The Portland daily press., 1876-01-17
The Poultry Exhibition.

AhO LsAHuUlUkUAs
In looking over our exchanges, we notice
that about thirty poultry exhibitions are an
nounced for the first two months of the
year, extending from Ontario to Maryland,
and from Maine to Colorado, and represent
ing county, state and national organizations.
We congratulate our readers, and the public
that within our own state limits we have
such a healthy and vigorous society as the
Maine Poultry Association; and that its an
nual exhibition, which opens during the
present week, promises to surpass those pre-
ceding it. We confidently expect that in the
number of entries, the qpality of specimens,
and amount of receipts-bating something
perhaps, on account of the general depression
in business-the Association will reach its
highest success.
Such exhibitions, at this season OF the
year find fit opportunity, as they come in
the lull of business and amusements which
always follows the holidays, and by breathing
anew the breath of life into hotels, railroads,
and express companies, serve to break up the
usual midwinter stagnation. These Incl
dental advantages, however, are trifing, COM
pared with the positive and definite object
had in view by the founders of the Associa-
alton; viz. -"The improvement and more
thorough dissemination of the breeding OF
poultry, pigeons, &C.. to be effected by the
gathering of reliable and practical informa-
tion and experience, the holding of fairs,
the distribution of awards and the publica-
tion of its transactions; and such other
means as the society may deem expedient."
In the accomplishment of these ends, we
consider the measures already adopted by the
Association as legitimate, comprehensive and
appropriate. Regarding poultry raising as
comparatively in its infancy, and capable of
almost indefinite increase-as not only one of
the most promising specialties for farmers,
but as presenting attractions to mechanics,
and the inhabitants of large towns and cities,
and as aiding in the solution of some social
problems, notably by affording healthful,
agreeable and renumerative employment to
women and children,-we are solictous that
this association should make the most of its
opportunities, and deserve the credit of build
ing up substantial and productive home
industry.
To awaken the public interest at first, and
to stir up those who are Indifferent to such
things, no better method can be devised than
that of a display-a sbow-something that
will attract, and then interest. Many per-
sons are led thus, simply as matter of fancy,
of taste, to engage in the poultry business
who are entirely Indifferent TO results-care-
less whether they make or lose money.
Others go into the raising and selling of
some favorite breeds, purely for the sake of
making money; ignorant perhaps whether
they possess any value either for eggs or flesh.
Although the importers and breeders of poul-
try may not be farmers and may care but
very little for the improvement of agriculture,
yet it must be admitted that the results of
shows and of the introduction OF various
kinds of fowls are in the end beneficial to the
interests of agriculture.
When however, all efforts at improvement
in this department of husbandry, are confined
to exhibitions and to the buying and selling
of fancy breeds, the inevitable tendency is to
speculation and to the formation of rings:
and more regard is paid to the color of a feath-
er, than to considerations of economy and of
profitable returns. To avoid this danger and
to convince the great body of farmers who,
by their practice show that they have but
little faith in "new tangled fowls," we sug-
gest that the Maine Poultry Association is
now sufficiently strong to stand on the second
plank of its platform and thus to begin in
earnest ''the gathering of reliable and prac-
tical information and experience" To meet
the objections of outsiders, ''that such exhi-
billions are in the hands of amateurs, bird
fanciers, sporting men, and to promote their
private interests-that they are worth no
more than shows of any other kinds of birds
that they are Of no benefit to the produc-
ing classes, so far as eggs and flesh is con-
cerned, as the cheaper breeds do quite as
welP'-actual results must be given precisely
as the founders of the Association intended.
Let therefore, large premiums be offered
for the'greatest returns in year from given
number of fowls. embracing all the standard
varieties each competitor giving full re-
port of his management. By thus stimulat-
ing competition, new interest would be
awakened through the state, and in few
years the comparative merits of natives and
foreigners would be settled, and also which
variety of the latter was best fitted for the
demands of the average farmer.
In looking over the general premium list,
we could not discover that any premium is
offered for plan or model of poultry house.
If something of the kind could be presented,
at the same time substantial, serviceable and
economical, it would be appropriate for the
recognition of the Association and of begin
ners in this business.
As the Pathological Society conlude their
exhibitions, by partaking of the fruits which
they have displayed why might not this
Association appropriately close lis weeks
display with poultry supper and thus
bring to a most practical test the merits of
some of their contributions?
We presume that special arrangements
will be made with the railroads. for the bene-
fit of our country friends, and we trust that
they will give the Exhibition large atten-
dance and thus enjoy pleasant holiday and
deserving organization, and derive instruc-
ton from this interesting department of
Natural History.