INTMODUOTION. 



19 



Every one who has studied the development of 

 various pursuits knows how great is the tendency 

 towards concentration, and when combined with an 

 absolute neglect of poultry keeping elsewhere, with a 

 feeling that it is an unprofitable pursuit, far beneath 

 the notice of agriculturists, the trade naturally passed 

 into a comparatively limited area. But when we 

 look at the matter a little more closely, what do we 

 find ? That Dorkings can be bred as successfully in 

 the north of Scotland, in the north of Ireland, in Cum- 

 berland and Westmoreland, as in Surrey. Given that 

 fact, the question of fattening is by no means difficult. 

 We can by proper buildings and other arrangements 

 overcome any atmospheric influences there may be so 

 long as the birds themselves are produced. If Aber- 

 deen can produce some of the best beef that is to be 

 found anywhere, it is equally suitable for the production 

 of table poultry, and thus the question of latitude is by 

 no means as important as many people imagine. 



Eeferring again to the Surrey, Kent, and Sussex 

 districts, the well-known firm of Messrs. Brooke Bros., 

 of Smithfield Market, London, have given me the 

 following figures, the total amount paid by them to 

 .senders in the counties of Surrey, Kent, and Sussex 

 alone in 1891-2 :— 



