PERIOD OF LAYING. 83 



above of profit, No. 3, each hen gave only 

 86 eggs in the course of the year, whereas, 

 had the best breed been selected, the profits 

 would have exceeded 100 per cent. 



Seventh. It certainly appears proved that, 

 to obtain the largest number of eggs, the 

 top-knot is the best that can be employed. 



The pullet begins to lay at from six to 

 eight months after leaving the shell. They 

 usually commence in winter, or early in the 

 spring. In this latitude, the season of lay- 

 ing commences some time in February. It 

 is usually said that early pullets will begin 

 to lay in November, and continue to lay 

 during the whole winter. This does not 

 accord with my experience. Early chick- 

 ens will, indeed, begin to lay as soon as 

 above stated, but they cease with the first 

 cold weather, and do not begin again until 

 late in the spring ; whereas late chickens 

 will begin in January, and continue to lay 

 without interruption. I am at a loss to ac- 

 count for this difference, but we are all fa- 

 miliar with the effect of a sudden sharp 

 winter day upon a poultry-yard. Not an 



