392 THE BEGINNER IN POULTRY 



any price. The city markets demand it, because time 

 is precious, delay costly, and labor also costly. I in- 

 quired about the proposed selling eggs by weight. Com- 

 mission men said that it would, if enforced, cause them 

 infinite trouble and loss. One firm of very large com- 

 mission handlers said that they would drop the whole 

 business were such a law enforced. They believed it 

 would cause grocers less trouble, because the tendency 

 is to sell ail small stuff in small baskets, or rather trays, of 

 a standard size. The weight of these being known, they 

 would be sold, when full, as always of a certain weight, 

 without weighing the sale. 



I know at least one firm of Boston dealers who furnish 

 coops for live poultry, rebating their cost when they are 

 received full of poultry. They take all 'kinds of stock, 

 and make it as easy for the shipper as they can. These 

 are not commission men ; they buy outright, and offer 

 a stated price per pound. I hope this method of buying 

 will spread. It is far more satisfactory for the produc- 

 ing shipper, who hates bitterly to pay commissions. I 

 judge by its development each year since beginning, 

 that the business is also satisfactory to the firm. Strong, 

 light coops in which the fowls can stand easily upright, 

 are recommended. If large, they should be partitioned. 

 It is stated that overfeeding on the start is likely to 

 make the poultry dumpish and sick, but that light feeding 

 may be indulged in, when shipping from one-day-distant 

 points. New York law does not permit the sale of 

 poultry with food in the crop. 



