2/4 AGRICULTURE 



Incubators and Brooders. When fowls are raised on a large 

 scale, it is convenient and economical to use incubators and brood- 

 ers. In the incubators the eggs are hatched by artificial heat, and 

 the brooders furnish homes for the little chickens. The brooders 

 must be kept at the proper temperature, and the chickens must 

 be fed often and little at a time. Raising chickens requires con- 

 stant attention to details which is gained by experience. 



EXERCISE 



Would you not like to raise some fowls ? They require little room, but 

 should have proper care. You can begin with- one hen. If she is kept 

 alone, her eggs will be infertile and will not hatch. What will you feed 

 her in summer ? What food and care will you give her in winter so as 

 to keep her laying? 



BEES 



Breeds. There is as much difference in breeds of bees as in 

 breeds of cattle or sheep. A colony of the common East India 

 bees produces about ten or twelve pounds of honey a season; a 

 single colony of Cyprian bees has been known to produce a thou- 

 sand pounds. 



Colonies, or swarms, of our native brown or black bees make 

 their homes in hollow trees. These bees are often kept on farms; 

 they are spiteful, less able to protect themselves against insect ene- 

 mies than some other breeds, and produce less honey. Cyprian 

 bees are industrious but cross. The Italians are good workers and 

 less spiteful. The Corniolans are gentle, hardy, and industrious. 

 The Caucasians, a breed recently introduced into this country 

 by the Department of Agriculture, bid fair to become popular. 

 They are gentle and are excellent honey-gatherers. 



Beekeeping. Beekeeping is most profitable in localities 

 w r here blossoms are abundant. Buckwheat, asters, and mints, 



