170 MY POULTRY DAY BY DAY 
competition, whilst of those which laid 20 eggs and over 
during that period, 57 per cent. laid over 200 eggs in the ten 
months’ test, but of those producing 10 to 19 eggs, only 26 per cent. 
recorded 200 egg average. 
Another proof of the relationship between eggs produced in 
the first three winter months and the total laid in the ten months’ 
trial is given. Dividing the 800 competing birds, irrespective of 
breed, into two groups, 220 and over, and 200 to 220, it is seen 
that (with but three exceptions) all those that laid 220 eggs and 
over had produced not less than an average of 58 in the 
period mentioned. It should be added that the date of hatching 
must be considered in conjunction with the parentage, as unless 
pullets are well developed and fully matured before laying starts, 
all efforts in strain and breeding will be of little avail. All the six 
winning White Leghorns which contributed averages of 258, 244, 
268, 248, 240, 286 were hatched in April, whilst three White 
Wyandottes, laying 219, 218, 217, were hatched in March, one 
pullet laying 67 eggs in the first three months. The total 
weight of eggs obtained from the best-laying White Leghorn was 
29 Ib. 154 oz. in ten months, the average weight of birds in the 
section being only 3 lb. 8 oz., which places this breed in the front 
rank of producers. White Wyandottes recorded 28 lb. 6 oz. of 
eggs, with average weight of bird 4 Ib. 5 oz. It was found that 
medium-sized birds in all pens gave the best results, and in no 
breed did the heaviest bird in the section prove a heavy layer as 
compared with other birds. 
Assuming that the birds are of the right sort, the other important 
items are suitable feeding and housing, and on these problems the 
Board of Agriculture has written some wise words. 
WINTER FEEDING 
“‘No matter how strong the inherent instinct to lay may be, 
the hen cannot produce eggs in winter if she is not supplied with 
suitable food, and the question is, What foods or combination of 
foods can be advantageously used to promote winter laying ? 
