1911 - 
1D7 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
THOSE NINE-DOLLAR JERSEY HENS. 
How They Earn the Money. 
Having spent a number of years on 
the police force of New York, and al¬ 
ways feeling as though I was in the 
wrong place, I was retired upon a pen¬ 
sion for disability. After hanging about 
the city for a few months I came here 
and took charge of this farm. It was 
one of those “abandoned farms,” having 
been without a tenant for eight years, 
and almost any farmer can imagine the 
state it was in. I took charge Novem¬ 
ber 1, 1906, and had 30 White Leghorn 
hens to start with. I never saw an egg 
for nearly three months and by that 
time the price fell. About two weeks 
after they began laying I began to see 
signs of sickness, but the trouble was 
something strange to me, and the more 
I tried to cure the more sick ones I 
had. I had purchased three turkeys and 
thev were more dead than alive when 
they arrived, which was just before I 
noticed sickness among the liens. About 
the same time my parents came-to live 
with me, bringing about 100 liens of va¬ 
rious breeds, with 15 purebred White 
\\ yandottes. It was a very short time 
after their arrival before I had more 
sick ones on hand. 
We were then getting eggs, now and 
then, and we set all that we thought fit 
to set, using incubators. When the 
chicks hatched numbers of them showed 
signs of the same sickness. At last, 
when discouraged and disgusted, I took 
the ax and cut the heads off 55 old 
hens in one day, and buried them;.then 
I commenced on the chicks, and before 
the season ended I killed more than 900 
of them, nearly all we had. From that 
time until the present I have immediately 
killed every hen showing .signs of sick¬ 
ness, and to-day I think we have as 
healthy a flock as can be found. Two of 
the turkeys died and the other one looked 
as though it would do the same only 
for the trouble it would be. The whole 
season was lost, as far as poultry was 
concerned, but we started fresh the next 
season and learned a “secret” of finding 
the laying hens, and got busy with it at 
once. Being a little skeptical I tried it 
first without disposing of the stock. I 
kept 45 tested hens picked from the whole 
flock, leaving 75 which I picked from 
as culls, but was somewhat afraid to 
dispose of. For five straight months the 
45 laid more eggs every day than the 
75, and then I was convinced I had the 
secret. 
The greater number of other secrets 
which are published in book form would 
be found by anyone using everyday 
sound sense. I think the farm. papersj 
as well as newspapers, are responsible 
for half the failures in the poultry busi¬ 
ness, as the stories and advertisements 
they publish lead so many to think there 
is little to do but pick up the eggs and 
the dollars. Most of the beginners don't 
figure on the’ necessity or the cost of a 
henhouse and a thousand other things 
needed to conduct a business of suffi¬ 
cient size to prove profitable. "It is a 
wonderfully good business which pays 25 
per cent on the investment, but the ma¬ 
jority of poultrymen or beginners in 
that line expect more than 1,000 per cent, 
as they will expend $300 or $350, some¬ 
time less, and expect enough profit from 
the investment to support themselves 
and family, beside putting a little aside 
for that “rainy day.” No one can do 
sufficient business to claim substantial 
profit until such time as they invest at 
least $1,000. The Corning Brothers 
admit $20,000. The possibilities of the 
poultry business are unknown, even 
when one confines himself to the market 
end, regardless of the prize end. 
The only-real secret in the whole busi¬ 
ness is sound sense, and if that is lack¬ 
ing, the whole thing is gone. In my 
mind the finding of a good market is 
the principle concern and surely the 
commission merchant, while he seems a 
necessity under the present system of 
distribution, is not the right way. The 
proper way is to go direct to the con¬ 
sumer, which can be done with little 
trouble, as one satisfied customer will 
advertise you enough to tax your re¬ 
sources. In our case, we are simply 
unable to raise enough eggs to supply 
the trade which comes unsought. Here 
is an instance: During my visit to New 
York in December, 1910. while doing 
business in one office I turned away or¬ 
ders enough to require 120 dozen per 
week to supply, and that at an extra 
good price. It must be admitted the 
express company wants more than their 
share, but we must submit to their 
wishes until such time as the farmers 
and city consumers get enough wisdom 
to demand a parcels post, but until then 
the consumer must pay all bills. While 
send surplus stock to the commission 
merchant I can’t say that I like to, and 
I don’t know how to dispose of chickens 
otherwise, unless one is near some mar¬ 
ket, but I am living in hope of seeing 
co-operation among farmers and then 
business can be done so the farmer gets 
his share of the dollar. 
Having put things in good running or¬ 
der, I made up my mind to improve our 
stock. I purchased 300 “purebred White 
Wyandotte eggs” for use in incubator, 
and I paid all the seller asked, but never 
expected so much for my money. We 
hatched about 90 from the 300 eggs, but 
they should be seen to be appreciated. 
I could have established a new breed 
with the chicks, as I am sure the Stand¬ 
ard does not mention anything like 
them. You might call them spotted 
Wyandotte Leghorns, as they resemble 
one breed as much as the other, it merely 
depended upon the angle of sight. I 
may be peculiar, but really I would 
have been as well satisfied if he had 
sent the real thing I ordered. I kept 
17 really nice ones, and the others went 
to market. Taking the turkey deal and 
the 300 egg deal I found I was doubting 
the honesty of poultry dealers, and I 
will leave you to judge if I had reason. 
I have since declined to purchase any¬ 
thing in the line until I see it. and even 
then you sometimes lose, and again do 
better than either party thinks. Having 
tried various henhouses and found them 
lacking, my father and I put our heads 
together and erected one on our own 
plans, and found it fills every want. 
While it may not be perfection, I think 
it will be such with a few minor inter¬ 
nal fixings. I have invited criticisms 
from every visitor, but in three years 
have failed to hear of any. At any rate, 
it has turned our attempts into sub¬ 
stantial profits, and that is the end 
Sought. w. J. DOUGAN. 
New Jersey. 
Wuux you write advertisers mention The 
It. X.-5 . and you'll get a quick reply and 
‘•a square deal." See guarantee page 1G. 
EASY CHANGE 
When Coffee Is Doing Harm. 
A lady writes from the land of cotton 
of the results of a four years’ use of the 
food beverage—hot Postum. 
“Ever since I can remember we had 
used coffee three times a day. It had a 
more or less injurious effect upon us all, 
and I myself suffered almost death from 
indigestion and nervousness caused by 
it. 
“I know it was that, because when I 
would leave it off for a few days I 
would feel better. But it was hard to 
give it up, even though I realized how 
harmful it was to me. 
“At last I found a perfectly easy way 
to make the change. Four years ago I 
abandoned the coffee habit and began to 
drink Postum, and I also influenced the 
rest of the family to do the same. Even 
the children are allowed to drink it 
freely as they do water. And it has 
done us all great good. 
“I no longer suffer from indigestion, 
and my nerves are in admirable tone 
since I began to use Postum. We never 
use the old coffee any more. 
".We appreciate Postum as a delight¬ 
ful and healthful beverage, which not 
only invigorates but supplies the best of 
nourishment as well.” Name given by 
Postum Co., Battle Creek, Mich. 
Read “The Road to Wellville,” in 
pkgs. “There’s a Reason.” 
Ever read the above letter ? A new 
one appears from time to time. They 
are genuine, true, and full of human 
interest. 
Choicest Clover Seed we«»inthehearto(the 
-- - clover district. Buying 
direct from, the farmer and selling direct to you 
gives you best quality, clean seed, and saves you 
money. Also handle Alsike and Timothy. Sample 
free Order now. O. M. SCOTT & SON, “Only 
beeds-mostly clovers,” 10 Main St., Marysville, O. 
Choose tested seed of blown vitality 
and high yielding strain. Why take 
chances when you can buy our Blue 
Ribbon Seeds—all prize seeds—as 
low or lower than others. Don’t 
buy any seeds until you read our 
new, valuable book 
“The Gateway to 
Success”-FREE 
Crowded with information every 
farmer and gardener needs. Explains 
low prices, describes our complete 
large stocks of fine Clovers and 
Grass Seeds, Alfalfa, Seed Corn, 
Oats, Cow Peas, Millet, Sorghum, 
Rape, Soja Beans, Potatoes, Onion 
Sets, etc., besides the finest Vege¬ 
table and Flower Seeds, Lawn 
Grass. Write for free book and low 
prices quick while stocks are 
complete. We fill all orders the day 
they are received and guarantee 
seeds true to name and descriptions 
WOOD, STUBBS & CO., 
L.ouisville, Ky. 
Planet Jr. 
[No. 81 1 Planet Jir 
Horse-Hoe,Culti- 
vator and Fur- 
rower is a great j 
implement for cul¬ 
tivating and hill¬ 
ing crops up to 4 J 
feet apart. Com-1 
pact, . 
's. strong, I 
V and 
steady-' 
'running. 
very farmer and gardener 
who wants bigger and better crops 
with less work should begin this spring 
to use Planet Jr tools. Over a million 
[successful tillers of the soil are now using 
them. They cut down labor, save time, and do 
more effective work besides. Fully guaranteed. 
INo. 141 Planet J* 
Double -Wheel 
Di*c-Hoe, Culti¬ 
vator and Plow 
has three adjustable 
discs on each side, 
pronged cultivator 
teeth, and 
steels for 
plowing, 
furrow¬ 
ing,and 
cover ■ 
ing. 
Write today 
for the 56-page 1911 illustrated 
Planet Jr catalogue—full of labor- 
saving implements and their description Free and 
postpaid, g L A| | en & C<} 
Bor. II07V 
Philada Pa 
Jf 
Dibble’s Farm Seeds 
Have given such excellent results since their introduction twenty years ago that now we 
are considered the leading mail order, strictly Farm Seed firm of America. We do not 
nave a single salesman on the road, pay no commissions or travelling expenses, and our 
immense sales, aggregating several million pounds of Farm Seeds annually, are sold 
direct from our 1600-acre Seed Farms through the United States mails. 
BUY DIRECT 
^ppfi PntatnPQ gl '°A n in the cold north. 60,000 bushels, 31 varieties, all that is newest 
and host, and every bushel, to the best- of our knowledge and belief, 
, , . saved from fields that were free from blight and disease. Plant 
healthy, vigorous seed and insure your crop. Seed Potatoes are comparatively cheap 
this year. BUY NOW. 
^PPfl flatQ Dibble’s Twentieth Century, a splendid variety that lias given us an aver- 
age yield on our own farms, growing 150 to 200 acres per year of over twice 
o -1 v-. x , t * le average yield of the United States for the last six years. Use Dibble’s 
Seed Oats and double your crops. Also a new Canadian Oat of value well worth trying. 
VV e sell thoroughly recleaned Seed Oats as low as 65c. per bushel, bags free. 
Qpprl finrn Four varieties that have been proven best by test on our own seed farms 
UPPU UUIII ill field culture. Varieties that are especially adapted to the Middle and 
Eastern States. We have five silos, grow 1,000 tons of corn for ensilage 
annually, besides what we plant for husking, and know what we are talking about. Is 
not our experience worth something to you V We offer in Mammoth Yellow Flint, Early 
Yellow I)ent, improved Learning and Mammoth White Dent four varieties that are un¬ 
excelled, pedigree stock, germination high. Price as low as 50c. per acre for the seed. 
Alfalfa, Clover and Grass Seeds, D. B. Brand, highest grade obtainable, and the 
same as we use on our own Seed Farms. 
SAVE MONEY 
Now, then, we want you to know more about Dibble’s Farm Seeds, and we will send vou 
absolutely FREE for the asking, Dibble’s Farm Seed Catalog for 1911; two little books 
written by Mr. Dibble, entitled, “Dibble on the Potato” and “Dibble on Alfalfa.” and 
liberal samples of Oats, Corn, Alfalfa, Clover and Grass Seeds for testing. Write us 
right now. Address— 
EDWARD F. DIBBLE, Seedgrower, Box B, Honeoye Falls, N. Y. 
Another Sensation 
By Henry Field 
Certified Seed Corn 
CAUSED a sensation when I first announced that I’d sell 
seed com in thenar. Then I caused another big stir by 
-aded seed corn. After that, I surprised them 
all again, by hand-picking the seed corn 
,to get out the off-color kernels. But 
^here’s my 1911 sensation—the biggest and 
best idea I’ve ever come across—certi¬ 
fied seed corn—every kernel of every ear 
is full of life, vigor and vitality. I guar¬ 
antee that six kernels from each ear have 
been tested for germination by my perfect 
testing system and that every ear from which all six kernels did not sprout strongly— 
has been discarded for feed. You know that this 
100% Seed Corn Means Bigger Crops 
A low estimate is $5.00 to $10 
Let Me Help You 
With Your Corn 
I want to help you with 
your corn if I can. Ask me 
about cultivation, rotation 
of crops and anything else 
pertaining to corn and corn 
growing. 
My 1911 Bo.ok is Free 
It’s a guide to good seeds 
of every kind, Don’t place 
an order for a penny’s 
worth till you read my 
book. Over80 pages, 
illustrated and 
quotes prices 
that prove 
big 
values. 
00 more per acre. And just remember, there's no exti 
work for you connected with this increase. I’ve re¬ 
lieved you of all worry about your seed corn. My 
friends know me and they know I wouldn’t be con¬ 
nected with anything except what’s square. I’ve built 
up one of the biggest seed houses in America by giving 
bigvalue.by being honest and liberal in all my dealings. 
My big trade depends on how I treat my customers, 
That in itself is usually enough of a guarantee. But I 
put it down in black and white. My 100% seed corn is 
Tested and Guaranteed 
You can get my 100% seed corn in any variety you 
want—and you can depend that it’s the cream of this 
great seed corn section. And you can have my 100% 
seed corn in the ear or shelled and graded. Price the 
same, and either way I’ll send you any quantity on 
10 days approval. Then if you want your money back 
—simply write me and I’ll refund your money. 
Write Me For All Facts 
My supply of this special stock of seed corn is 
limited this year, but if you write me how much you’ll 
want if it's satisfactory , I'll set that amount aside for a 
few days. First come, first served 
—so write me now. I’ll send you 
samples free if you ask for them. 
Of course I’ll also send you my 
big 1911 free seed book and I know 
you’ll find lots of things in it to 
interest you. Just write me that 
postal now and send it by first mail. 
Address it personally to me— 
Henry Field, President 
Henry Field 
Seed Company, 
Box. 26 
Shenandoah, 
f 
Iowa 
