394 THE BEGINNER IN POULTRY 



means of a pocket microscope, ought to be of consider- 

 able aid in making up fancy matings in some breeds. 



More and more the States are coming into line in pro- 

 hibiting the wearing of song-bird feathers. Each year 

 skill in producing handsome and effective millinery 

 trimmings, neckwear, and other decorative feather 

 work increases, till it now seems almost like wizardry. 

 Each year the " back-to-nature " cry increases the de- 

 mand for fancy fishing tackle. All these things mean 

 more demand for feathers of all kinds. Just common 

 feathers and brilhantly colored feathers. 



Not far from my home lives a quiet man who manu- 

 factures fishing tackle. He is keen for brilliant feathers 

 of many kinds, particularly the half-length grades, like 

 hackle feathers. In millinery, glossy feathers, and those 

 of any brilliant and beautiful colors, as well as all well- 

 formed white feathers in perfect condition, are in large 

 demand. The substitution of " wings," " breasts," etc., 

 for ostrich feathers is greater as each autumn comes 

 around. Great quantities of these are now artificial — 

 shop-made. It is to the interest of any Beginner to 

 study the question of feathers before he selects his 

 breeds, especially if he expects to become a large pro- 

 ducer. When fowls are marketed dressed and in large 

 numbers, the feathers become a goodly item, either of 

 waste or of income, according to the method of handling. 



Even the little Indian Runner duck will give, when 

 matured, nearly one fourth of a pound of feathers to a 

 picking. If duck feathers are sixty cents a pound, this 

 means fifteen dollars for every hundred birds dressed, 

 and will pay for expert dressing, more than twice over. 

 If the early ducks were retained and picked three times 



