A REVOLUTION IN EGG PRODUCTION 111 



eggs at all seasons. What a bonanza would such a condition 

 create in any manufacturing line, or in a wholesale or retail 

 business. 



To illustrate how quickly a large flock of hens which are 

 not producing can eat into a bank account, we have an example 

 on Pages 59 and 60, where the feed in October, 1913, cost 

 $26.13, and the production in eggs was only $7.91. A large 

 flock on this same basis, would produce a large balance on the 

 wrong side of the ledger in a short time. Even millionaires 

 would tire of extended experience of this kind. If no profits 

 are made, they at least expect to get their money back. 



To the generality of poultry keepers, in a small way, 

 this would be the time when they would reason that they must 

 cut down expenses and withhold the feed. 



To do so, however, would be suicidal ; because, if that 

 was done, the flock would not only remain in the non-produc- 

 ing class all winter, but would still cause a necessary expense 

 for feed. By liberal feeding at this time, the flock was en- 

 abled to turn the scale in the following month, and do well 

 all winter thereafter. 



Capital and Equipment for Large Flocks 



By careful watching, and close observation, large flocks 

 can be housed and cared for more economically than small 

 flocks. The labor can be cut down, by labor saving devices 

 for carrying feed, litter, droppings, etc. ; and the houses can 

 be so constructed that they may be easily subdivided, at 

 pleasure, by placing swinging doors in the divisions, in such 

 a manner as not to be a hindrance or impediment to free 

 ingress or egress. 



With automatic feeders in use, a grain conveyor could 

 be so equipped, and without great expense, as to fill all the 

 feeders, in succession, by the use of power machinery. 



Such arrangements, with an automatic supply of water, 

 would enable the poultryman to care for large flocks with 

 a minimum of expense. 



Only the actual expenses for material necessary for pro- 

 duction have been gone into in the preceding chapters. The 

 items of general expense, labor, interest on investment, etc., 

 have not been gone into or taken up. These various items can 



