Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-02-20
More Poultry Raising.

Farmers are now, and tor some
years have been, casting about them
very earnestly to ascertain whether
special crops and more diversified
farming may not tend to make their
pursuit more profitable. One thing
after another has been suggested, but
there doesn't seem to be enough mon
ey in any one thing to turn the tide
strongly in that direction. Under
these circumstances it is wise not tc
turn away from the minor farm in
dustries as measures of relief.
Of all these, there is none that
seems to suggest itself so strongly as
poultry raising on an enlarged scale.
In the first place, it is already an in
dustry on all farms to greater or
less extent. The average farmers
wife and sons and daughters have a
practical acquaintance with the de-
tails, and they are, therefore, not
venturing into an untried field.
What they do not know they will ac-
quire by actual experience in the
course of time.
There is no article in greater de-
mand in our markets than fresh eggs
and poultry, and often the supply is
far below what is called for. Be-
sides, it has been steadily growing
from year to year, and must continue
to grow as time rolls on. The same
may be said of the egg supply. 1t is
true that during several months of
the year their great abundance sends
down the price to very low figures,
but during most of the year the prices
are remunerative. The consumption
of this excellent food is largely on the
increase and millions of dollars worth
are annually imported. No country
in the world is better prepared by ma
ture to produce poultry and eggs, and
we ought to take advantage Of our
opportunities.
We believe the raising of turkeys,
if carefully and Systematically fol-
lowed in this locality, might be made
the means of adding very considera-
bly, to the farmers income. During
the present season turkeys have COM
manded high prices, but even at the
unusual rates asked the supply has
been all too short. Last season was
favorable to turkey raising and the
supply was fully up to the average,
but we understand tons of these birds
were sent to the large cities both from
the southern and northern portions
of the country. There is little more
difficulty in raising half a dozen
broods Of turkeys on farm than one
or two. To do this as well as to dOu-
bic the chicken, duck or goose pro-
ducts on farm, will as a matter of
course require additional care and at
tention on the part Of the farmers
family. He can't expect to make
from two to five hundred dollars q
year out Of poultry, without careful
attention, any more than he can out
of his corn or wheat fields without
giving the latter his careful supervis-
ion. Any business must be attended
to if you wish to make a success oft.
But this is what few farmers do with
their poultry yards. They give them
as little attention as is possible; they
regard them as of little account and
then say they do not pay. That
kind of farming when applied to 9th,
er farm crops would be equally I'M,
satisfactory. That there is money in
poultry growing is as certain as there
is money in tobacco raising; not SC
much, it is true, but quite enough
make the pursuit contribute very con
siderably to the annual profit account.
We advise our farmers to think over
these things and to act upon the sug.
gestion laid down.-Lancaster New
Era.