeds to keep. The Committee take 

 the liberty to recommend the following: Light and dark Brah- 

 mas, Plymouth Rock, Buff Cochins, Dorkings, Game, White 

 Cochins, Dominique, Chittagongs and White Leghorns. In 

 making these recommendations we do not lose sight of the fact 

 that this is an agricultural and not a poultry-fanciers' society. 

 There are many breeds of great beauty and value to the fancier 

 which are not profitable to the farmer. Farmers and others 

 who raise poultry will find it to their advantage to keep pure 

 breeds, because they will bring larger prices when they arrive 

 at maturity, and the actual cost is no more. 



