CAPONS 401 
an average weight of eight pounds for a year-old bird and a sell- 
ing price of thirty cents, we have a market value at killing time 
of two dollars and forty cents; this leaves a profit of over one 
dollar and twenty cents. But the price and weight may each be 
less. A comparison of profits from capons and cockerels, as shown 
in figure 184, proves the value of caponizing. 
Spaying.—-By spaying is meant the removal of the ovaries 
or productive organs of the pullet or female in much the same 
Fic. 184.—The comparison of weights (cockerel 534 Ibs., capon 714 Ibs.) proves the advan- 
tage of caponizing. Both are from the same brood of Langshans, seven months old. 
manner as caponizing is performed. From a practical stand- 
point it will never become general, for the following reasons: 
The value of pullets for egg production is so high that it is 
doubtful if they would ever be as profitable if disposed of for meat. 
After the operation there is no pronounced change in charac- 
teristics, nor is there the rapid development of flesh seen in capons. 
It is almost impossible to remove the ovaries so completely 
that they will not again develop,—even with the greatest care 
and the use of caustics to kill any remaining tissue. 
Therefore the results of spaying are not such as to warrant 
its general practice. 
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