BACK YAED POULTEY KEEPING. 



J. C. GRAHAM, PROFESSOR OF POULTRY HUSBANDRY, MASSACHUSETTS 

 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS. 



Introduction. 



"Necessity is the incentive to production" may be very well 

 substituted, during this period of dire need for the necessities 

 of life, for the old adage, "Necessity is the mother of inven- 

 tion." The large decrease in the number of poultry kept on 

 farms in New England, and the going out of business of many 

 of our commercial poultry keepers, will cause a material de- 

 crease in the amount of poultry and eggs produced in this 

 section of the country, and at the same time greatly increase 

 prices. Again, the prices of other meats — beef, lamb, pork 

 and mutton — are still soaring, and have reached a point that 

 almost precludes their use by people of moderate means. It 

 seems, therefore, that if meat of any kind is to be within the 

 reach of the great mass of people we must resort to poultry. 

 It is well known to every household that eggs are a splendid 

 substitute for meats, and that large numbers have been used 

 from times immemorial during the spring or flush season of the 

 year when the price was low in comparison with meats. If 

 the consumption of red meats is almost prohibitive on account 

 of high prices, and poultrymen and farmers cut down pro- 

 duction of poultry and eggs, consumers will be obliged to 

 become producers as well; therefore the necessity for the back 

 yard flock on the part of those who have facilities to take up 

 this work. People should not allow their vacation period to 

 interfere with keeping a back yard flock, as arrangements can 

 easily be made for their care during the absence of the owner. 

 If the vacation is a long one the hens can be disposed of before 

 leaving, or, if it is spent in the country, the hens can and 

 should be sent there for economic production. Again, a neigh- 



