The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-04-22

The domestic hen, for many years, has |
teen rather looked down upon by our
farmers, as au item of stock with which
it did not pay to take any pains; there
lore they have been permitted to run
without any culture or proper attention.
This being tho case, together with tho
eheapHess Of eggs heretofore, 1t was
very easy to arrive at the conclusion
that there was no money in chickens
But nov We iiud that Lhe once DIES
Used hen is looking up and commands
reasonable share Of respect; aud Our far
mers are beginning To Investigate thu
conditions and requirements necessary
20 make the ben most profitable, and
hey are not SO loath as heretofore to
,xpend few dollars to attain the above
ubjeot-Sush as providing comfortable
quarters, and taking little pains to
scertain aud procure the kind of diet
that she requires, in order To secure the
greatest abundance Of eggs.
The merits of .he different breeds of
owls are also beginning to be investiga-
ted as to which kinds, or breeds, will
give tue largest return in both flesh and
egg production fer the amount of food
/ consumed.
We wish it were possible TO be able to
| give specific information of reliable
| kind, as tie which breed of fowls is thu
| best for our farmers; but tho subject is
! so broad when taken il all OF its bearings
| that such direction as to selection would
not be practically of any use. We have
breeds of fowls adapted specially for
laying quaIities-suitabIe Tor au egg
farmland also breeds that arc specially
useful for meat properties both when
young or at maturity.
Again climate has something to do
With the profitable keeping of fowls. A
certain breed might be very profitable to
keep in Maryland, but worthless in
Florida. This being a well known fact
it does not seem to be the correct thing
the farmer in mis- particular wants; and
the only satisfactory suggestion we can
offer, is for the farmer 30 experiment
with several breeds. In this manner he
will be able to find out which is the most
profitable for him to keep.
But let the breed you keep, be treated
with view t. profit; let the same care
be given to your fowls that is bestowed
en- your other profitable farm stock, and
in little while you will be surprised at
the great profit you can make out of your
heretofore worthless farm poultry. Pro
vide them house to roost and lay in, .
great variety of lood pure water to
drink, dry dirt to battle aud dust in:
keep the house cleaned cut once week
and take good care of the droppiDgs to
use in your corn hills.
When the weather is bad during rain
storms, don't let the fowls out early; this
plan will keep them dry and besides
they will learn to lay in the quarters
provided for their comfort. Don't make
unnecessary fuss among your fowls;
| thcJ Suouiu 10 cuCouI1Sou W ld"cuess
in fact To eat out of your hands. These
simple directions when practically carried
out, will insure you profit upon your
care and feed and if circumsUauc es pre-
vent you from giving the proper atten-
ton why the best advice we can offer is,
don't keep any fowls; because they are
not profitable 20 keep unless they have
the proper care; while with the right
treatment every hen. will return at least
one dollar per year over and above cost
of feed and care. II this profit is not
results.-Naryland Farmer.