The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-08-19

ing, and should be encouraged. New
York Observer.
POULTRY POINTERS.
There is one point I feel like urging
upon my sisters in the poultry busi-
ness; one which seems not to have
presented itself to our brothers, but
which I have found an essential to
perfect success, writes May Allis De
Cou. All have doubtless experienced
how flock kept year after year upon
the same ground will lose its vitality,
becoming more subject to disease, less
able to resist parasites. As'the result
we have few eggs, poor matches, puny
chicks with still less vitality. We
have oil been through it! There are
two principal causes. A flock becomes
run down with too much in-breeding
it Is fatal. Never keep roosters from
your own stock. Also, they should bs
disposed OF every second year at least.
and new, vigorous lot procured from
outside sittings of eggs, or by pun
chase of cocks or cockerels (the latter
are cheaperl from other dealers. Be
sure the stock is not related. But the
greatest source of this decrease in vi,
tslity is an old, saturated disease breed
ing yard. For this there is only one
sure remedy-two alternating runs,
separated by fencing or wire netting.
Give the flock free use of one while
the other is being plowed and culti-
vated.
This rich soil will make the very
best gardens, in which may be raised
lettuce, radishes, melons and such veg
etables, enough for the family. and to
spare to the family grocer or the
neighborhood; thus adding to the.
snug little profit in ones purse. In
the fall this plot must be narrowed
over and sowed down to winter rye;
then in spring when the rye is thick
and green, lift the slide opening upon
it, and see how the poultry will lux
urlate upon the fresh, tender blades.
Their very enjoyment will repay the
small extra trouble, while the increase
IN health and consequently in eggs
will be extremely gratifying. Now
put the other yard through the same
purifying process of cultivation. How
ever, should this gardening require
too much labor, after plowing SOW the
yard down to grass and clover. 1t
will answer the same purpose and the
poultry enjoy it quite as much. Either
way will keep the land sweet and
wholesome. and it will pay, so that
you will be thankful for one sisters
brilliant suggestion.
These poultry yards may also serve
another purpose, thereby bringing
treble profit. You may have them set
out with fruit trees, plums, apples,
pears, between which the garden stuff
may still be grown. The poultry en-
rich and keep the ground stirred
around the trees, hunting out and
quickly destroying curculio, and
other enemies; while the trees repay
this debt in shade to their feathered
friends, who in truth feel the need OF
it in summer. Thus plums and poul-
try form q mutual aid society most ad-
yantageous to ones pocket.
1t may not come smiss to those IN
the zero belt who happen to be erect
ing new chicken houses, to suggest
that they be put down in the ground
as much as possible. In the side of .
hill Is the place of places; Int if that
is not practicable, let the house down
three or four feet into the ground, and
when winter comes bank the top. This
sounds like deal of work, but only
by such means, so far north, does one
meet with unfsiling success IN the
production of eggs at the time when
highest and most profitable.
Another point which I desire to i'm
press is the Importance of clean eggs
| for market. The slightest stain de-.
tracts from the sale of eggs, and slni
gle soiled one will spoil that OF the
whole lot. 1t is strange how few seem
to realize this; perhaps they have not
solved the problem of the cleaning.
Washing in warm water alone does not
answer, and it leaves the eggshell with
the smooth, shiny appearance OF stale
ness. But the addition OF vinegar to
the water removes ell difficulties, i. e.,
stains, and leaves the shell with all its
attractive, limy freshness. Occasion,
ally. clear vinegar may be necessary
| - hoS cfoin
1t goes without saying that eggs
must he absolutely fresh; which IS,
indeed, the first essential to success.
Never take chances on thnt point; an
egg three, two weeks or even one week
old is not what is meant by "abso-
, lutely" frcsh. They should be mar
keted at leest three times a week,
every day, if possible. Freshness and
cleanliness 60 hand in hand IN o
purse filling egg business.
Silk From Fish Eggs.