298 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



From this it appears that the animal net income per fowl, 

 from eggs alone, is $1. Value of manure, 600 pounds, at three 

 cents, 



Statement of Mrs. Caroline Winter. 



In May, 1857, having one Bantam hen in my possession, I 

 procured eggs and set her on them. I supposed at the time, 

 they were the eggs of our common fowl, but a part of the pul- 

 lets bear a strong resemblance to the Blueden variety ; there- 

 fore we call them such. I raised from that brood six pullets, 

 which I exhibit here, and propose to show their product and 

 expense for one year. 



Three of them commenced laying on the 1st of September, 

 at less than four months old ; the others later. I have kept an 

 exact account of their eggs for one year from that date, which 

 is 76 dozens. Four of them had broods, and we have raised 

 46 chickens. They have had a variety of food, — shelled corn, 

 Indian meal, dough, mixed with boiled potatoes, buckwheat and 

 oats, raw potatoes chopped fine, or grated, mixed with Indian 

 meal. I think the water and starch contained in the raw 

 potato, has a tendency to increase their eggs. When we have 

 kept them shut up, I have chopped refuse pieces of meat for 

 them, and pounded up bones from uncooked meat, which they 

 devour greedily, but never burnt bones. I feel satisfied, even 

 with my limited experience, that there is a good profit in 

 raising chickens. A hen will lay as many eggs, and bring up 

 a brood, as she will without doing so, as she must have rest. 



Our fowls are shut up a part of the year. Their house is 

 situated on the south side of the barn, where they have the 

 benefit of sun and air, and also access to the earth under the 

 buildings. These fowls are of medium size, flesh plump, skin 

 yellow, and very nice for the table. The chickens brought a 

 good price in the market. I think for fattening poultry, Indian 

 corn the best food, but for the production of eggs, a variety of 

 food is necessary. 



