4 



bor might be very glad to care for them for the eggs, or for a 

 slight remuneration. 



With the exception of the farm flock, back yard poultry 

 keeping is considered by economists to be the most profitable 

 source of eggs, due to the following reasons: — ■ 



1. The cost of feed is low on account of the utilization of 

 waste, not only from the owner's table, but from that of 

 neighbors; garden refuse of all kinds, together with lawn clip- 

 pings, is usually fed abundantly. 



2. The labor cost in back yard poultry keeping is low or nil; 

 in fact, such work is considered by most people more of a 

 recreation or health renewer than actual work. 



3. Usually the flock is small and receives exceptional care, 

 which results in an extremely high annual egg production. 



4. Generally a splendid retail price is obtained for all surplus 

 eggs. 



5. The cost of house and equipment is low, and the land 

 used is sometimes unproductive or not needed for crops. 



There are a number of reasons why back yard flocks should 

 be kept wherever possible : — 



1. It reduces the high cost of living. 



2. In homes where eggs are produced the tendency is to eat 

 more eggs and less meat. 



3. The poultry manure can be put to splendid use on the 

 garden plot. 



4. It saves labor in the disposal of refuse, or expense in 

 having it carried away. 



5. It increases the total amount of eggs produced, thus 

 adding one's bit to the nation's food supply. 



6. It keeps the boys and girls busy, and furnishes them with 

 profitable labor. 



7. It introduces the boy and girl to the commercial or busi- 

 ness world. 



8. In many instances it is the only way the wife or children 

 can add to the family income or assist in production. 



That from 90 to 97 per cent, of the people in Boston, 

 for example, should be compelled to use only western or 

 storage eggs is a lamentable condition, everything considered. 

 In talking with a professional man of considerable prominence a 



