ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 73 



obtained a store box of sufficient size ani plained off all lettering. A 

 row of unbroken rye straw, the length of the heighth of the inside of the 

 box was placed on and around the ends and sides of the box about one 

 and one-half inches thick, with a layer of straw on the bottom. This 

 was covered with fowls placed closely together with their backs up. A 

 course of straight rye straw was put over these, followed by more birds, 

 and so on until the box was full. The box was then shipped to the same 

 firm and the net return was 13 cents per pound, while the market quota- 

 tions were a quarter of a cent per pound less than in November. A letter 

 accompanying the remittance said it was the most attractive lot of 

 dressed poultry ever seen in that market, and that 100 boxes like it could 

 have been sold in one hour." 



There are many rocks upon which the hopes of the poultry raiser 

 sometimes get wrecked. 



In-breeding is one of the most prolific sources of danger, and is far 

 too prevalent in the country at the present time, and to insure strong, 

 healthy fowls and a plentiful supply of eggs, should be studiously avoided. 



Keeping a large number of fowls together has proven another fruit- 

 ful source of danger, and has resulted disastrously to many who have 

 made the attempt. To insure success in raising poultry on a large scale, 

 separate runs should be provided and there is practically no limit to the 

 number which can be kept except lack of space. 



Another error frequently made is that of keeping fowls until they are 

 past their usefulness. They should be disposed at two years or three at 

 the most. If kept longer they will not sell for "spring chickens." 



In raising poultry for market, chickens should always be sold as 

 broilers when hatched early and are large enough to realize the high 

 prices nearly always prevalent 111 ihe early part of the season. The net 

 returns are usually much larger, and it savesi the cost of extra growth, 

 and the danger of loss by death is avoided. 



Finally, to insure success, provide your fowls with good warm houses, 

 with plenty of sunshine. Give them pure water and a generous supply of 



