28 THE FIELD OF RESEARCH 



sometimes seem small and insignificant factors, and if the actual carrying 

 on of the experiment is turned over to an assistant the experiment may be 

 affected by secondary factors so that the results of the work may be of little 

 or no permanent value. It is true that as a rule poultry experiments are 

 extremely tedious and time consuming and it is sometimes necessary to 

 turn over some of the details to an assistant, but this is never really desir- 

 able. An experimenter should be close to his experiments. 



In this brief paper I shall not attempt to point out the particular 

 problems in poultry husbandry that are of especial importance. Ques- 

 tions of this nature must be settled to a large extent by each investigator 

 according to his equipment, local conditions, and his ability to carry out a 

 certain line of work. But, speaking generally, it would seem that the main 

 lines of improvement lie somewhat in the following directions : 



1 . Investigations should be conducted in the production of eggs better 

 suited for incubation than those generally produced. A large amount of 

 money is lost in this country each year in the incubation of eggs wholly 

 infertile or with weak germs. This should be remedied. 



2. Investigations are needed in incubation and brooding, so that a 

 larger percentage of chicks can be brought to maturity. 



3. Further studies are needed in the theory of feeding fowls for the 

 production of meat and eggs, as most of our knowledge in this respect is 

 vague, and based on insufficient evidence. 



4. The production and handling of market eggs should be studied with 

 reference to the quality of the egg; egg preservation, and cold storage. 



5. Investigations should be carried on concerning diseases and para- 

 sites, and those more general factors which have to do with the efficiency of 

 fowls, including the subjects of housing and management. 



In closing, permit me to quote a few words from the Report of the 

 Committee on Education and Experimentation of The American Poultry 

 Association, regarding the importance of investigations in poultry hus- 

 bandry. 



"The practical poultry man encounters difficulties at every turn. Why 

 are so many of the eggs infertile? Why do so many chicks die in the shell? 

 Why do so many chicks die after incubation and what is the remedy? 

 How should little chicks be fed for best results? How should one feed 

 various breeds during different seasons for egg production? What is the 

 best type of house for winter egg production for summer use in hot 

 climates? What is the cause and remedy for White Diarrhoea, for roup 

 and other serious ailments? How should one mate fowls in order to obtain 

 certain desired qualities in the offspring? How do the constituents in 

 various poultry foods differ in digestibility? 



