454 COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



bone, for example, is made from the shafts or quills of large flight 

 feathers. 



Prime feathers are those that are dry-picked, clean and fully 

 cured, and properly sorted. By all means keep the different 

 grades separate. Tail feathers should not be mixed with body 

 feathers, not even with wing feathers, unless they resemble them. 

 Make bundles of the quills, and either tie them together or pack 



{.Courtesy U. S. Dep'l AgricuUure) 

 Fig. 289. — "String" killing and picking. 



them in boxes. One-sided quills, usually the flight feathers from 

 the wing tips, are not worth as much as the full feathers, hence 

 they should be kept separate. 



Remember, that an inferior article packed with a superior one 

 will invariably reduce the value of all to the level of the inferior 

 article. The call for feathers is constanth' changing, conse- 

 quently it is well to consult the dealers as to just what is wanted, 

 and for any details in packing and shipping. Commission men 



