74 



SQUABS FOR PROFIT 



the good results were due almost entirely to this 

 method of feeding, and, especially, to the rich hemp 

 given in the ration. 



It is necessary to discontinue the extra quantity of 

 hemp as soon as the molting has been accomplished. 

 We noticed some of the birds shed some feathers of a 

 new coat before the quantity was cut down. We shall 

 continue the use of hemp seed for another year with 

 at least a portion of the flock. We shall also experi- 

 ment with a pen of birds, using flax seed instead of 

 hemp, or with a combination of these grains. 



The molting season may fairly be said to reflect the 

 care the birds have had during the year. If the ra- 

 tion has been stinted, and they come up to this period 

 in an enfeebled condition, they will give very slight re- 

 turns ; but if kept during the whole season in continu- 

 ous, sturdy, vigorous health, they may be expected by 

 this change in the ration to be profitable even during 

 the molting period. 



FIG. 2S — A GOOD BKEBDEB. 



