524 



Eggs versus Table Poultry. 



[dec, 



and commercial districts, whereas the finer qualities of table 

 poultry only command the best prices at a few centres. 

 For the moment we may leave the question of the purely 

 agricultural counties, where local consumption is comparatively 

 small, and deal with those areas within or near to which a 

 steady and remunerative sale can be obtained with the minimum 

 of trouble and expense. Under such conditions there can be 

 no doubt that farmers are well advised if they lay themselves 

 out to produce eggs, for these are rapidly turned into money, 

 and the consumption is far and away greater than the local 

 supply. Probably the largest profit is secured by farmers in the 

 neighbourhood of great centres of population who have a milk 

 trade, as they are able to deliver eggs at the same time either 

 direct to the consumer or to retailers. Under such conditions 

 nearly all the intermediate profits and expenses are saved. But 

 even in districts which are too far away from towns to permit of 

 personal delivery prices are well maintained throughout the 

 year, and leave a good margin of profit. In such districts, how 

 ever, the competition of foreign eggs is very severe, and it is 

 essential that the system adopted shall secure the sale of the 

 eggs whilst they are absolutely new-laid. When that is done 

 the cream of the trade is taken by home supplies. It is where 

 this all-important point is neglected that so much complaint is 

 made as to prices realized. The remedy, however, is largely in 

 the hands of producers themselves. 



Supply of Eggs in Winter. — Where production breaks down in 

 this country is in securing an adequate supply of eggs in winter. 

 The time when profit is largest is from September to February, 

 during which period those who serve consumers direct find a 

 great difficulty in meeting requirements, and traders who buy 

 foreign eggs are in an advantageous position. Hence house- 

 holders, in many cases, prefer to deal at shops rather than buy 

 from those who are unable to serve them contniuously through- 

 out the year. Hitherto, in respect to eggs, farmers have not set 

 themselves to solve the problem as they have in the case of 

 milk and butter, and until they do so it will be impossible to 

 secure the full benefits of dealing with consumers. Vendors of 

 milk enter into contracts or other arrangements to supply 

 a given quantity regularly all the year round, and realize that if 



