The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1898-12-24
POULTRY ON THE FARM.
The Actual Value of Poultry as n Source OF
Income is Not Given the Consider
alton 1t Deserves.

Much mas been written on this sub
iect and the matter is worn thread
bare, but it must be repeated for all
time. There are always novicss enter
ing the business and the subject is
new and attractive to them. They
seek knowledge in primitive form.
The young generation have been IA
miliar with poultry as usually reared
on farms ond soon recognize there is
better way. Articles with above III
tie attract their attention and from
them are usually absorbed new ideas
that result in betterment of the
mongrel stock, and often tend to re-
stocking the farm with thorough
breds. The city or the town. fancier
may have more money, better build
ings and closer market, but the agri-
culturist mas more. He has the adyan-
tage of great range and cheap foods.
In many instances where only small
flocks are handled the entire food is
foraged, hence the cost of production
is nothing and gross receipts are all
profit.
A farmer told us recently that his
"better half had sold $50 worth of
poultry this spring. We asked what
is cost to rear them. He said: Moth.
ing" Hence he had an income of S.
month for the entire year without
investment, Yet this man pronounced
poultry raising a nuisance simply be-
cause he did not realize the petty
amount in proportion to what his
crops brought him. He finally ac-
knowledged that it had paid his wife
better percentage that anything he
had on the place, and in consequence
will hereafter take more interest in
the chicken department. The actual
value of poultry as source of income
to the farmer is not considered as it
should be. The average farmre does
not realize that in poultry and its
products they have a source of con-
slant income regardless of the status
of other lines. Their products is al
ways in demand for the cash, and not
like the merchants or manufacturer
goods, to be retained in the shop or
on the shelves until called for. Sta
tistical reports establish the fact that
there is great profit in poultry. Au-
thorities differ as to which branch Of
the business is the most remunerative,
eggs or poultry. If both pay when
conducted separately, why not aim to
combine and make the selection of
stock of the character toprodpce a fair
number of eggs and at the same time
produce carcass that can be disposed
of at the best market price?
Farmers, as a rule, pay but little
attention TO the preparation of fowls
for market. They are usually caught
up hap-hazard from the flock without
any thought of their desirability as
human food. No attention is paid to
their condition of health. A few in
poor flesh or in any unhealthy condi'
| ton will condemn the whole lot, and
then bring the lowest price as well as
being difficult to dispose of. A better
plan is to select the desired number q
week or so before marketing, place in
a quiet coop and feed nutritious foods
Then, when ready for market, they
present an appetizing sight and are
eagerly sought for Don't under any
circumstances, market bird that you
would not allow on your own table
These remarks apply equally as well
to the egg trade. Proper selection
and handling of eggs will always pay
for increased trouble by an increased
price. Eggs should be graded as to
color and always cleaned before being
offered on the market. In fact, wher
they are so cared for, there is no ne
cessity of their going in the open
market, rs they are salable to private
customers on sight. An egg route car
easily be established in any city, and
the trouble of delivering will be paid
for in money and the satisfaction Of
ynur patrnn Inland Poultry