WAR-TIME FOREWORD xiii 



our troops and our allies if this grain is fed to 

 hens. In some places pinched or frosted wheat, so- 

 called, may be purchased. There is no reason why 

 it should not be used. Experience has shown, 

 though, that wheat is not needed. Very satisfactory 

 results have been obtained when oats have been 

 used almost exclusively. Oats and corn together 

 make an excellent grain ration when supplemented 

 by green food and table scraps. There is no better 

 scratch feed than a mixture of two-thirds corn and 

 one-third oats. 



This ration must be supplemented, however, with 

 a good dry mash. Such a mash may consist of 

 equal parts of wheat bran and corn meal, with 

 twenty per cent, of beef scraps. Beef scraps are 

 high, and yet are indispensable, unless skimmed 

 milk, powdered milk, or fish scraps can be sub- 

 stituted. Skimmed milk is often obtained at low 

 cost in country towns, but backyard poultry keepers 

 in larger communities must depend upon beef 

 scraps. Let it be said, though, that they should 

 buy the best beef scraps obtainable, regardless of 

 price. Poor scraps are not worth what they cost, 

 no matter what that may be. 



A great saving in grain can be effected by using 

 all the table scraps that are suitable for poultry. 



