THE STATE AS FARMER 81 



very seriously and aimed at a real reputation 

 in this department of farming. The stock 

 would have to be carefully chosen and the 

 male portion of it regularly renewed ; a few 

 enthusiasts would assist by working faith- 

 fully at the improvement of the strain or 

 strains which are made use of and endeavour- 

 ing to establish a national reputation. The 

 due balance between the repute for show 

 birds and that for fine table poultry is well 

 worthy of particular attention. The risks 

 of feather notoriety can only be avoided 

 by sane and business-like attention to the 

 true methods of ' utility.' Exactly the same 

 breeding methods are required for poultry 

 as for cattle. The elimination of the bad 

 layer is imperative if the national interest 

 is to supersede that of the ' fancier.' But 

 the difficulties are great, and can only be 

 overcome by serious business methods applied 

 to sanitation as well as to breeding and 

 feeding. The depot must be prepared to 

 store eggs as well as to grade and deliver 

 promptly, and it must be left to each district 

 to decide upon the policy to pursue in the 

 matter of the fat poultry, so much depends 



