1912. 
THE RURAb NEW-YORKER 
1277 
The Henyard. 
THE EGG-LAYING CONTEST. 
During the third week of this second 
contest 474 eggs were laid. In the third 
week last year 315 were laid. A gain of 159 
eggs in a week with pratically the same 
number of birds is not to be despised. Two 
pens of White Leghorns are entered by 
Englishmen; and at home they are neigh¬ 
bors, for Thomas Barron’s place at Cats- 
forth is not far from Houghton, the home 
of Mr. Edward Cam. Each of these pens 
laid 24 eggs during the week, making the 
highest score of the week. The record of 
Mr. Barron’s pen was 4-6-4-55—24; Mr. 
Cam's laid 4-5-6-S-4—24. 
The American White Leghorns of Smith 
Bros., Pennsylvania, were next with a total 
for the week of 21. The White Orpingtons 
of Shore Acres Farm, Pennsylvania, were 
third with a score of 19. The pen of 
White Wyandottes entered by Mr. Cara 
made a record of 17 eggs during the week, 
outlaying any other pen of Wyandottes by 
more than four to one; that is, the highest 
score made by any other pen was four. 
But the astonishing thing about this con¬ 
test is the laying of the English White 
Leghorns. The total output of the 43 
pens of White Leghorns for the three 
weeks was 519 eggs, an average per pen of 
only a fraction over 12. But Thomas Bar¬ 
ron’s pen laid 60 eggs in the same time; 
five times as many as the average per pen. 
With the exception of Smith Bros.' pen, 
with a total of 51, and Edward Cam's pen 
with a total of 44, no other pen of White 
Leghorns laid one-half as many eggs as did 
Mr. Barron’s pen. How can we account 
for it? The feeding housing, care, etc., is 
precisely the same for all the pens. Is it 
because we have paid more attention in 
the past to breeding birds for the show 
room than for utility purposes, or has 
Mr. Barron—and perhaps others over there 
—discovered some secret or used better 
judgment in mating than we have here? 
That his success is not the result of acci¬ 
dental good luck in picking out six extra 
good birds, is shown by the fact that this 
second lot start right in at the beginning 
and excel all others in the contest, as did 
the first lot. The highest pen average for 
these three weeks has been made by the 
White Orpingtons, the four pens laying 64 
eggs, an average of 16 per pen. The Itose 
Comb Rhode Island Reds have averaged 
12.8 eggs per pen, and the White Leg¬ 
horns a very small fraction over 12. The 
Single Comb Rhode Island Reds laid an 
average of 9.2 ; the White Wyandottes aver¬ 
aged 8.8, and the Barred Rocks 5.6. It 
must be remembered that 24 pens out of 
the 100 have not yet begun laying; but 
these averages give some figures with which 
to compare the really wonderful laying of 
those English White Leghorns. 
The present high price of fresh eggs— 
60 cents per dozen, and more in some 
places—gives an entirely wrong impression 
to a city man. He is apt to think that the 
poultrymen must be getting rich at such 
prices, but I doubt if there are any great 
number of poultrymen anywhere in the 
United States who get in November one- 
quarter of what the eggs cost them. I 
know of plants in this vicinity where every 
egg produced has cost at least 50 cents 
each, yet the producer must sell them for 
the market price, five cents, or 60 cents 
per dozen. The city man does not realize 
this when he grumbles at the price. If it 
were not for cold storage and the differ¬ 
ent preserving processes the great mass of 
the people would have to go without any 
eggs at any price during November and 
December. But the hens get over their 
molt by January, and the pullets begin lay¬ 
ing ; then the price falls one-half, and last 
year the price had to rise again as the drop 
was greater than the conditions warranted. 
I predict that eggs will be higher this 
year than last because the high price of 
grain has caused more fowls being sent to 
market as soon as they stopped laying in 
the Fall and early Winter than ever before. 
Notwithstanding the high price of meat, 
poultry has been selling for months in New 
York—live poultry—as low as 12% cents 
per pound and rarely more than 14 cents. 
These are wholesale prices, what the pro¬ 
ducer gets, less commission, freights, etc. 
Dressed poultry has not averaged more 
than one to 1% cents a pound more than 
live poultry, and this at a time when beef 
has been more than double the price. Over 
100 carloads of live poultry a week have 
been dumped on the New York market. 
Not all of these, however, are sold in that 
city. Dealers in all the larger Connecti¬ 
cut cities buy a good part of their stock 
in New York. One of the largest dealers 
in Hartford, Conn., told me that he bought 
more than half of all the poultry he sold, 
in New York or outside of Connecticut. It 
is a good illustration of the wasteful man¬ 
ner of modern business, the poultry man 
here shipping his fowls to New York and 
the Connecticut dealer sending there and 
paying the New York dealer a prolit, to 
have them shipped back to him. 
GEO. A. COSGROVE. 
Hatching on Shares. 
1. 1 have been asked to hatch some eggs 
for a neighbor, and I would like to know 
what the usual price is for this work by 
the piece or hundred. 2. Raising chickens 
on shares, what per cent would the raiser 
take to make it worth while, the one who 
raises the chicks to furnish labor and feed 
and the other party to furnish the eggs? 
Ohio. j. b. F. 
1. The usual price for custom hatching 
in this vicinity is $3 per hundred eggs, the 
operator to use due care and skill in hatch¬ 
ing, and the one furnishing the eggs to as¬ 
sume all risks due to lack of fertility, etc. 
2. Your next question is not easily an¬ 
swered, so much depends upon the value of 
the eggs furnished, expense of feed used, 
value of caretaker’s time, number of chicks 
brought to maturity and other conditions. 
If the eggs furnished were worth $8 per 
hundred and 75 per cent of them hatched, 
each clrick would represent 11 cents in eggs 
and four cents in labor. Assuming that a 
man whose time was worth .$60 per month 
could care for 3,000 chicks, the labor cost 
of each at six months of age would be 16 
cents. The cost of feed would approximate 
60 cents, making a total cost, if there were 
no losses, of 87 cents per chick; to which 
the one furnishing the eggs would have 
contributed practically one-eighth, entitling 
him to that proportion of the stock. You 
will readily see, however, that if rats 
catch one-third of these chicks at three 
weeks of age, and roup takes some of the 
rest, the above figures would be knocked 
into a cocked hat. M. b. d. 
Breeding a Laying Strain. 
1. I have noted with keen interest the 
widely discussed egg types in poultry, and 
am anxious to perfect a strain of S. C. 
White Leghorns inheriting these qualities. 
But if Prof. Cowell's trap-nested record 
was lower at the end than at the begin¬ 
ning in his theory of breeding, how is the 
novice to be guided in the origination of a 
laying strain? 2. Where can I procure 
literature on the scientific principles of 
poultry culture? l. f. j. 
Danbury, Conn. 
1. In breeding for large egg production 
analogy alone would suggest that the best 
results might be obtained from the con¬ 
tinued use of high producing stock. Ex¬ 
perience, also, has shown this to be true, 
despite the apparent exception that you 
quote. It is necessary, however, to re¬ 
member that there are other essentials to 
be taken into account, and that one may 
score a failure if he neglects such matters as 
the maintenance of bodily vigor, size and 
capacity for food consumption, and the vi¬ 
tality which assures liatchable eggs, and 
liveable young. 
2. You will be able to get much helpful 
literature upon the subject by applying to 
your State experiment station at Storrs, 
and those of other States, such as the one 
at Orono, Me., and Cornell University, 
Ithaca, N. Y. M. b. d. 
Hen Remedies. 
Will you tell me what this stuff is made 
of, and if it is any value as a medicine 
for chickens? Will it cure roup, cholera, 
etc. ? If not, can you send me a good 
formula for chickens as a tonic and some¬ 
thing to ward off these diseases? Also, 
what is good for canker? k. b. d. 
Lamar, Mo. 
It would be impossible to ascertain the 
composition of the stuff which you send 
without a chemical analysis, but it is safe 
to say that it will not cure cholera, roup, 
etc., the claims of the manufacturers to 
the contrary notwithstanding. Do not de¬ 
pend upon so-called tonics or drugs to ward 
off the diseases to which fowls are sub¬ 
ject, but- keep them in such condition of 
health by proper food and care, that dis¬ 
ease can obtain no foothold. This is not a 
difficult thing to do if you will provide 
them with warm, dry, well ventilated quar¬ 
ters, see that they are free from vermin, 
and that their feeding and drinking uten¬ 
sils are kept clean, and that their runs 
do not become fouled by overcrowding or 
too prolonged use without change. If, in 
spite of good care, the fowls show a 
tendency to colds and roup, add sufficient 
permanganate of potash to their drinking 
water to make it a dark wine color, and 
look carefully to your breeding stock to 
see that you are not using fowls of in¬ 
sufficient vitality and thus transmitting a 
tendency to disease. m. b. d. 
Care of Six Hens. 
I want a balanced ration for six hens. 
We have recently secured these few Ply¬ 
mouth Rock hens for an experiment, to 
study and learn how to make the most out 
of the “business hen” when we go on a 
farm in a few years. Most articles on this 
subject deal with large flocks, and I am 
in doubt how to feed to get the most out 
of them. j. e. R. 
Beaver Dam, Wis. 
The care of six hens need not differ 
from that of a large flock, though the table 
scraps, vegetable peelings, etc., from most 
families would go a long way toward sup¬ 
plying them with food. For whole grain 
food you will find it convenient to keep 
on hand a mixture of wheat, oats, corn 
and buckwheat, if the latter grain is avail¬ 
able. It is not essential to mix these 
grains in any definite and unvarying pro¬ 
portion, but it would be well to make wheat 
the basis of the mixture, letting it form 
about one-lmlf of the bulk, and to divide 
the other half between the other grains. 
If you desire to keep a dry mash con¬ 
stantly before them, this may be made of 
equal parts by weight of wheat bran, wheat 
middlings and cornmcal. This, with such 
wastes as you will probably have from the 
house, should form a ration sufficiently well 
balanced to induce these hens to do their 
best for you. Be careful; many a severe 
case of “hen fever” might be-traced to just 
such a small flock as you have. M. b. d. 
What Pennsylvania Hens Did. 
In September, 1911, I put eighteen 
White Lghorn pallets in a very good 
house, costing about $40, to which I have 
added coops, fixtures, etc., until the in¬ 
vestment amounts to $80.50. The pullets 
began laying in November. Only one wont 
broody and I set her three times. One died 
in February. Three have not yet moulted. 
Four March hatched pullets have been lay¬ 
ing since September. The April hatched 
ones are beginning to lay. The pullet eggs 
are not included in the following state¬ 
ment : 
lien Account. Dr. 
Cost of pullets.$27.00 
Eggs for setting. L50 
Feed, grits, etc. 46.16 
Depreciation on buildings, etc. 8.05 
Total .$87.54 
. Cr. 
Hens on hand.$17.00 
Pullets raised .!.36J)0 
Cockerels eaten . 11.10 
202 dozen eggs, at 40c. 8o!so 
Total .$144.90 
Balance to profit and loss.$57.36 
It will be seen that they fell short only 
$15.39 of paying for the house, coops, 
equipment, etc. I use permanently ground 
12 by 18 feet, on the back of a town lot. 
The coops were moved about the clothes 
yard. b. j. u. 
Sewickley, Pa. 
Eggs in November. 
We had 25 eggs brought in yesterday 
and as many more brought in since Thurs¬ 
day morning, when Mr. S. took a crate to 
market. It is three years since we have 
had a day without at least one or two eggs 
from the henhouse. I think 10 is the low¬ 
est number this Fall, and they are going 
up now, in number as well as price. We 
keep about 150 hens and pullets, White 
Leghorns. A man over in Lima, who has 
several hundred White Leghorns, has been 
getting eggs right along. He was able to 
put up a crate of fresh eggs, technically 
speaking, and received 50 cents a dozen 
for them, from a dealer too,. We sell ours 
direct to a Rochester grocer. I have been 
watching for your conclusions about that 
scrub flock ; must have missed them. You 
admit they do not lay eggs in November, 
anyhow. The simple facts are that it 
doesn’t cost any more to feed and care for 
good stock than nondescript, and M you 
pay a rather larger price, say five cents 
apiece upward for eggs from stock, you 
know to be good, you are apt to take better 
care, and I have observed more pride, so 
“you will get what you expect.” What is 
the use, they all have to eat? Leghorns 
that are laying will not eat any more than 
a mixed lot, and they will lay if they can 
find the stuff eggs are made of. 
Genesee Co., N. Y. sirs. w. w. 
There’s Money in 
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MacKellar’s Charcoal 
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you. Write for book —or send price and save 
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EVERY LOUSY HEN 
is losing real money for you. Every egg you don’t 
get is so much money lost. Stop that, leak ! liens 
tormented with lice can’t be expected to lay eggs. 
You can keep them free of lice with one application 
a year, and Circular 61 tells you how. Sent Free. 
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CAR BOLIN EUM WOOD PRESERVING CO. 
181 Franklin Street New York 
Hone’s Crescent Strain of RnseCnmhRprls 
Choice breeding birds, bred from tested layers. 
Can also furnish exhibition birds bred from high 
class exhibition matings. D. R. HONE, Crescent 
Hill Farm, Sharon Springs, New York. 
200 Purebred S. C. W. Leghorn Pullets 
AND A FEW CHOICE APRIL COCKERELS 
Prices right. Personal attention. Satisfaction 
guaranteed. JOHN LORTON LEE, Carmel, New York 
Prize Winning 
wards. White Leghorns, Brown Leghorns, Rhode 
Island Reds, Baried Rocks, White Wyaudottes, 
Light and Dark Brahmas. Catalog gratis. 
V. M. PRESCOTT . Kiverdale. N. J. 
M R TIIRKFY^- English white egg runner 
IYI. D. 1 UniVC 1 O DRAKES—PEARL GUINEAS of the 
finest breeding. M. N. ADAMS, Lima, N. V. 
Wammoth Bronze Turkeys 
From 40 lb. toms and 25 lb. liens; pairs not akin. 
Barred Rock Pullets. Trio White P. Rocks. 
Miss Josephine Carpenter, Gouverneur, N. Y. 
White Emden Geese and Ganders 
extra fine at a bargain throngh December. 
MAPLE COVE FARM. R. D. 24, ATHENS. PA. 
R. 1. Reds, Houdans, Indian Runner Ducks 
High-class stock for UTILITY, SHOW or EX¬ 
PORT. Eggs for hatching. Mating list on request. 
SINCLAIR SMITH, 602 Fifth St.. Brooklyn, N. V. 
BUFF ROCK COCKERELS 
Largo, healthy, vigorous stock. $3.00 each if taken 
now. A. L, V It EE LAND, Nutley, N. j. 
THE FARMER'S FOWL— Rose Comb Reds, best winter 
1 layers on earth. Eggs, $1.00 per 15. Catalogue 
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Pfllll TRYMFN - Send 2c stamp for Illustrated 
rUULI 11 1 HlL.li Catalog describing 35 varieties. 
EAST DONEGAL POULTRY YARDS MARIETTA, PA. 
100 S. C. White Leghorn Pullets~^H a t^oVo^h- 
bred. 90c. each. F. WITTER, West Edmeston, N. Y. 
IE Selected S. O. W. Leghorn Cockerels 
• one and two years old. One of tho best laying 
strains in existence. Large white eggs and large 
white birds. J. M. CASK, Gilbon, N. Y. 
S. C. W. LEGHORNS 
Choice April hatched Cockerels for breeders. Bred 
for vigor. Reared on free range. Write for prices. 
WHITE & KICK, Yorktown, N. Y. 
Pullets and Yearlings For Sale 
500 April and May Single Comb White Leghorn Pul¬ 
lets. 700 selected yearlings. Every bird guaranteed 
purebred, healthy and vigorous. 
SUNNY HILL FARM Plemington, N. J. 
Austin’s200 strain S.G, Rhode Island Reds 
Large, vigorous, early hatched cockerels, standard 
bred, $1.50 to $10.00. Pullets, yearlings. 
AUSTIN'S POULTRY FARM, ISox 17, Centre Harbor N. H. 
BONNIE BRAE POULTRY FARNI 
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Breeders and shippers for 20 years of high-class S. C. W. 
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If Cl 1 FR<iTRAQ^ CRYSTAL WHITE ORPINGTON 
IVCLLCIIO 1 nuoo PULLETS. June birds, six 
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A FINE LOT OF UTILITY INDIAN RUNNERS. $1.50 each. 
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Barred and Buff Rock, R. I. Red, 
R. C. and S. C. White Leghorns. 
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Our 16th Annual Poultry Course 
will be held 
Jan. 2d to Feb. 13th, 1913, inclusive 
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