306 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE, 



namely " a result." We have taken indiscriminately the state- 

 ments (found among the reports of different agricultural 

 societies in past years) of nine individuals in different portions 

 of the State, and give below the aggregate. Commencing the 

 year with about eight hundred hens, the expenses of keeping 

 amounted to $732.28, (reckoning from the preceding autumn, 

 and including of course the expense of wintering,) and the 

 receipts, including chickens and eggs sold, consumed, and on 

 hand, (making allowance from the stock on hand, to make it 

 fully equal to the number with . which they started,) to over 

 $1,410.16, showing a profit, clear above expenses of $677. 88. In 

 seven of these cases, no mention was made of manure or feathers. 

 In the other two they were not included in the receipts. The 

 receipts too, were unquestionably smaller than they would be in 

 our immediate neighborhood ; the prices, so far as quoted, 

 being considerably less than we are accustomed to. Assuming 

 that the manure and feathers were not included, (which from 

 the wording of the statements we feel fully justified in doing,) 

 and adding to the receipts sufficient to make up the difference 

 between our prices, and the general average, (much reduced by 

 the prices in districts not so closely connected with large con- 

 suming and non-producing centres as we are,) and the profit 

 would be increased so as to fully equal one dollar per head of 

 jthe original stock, and net over one hundred per cent, upon 

 the outlay. What, that the farmer raises or keeps, or pro- 

 duces, will excel this ? 



As to the varieties and breeds, we do not propose to enter the 

 lists at all, or undertake to show which is the best, or why we 

 think so. Truly " their name is legion," and each finds able 

 defenders, hardly any two of whom agree. One wants eggs, 

 another roast chicken, another fine color, another size, &c. &c., 

 and we sincerely pity the man who undertakes to secure a place 

 in an insane hospital, by trying to maintain and defend an 

 opinion that any one kind is better than another. If ever the 

 celebrated " Old Grimes " breed is heard of (except in song) 

 which it will be recollected laid two eggs a day ordinarily, and 

 as a special act of piety signalized the Sabbath by laying three, 

 we will enlist as its defender. Meanwhile experience will soon 

 satisfy each one which will answer his particular purpose best. 



