256 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ocr., 1902. 
Poultry. 
POULTRY FARMING. 
We have always advocated the principle of ‘“ going slow” in the matter of 
poultry farming. The experience of Mr. Gordon on Magnetic Island, Towns- 
ville, which he has related to us, 1s a good proof of the necessity for care in the 
selection of a site for such an establishment, and for providing for the proper 
feeding of the birds. Mr. Gordon some three years ago selected three portions 
of land on Magnetic Island, in Cleveland Bay, about 10 miles from Townsville. 
Here he planted an orchard of 250 papaw trees, besides comquats, mangoes, 
soursop, and other fruit trees. He also putin sweet potatoes and cassava. 
Then the drought came on. He had expended something like £250, besides 
his own and hired labour. The continuous dry weather nullified all his efforts,. 
He was compelled to sell off 150 fowls and consume nearly all the rest. His 
pretty poultry farm has dwindled to five hens and a cock. ‘The sweet potatoes, 
which should have yielded 4 or 5 tons per acre, were dug up to be used as baits 
for the wallaby traps. The soil is dried up to a depth of 20 feet, yet he has 
two wells of splendid sweet water. With the indomitable perseverance which 
characterises Queensland farmers as a body, however, he makes the best of 
things, and intends by dint of hard work night and day to convert his property 
into a beautiful ‘resting place.” As he has received voluminous advice from 
Mr. Newport, Instructor in Coffee Culture, he will no doubt, with the return of 
of fair seasons, realise his desire to conquer nature and eventually come out on 
top. Itis such courageous men as Mr. Gordon who form the backbone of the 
rural community of the State. 
FEEDING THE SITTING HEN. 
A sitting hen should only be fed once a day. If her appetite is decent, she: 
should get hard grain only, and for preference maize. The latter keeps up the 
heat of her body much better than any other kind of grain, although a feed of 
barley may be given twice a week as a change. If she will eat little or nothing,. 
then she must be tempted with soft food. A little oatmeal, with ‘some _barley- 
meal, is best, and as soon as she will take to hard grain it is better that this 
alone should be supplied. Green food should not be given, as this has a 
tendency to relax the bowels, which is undesirable. Sharp grit should be in a 
box at hand, although sitting hens seem to pay little attention to it, and a 
supply of pure water should also be given. It is better to give them their corn 
first, however, as they are likely to drink so much water that they will eat very 
little afterwards. A dust bath should always be waiting them after they come 
off the nest. This is most necessary for their comfort, and should never be 
omitted. 
A CURE FOR INDIGESTION. 
The following 1s said to be a good remedy for indigestion :—Get half-a- 
pint of Stockholm tar, and put itin a fruit jar capable of holding two quarts. 
Let the tar run all round the jar, and then fill it with boiling water. Let it 
stand for twelve hours, and then pour off the water, and take a wineglass of 
the water before each meal. 
