THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN 1916 818 
directions, and with a fair amount of success. Among these are 
the breeding centres established as a result of action by the Board 
of Agriculture, and the offering of land for allotments and poultry 
runs, chiefly in urban districts, which are all to the good. In this 
direction there is abundant opportunity for extension, as there 
is much land partly used or unused which could thus be put to 
productive purposes. More important, however, is the removal 
of restrictions in rural districts, which have been imposed upon 
those who might have done much to increase native supplies, and 
by the experience thus gained have been of special service in these 
days. Unfortunately, County War Committees have done very 
little to assist up to the present time. These bodies seem to think 
nothing of moment smaller in size of body than are pigs. The 
new Ministry of Food should be able to exert a vast influence in 
bringing about a more satisfactory state of affairs. 
The most notable step taken during the year under review was 
by the Great Eastern Railway Company, the first in Europe on 
the part of a corporation of that class. Following upon an exhaus- 
tive inquiry into the opportunities presenting themselves in East 
Anglia, a commencement was made by running an egg and poultry 
demonstration train throughout that great area. The success in 
point of interest awakened was very great, and it may be anticipated 
that a large increase of production will follow, and that other 
railways will adopt similar methods, using to the full every medium 
of connection between producer and consumer. 
Limitation of hunting has led to a great increase in nnmber of 
foxes and to greater losses by poultry-keepers. Even more serious 
is the check to development. Many farmers refuse to increase 
their flocks of poultry because of the risks involved. At a time 
like the present, when food production is of supreme importance, 
every hindrance should be removed. Drastic measures need to be 
taken to get rid of predatory vermin of this type. 
It is satisfactory to record that during the year 1916 steps have 
been taken to bring about greater unity in the poultry industry, 
putting an end to its lack of organisation. These are not yet com- 
pleted, but signs are hopeful that a partial, if not entire, unification 
