1909.] Poultry-keeping in Scotland. 



217 



inquiry to the Lowland Districts of Scotland. The 

 members of the Committee were Mr. James Murray, M.P. 

 (Chairman), Professor R. Patrick Wright, Mr. Harry 

 Hope, Mr. S. M'Call Smith, and Mr. Alex. M. Prain. The 

 Report of the Committee [Cd. 4,616, price 2\&.\ contains a 

 review of the attempts made from time to time for the 

 encouragement of the poultry industry in Scotland, together 

 with a detailed account of its present condition. 



As a result of their inquiry, the Committee regard an 

 extension of the poultry industry throughout Scotland as of 

 essential importance to the national welfare of the country. 

 They point out that it is of special importance on small 

 holdings, because it requires little expenditure of capital and 

 brings quick and regular returns, and the work can generally 

 be undertaken without the employment of hired labour. It 

 will thus act as an inducement to the people to remain on 

 the land, and will check rural depopulation. In the opinion 

 of the Committee there are no unfavourable conditions in 

 Scotland, climatic or otherwise, more than affect other 

 branches of agriculture, to prevent a large increase of produc- 

 tion similar to that which has been attained in recent times 

 in Ireland and Denmark. 



The Committee make a number of recommendations with 

 regard to the provision of educational facilities in Scotland — 

 such as the appointment of lecturers and instructors, the 

 establishment of poultry departments at the agricultural 

 colleges, and the provision of scholarships. They also 

 recommend the allocation of a sum of not less than ,£300 

 per annum for special investigations carried out under the 

 direction of the central authority. 



With regard to production, the principal recommendation 

 is directed to the formation of breeding centres. It is sug- 

 gested that breeding centres should be established throughout 

 the country, particularly in the Highlands. Such centres 

 should be upon small farms or crofts, owned by the more 

 intelligent, energetic, and progressive men, who would be 

 willing to give special attention to the breeding of poultry, 

 and to follow the methods recommended by the Administra- 

 tive Authority. At each breeding centre only one breed of 

 fowl or duck should be kept, which should be of a breed 



