22 



The Poultry Industry in Germany, [april, 



over two years which are not laying 130 eggs annually are 

 killed and replaced, the Chamber contributing 2s. 6d. per 

 bird towards the cost. The original stock is separated from 

 the other birds from the beginning of February to the end 

 of July and provided with proper runs, &c. ; all eggs laid 

 by this stock are hatched as far as possible on the farm for 

 the purpose of supplying the requirements of the Chamber, 

 which undertakes to pay 5s. for each hen at nine months, 

 and ys. to 10s. for each one to two year old cock. Eggs 

 which cannot be hatched at the station are disposed of to 

 other breeders. Careful accounts are required to be kept, 

 and if the management is satisfactory a grant of 505. or 

 upwards is made annually. 



Model Poultry Farms are, as the name implies, intended 

 to show local farmers how poultry should be kept, though 

 the distribution of eggs and young birds is regarded as 

 equally important. Farms of private holders are usually 

 selected, and a small premium paid on compliance with the 

 conditions. 



No complete figures can be given of the distribution of eggs 

 from all these local centres, but it must undoubtedly be very 

 large, and it can hardly have failed to have effected a material 

 improvement in the breeds of poultry usually kept. 



Other Forms of Assistance. — Besides the instruction given 

 at the central institutions referred to above, lecturers and 

 instructors are maintained in most districts, who, in addition 

 to giving lectures and holding meetings, carry out the 

 arrangements for the breeding stations, &c. Courses are also 

 arranged at some of the model poultry farms. 



Prizes of £2 10s. to ,£10 are given for the best 

 managed flocks of utility poultry, frequently on condition 

 that the money is used to improve the accommodation or the 

 stock of fowls. The poultry houses must be well kept and 

 arranged, the method of feeding and management satis- 

 factory, and books kept showing total production, income, 

 and receipts. 



On somewhat similar conditions, prizes are given for the 

 best "breeding centres." The exhibition of utility poultry at 

 the shows is also encouraged. Incubators and rearers are 

 distributed in some cases free to associations or societies on 



