170 BIGGLE POULTRY BOOK. 



cially valuable for the person who is unable to devote 

 more than an hour or two daily to his flocks. "Poultry 

 Secrets" (The Farm Journal's valuable manual) illus- 

 trates the idea, and as it is a simple affair it can be 

 readily made by any bright boy. It is important that 

 we know our hens. 



Classes in Poultry Husbandry, such as are con- 

 ducted by the leading State Agricultural Colleges 

 throughout the United States, are doing an immense 

 amount of good in giving scientific information which 

 will not only make poultry culture more profitable, but 

 will make the work easier and more pleasant. It is 

 surprising how many young ladies belong to these 

 classes. 



Another innovation of late years that is educa- 

 tional, is that of the laying contests now being held in 

 the several states, Missouri, Connecticut, New Jersey, 

 Delaware, and others. Harriet and I one day visited 

 one of them and such a sight we shall never forget. 

 One thousand hens of all the prominent breeds were in 

 competition with each other. Everyone of them was 

 being trapnested, and not only^flock records, but indi- 

 vidual records were kept, and it is wonderful what lay- 

 ing they were doing. We are fast going into the 200- 

 egg class with our hens, and much credit for it belongs 

 to trap nests and the work done and taught by these 

 laying contests. 



If we are able to get more eggs from less hens by 

 following out a certain system in feeding, breeding and 

 caring for poultry, we will not only make the business 

 jnore profitable, but will make it more stable. These 

 contests have proved that the best layers do not neces- 



