184 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



three classes together, as the weaker ones, in the latter case, 

 would not get their full share of feed. 



Perhaps the first of May is as good a time as any to have 

 lambs dropped that are designed to be kept for breeding stock ; 

 but where the ewes are well cared for, especially when the lambs 

 are designed for the butcher, a somewhat earlier time would 

 be better. 



Lambs should be taken off from the ewes the latter part of 

 August 'or early in September, and placed in a meadow, and 

 should be well cared for during the fall, following winter and 

 spring, when such should be selected for breeding as combine the 

 most desirable qualities. 



Herman Vincent, Chairman. 



POULTRY. 



MIDDLESEX. 



Statement of George C. Wright. 

 I offer for your inspection and premium two coops of white 

 Leghorns that are bred from fowls which have taken the first 

 premium at the Middlesex Agricultural Fair. They were 

 hatched the last of March, and are six months and a few days 

 old — commenced laying when five months and two weeks old. 

 I have kept black Spanish, Brahma pootra, and other breeds of 

 fowls, but, for the size and number of eggs, white Leghorns are 

 the best, in my estimation. My method of feeding is as follows : 

 I give my fowls all they will eat, both summer and winter. In 

 summer I feed them on rye, oats, pease, &c., for grain. A cake 

 of scraps is also kept moistened so that it can be readily eaten. 

 Fresh water is given them every day. In winter I give them, in 

 addition to the above, scalded meal, mashed potatoes and meal, 

 carrots, cabbages, and burned bone and crockery pounded. By 

 feeding fowls in this way they are kept constantly laying, except 

 for a few weeks, when moulting. 



To the Committee on Poultry. 

 Gentlemen : — I have entered for your examination and the 

 society's premium, one trio light Brahmas, six months old ; one 



