380 BROILERS, ROASTERS, AND CAPONS 
the consumers have no call for this product. The demand begins 
in November and December, continuing and increasing until the 
middle of February, when it is at its height. From this time until 
July, the demand is approximately steady; but, after the last of 
March, there is a constantly increasing supply, which keeps the 
price from rising, and in fact makes it slowly fall. There is no 
great decline until the last of May, when the price drops suddenly. 
This is largely because of the enormous natural and seasonable 
supply brought to market as a surplus product from the hatching 
of pullets. The profitable season, then, for specialized broiler 
Aug.|Sept.| Oct. | Nor | Deo.| Jan | Feb_| Mar |Aprit| May|June|\July 
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Fia. 176.—Curves showing seasonal variations in price and the supply of broilers. This 
shows that the supplies of March, April, and May are met by a high price. 
growing is in the months of December, January, February, March, 
and April, with its “ high-water mark” during March. The chart 
(Fig. 176) shows the curve of demand and price, the effect of 
the incoming natural supply, and the correspondingly increased 
demand due to lower price. 
Desirable Features in a Broiler—To fulfil the definition of 
a broiler, hence to meet market requirements and the demands 
of the trade, a chicken should come up to the following standard: 
(1) It should be full feathered and well filled out, especially breast 
and thigh. (2) It should have a compact form, for large bones 
give a rangy and lanky appearance to the bird when dressed. 
(8) The meat should be of good quality, which means that it 
