220 MAKING POULTRY PAY 



picked dry, and sold for ten cents per pound, which 

 more than made up the dollar. Capons must be large 

 and fine to bring the best price. They should weigh 

 from seven to ten pounds, or more, each. As near a= 

 I can estimate the cost of these capons was forty cents 

 each, leaving in even numbers sixty cents for profit, 

 or $24 for the lot. This I considered very satisfactory 

 returns for the first attempt. 



"Remember this was some years ago, the sale 

 being made in the spring of 1892, but as good or better 

 results can be secured now by selecting heavy breeds 

 and giving them good care and feed. Keep them 

 growing rapidly. It will not pay to caponize cockerels 

 of small breed, as they will weigh but a few pounds 

 and sell at a low price. The size and development of 

 the bird determines the time to caponize and not the 

 age. No bird that weighs less than one and one-half 

 pounds should be operated upon. Two pounds is just 

 right." 



THE SOFT ROASTER INDUSTRY 



The farmers along the south shore of Boston Bay 

 of eastern Massachusetts have developed a special 

 poultry industry which requires the most labor during 

 the winter months and the least amount in summer. 

 This section of the state is essentially a locality of 

 small farms. On the largest plant, with a capacity of 

 6000 chickens a year, one man in addition to the pro- 

 prietor does all the work. 



Soft roasters are fowls which have nearly reached 

 maturity and are marketed while the flesh is still soft. 

 The demand opens in a small way in January and 

 continues until midsummer. The best prices are real- 

 ized in May, June and July and usually reach thirty 

 cents per pound live weight. The market opens at 



