MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 105 



The exhibition of fowls was very fine. All the kinds com- 

 mon to New England, as well as all the imported varieties 

 which have become familiar to us, were on the ground in large 

 numbers. Much attention is paid to the rearing of poultry in 

 this county', and it is hoped that some means may be suggested 

 of ascertaining its annual value hereafter. 



With considerable experience in the rearing and management 

 of poultry and from having kept accurate accounts of the ex- 

 pense of producing it among the several varieties, there are no 

 doubts remaining with us that the best sorts which have been 

 common in New England for the last twenty-five years, are the 

 most profitable both for eggs and flesh, and command a higher 

 price per pound in the markets in this State, than any other. 

 To be made profitable here, chickens must be brought out early 

 and sent to market in July and August. They then bring a 

 higher price per pair than they will in September and October, 

 or even later. Hatched out in March or early in April, kept in 

 warm, sumiy places and plentifully supplied with proper food,, 

 our common varieties come nearly to maturity by that time ; 

 are fat, plump and tender, and bring in the Boston market, from 

 seventy-five cents to one dollar twelve and a half cents per 

 pair. At this rate poultry may be raissd to a profit in Middle- 

 sex county. 



The larger varieties seem to us fitted and designed for 

 warmer climates. In our experience we have found that it 

 requires some eighteen months to bring them to maturity, by 

 which time forty or fifty cents a pound would not be too much 

 to pay their cost of keeping. In the southern States, where 

 they could have an extensive range over the stubble of wheat 

 fields, or could feed at pleasure about the stack yaids, they 

 might prove a profitable variety. 



That the farmers in the county feel a very general interest 

 in this pleasant anniversary, was manifest by the large numbers 

 that attended upon it. The influence of such gatherings must 

 be beneficial. It stimulates competition in the various modes of 

 husbandry and production of crops, brings the people of differ- 

 ent towns together to relate their experience, compare their 

 stock and kindle a generous enthusiasm and kindly neighbor- 

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