8 



POULTRY. 



This department was well filled with all the leading varieties, 

 and generally in good condition. A large crowd of visitors, 

 making it difficult for the Committee to attend to the feeding, 

 attest the interest and value of poultry to the farming com- 

 munity. In these sheds were arranged the Light Brahma and 

 Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, Leghorns with the little Bantams, 

 all surrounded by their favorites, and all seeking a solution of 

 the poultry problem, and better results. This subject is full of 

 mystery and the poultry-man finds that nature imparts her 

 secrets very sparingly. This involves patience and the field of 

 experiment. Hope is an element in this work, so is a discipline 

 of all the faculties. It is a large industry. "Where one family 

 keep a horse or cow, five keep poultry, and a large amount of 

 food is produced for the people. At this time, (Nov. 21st) eggs 

 are worth thirty-six cents per dozen ; at some other points in 

 the State, fifty cents. Your Committee can impart very little 

 that is new in the way of treatment. It must come by love 

 and study. A quarter of a century ago our Asiatic fowl were 

 coarse, ungainly and comparatively ugly. The New Englander 

 has put on the polish, rearranged the plumage ; and more — 

 he has told us how to keep them in health by feeding properly 

 and keeping them clean. Now, with all that has been done, 

 many would think that we could arrive at desired results, and 

 WQ can if we do not desire too much or demand unreasonable 



