A REVOLUTION IN EGG PRODUCTION 89 



If we were to i-eally attempt to force laying, by the use 

 of drugs or condiments, such reasoning would likely prove 

 correct. By lengthening the day, however, we are doing noth- 

 ing of the kind — we are merely placing before the hens an 

 opportunity to help themselves, at will, to whatever they 

 need, for a longer period in each twenty-four hours. 



As absolute proof that a longer day is conducive to 

 health and vigor, rather than the reverse, we have here the 

 records of a flock, under these so-called forcing conditions, 

 yielding well in eggs in the winter of 1913-1914; and, with the 

 longer day, an increasing yield from January 21st, until the 

 natural longer days of spring, and then right on through the 

 summer. 



We now come to the time of all others when the lack of 

 vigor, as a result of the supposed debilitating influences of the 

 conditions under consideration would appear, namely, the 

 moulting season. 



A glance at the tables furnished, shows a gradual de- 

 crease in egg yield from August 11th until August 21st, when 

 the birds were in such a heavy moult that the dropping boards 

 were literally covered with feathers. 



Other seasons, we would expect the yield to drop off en- 

 tirely when the fowls were in the condition shown at this time. 

 The combs would shrink, and lose nearly all their color, the 

 fowls would stand around in a listless manner, as if they were 

 tired of life, and altogether present a more or less bedraggled 

 appearance. 



Now was thought a good time to "Ask the birds, their 

 judgment is good," as to whether a longer day, at this time, 

 would help them obtain sufficient nourishment to sustain the 

 drain on their systems, incident to growing a new crop of 

 feathers, and at the same time lay eggs. To ask them whether, 

 in their judgment, they were played out as a result of having 

 had such long days in the past winter of cruel treatment, in 

 being forced off their perches so early in the morning, and 

 kept off their perches, by the glare of the light, so late at 

 night. 



Judging by results in winter and spring, we had a some- 

 what sure feeling of what the answer would be ; but one never 

 can be positive of such things, until they are put to the actual 

 test of practical experience. 



