Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1909-01-13
THE COUNTY FAIR.
Some Practical and Timely Sug
sessions Concerning Exhib-
stc

sestiolas Concerning Exhib-.
its.
1t seems to be a certainty that
Edgefeld is to have county fair
next fall, only about 9 or o months
from now. Very generous contribu-
tions have already been made to the
capital sock, and the officers are
both capable and energetic. There
lis nothing to hinder us now except
possibly she lack of energy and in
terest on the part of the people.
themselves, particularly the farmers.
Right now, for instance, is the
time to make a beginning towards
having something to exhibit at the
fair. Make choice of certain land
for a.certain plant or crop. Study.
the government bulletins regarding
fertilizer, cultivation, etc. And
chiefly, be sure you have the best
seed, Then there is a great deal to
learn also about getting exhibits IN
most favorable appearance, Just at
the last moment,
Appearance, polish, final prepa-
ration of whatsoever sort is large
part of the race, and requires study.
However, there are some things
that can be actually beginning right
now. An article in your last issue on
Rhode Island Reds suggests them.
That for instance, poultry raisers
ought to be hustling this month for
all they are worth if they hope to,
exhibit fowls at the fair. From now
until the latter part of February is
the best time to hatch birds for ex-
hibition. NPullets hatchedin Janna-
ry often lay in July and Angusts
and by fair time in October are in
the pink. of perfection for exhibi-
ton. The April hatches. are less
trouble and grow faster perhaps,
for while, but asthe hot summer
comes. before theNssare fully
mature it spoils them for beauty
purposes. Likewise an IN April cock
erel is not fit for mating pen un-
til the following January or later,
whereas January cockerel is full
grown apparently by October. OBJ
vieusly therefore, whether for exhi-
bition birds or, for winter layers the.
earlier matches are the best. For this
reason many fanciers use incuba--
tors and brooders, and claim they
are both cheaper and more satisfac- i IS ;t';
3tors.s for -Jarlea1a February;
than sitting hens; But that is an
other subject. -
The point we wish to emphasize
is, that now is the time to order
eggs for sitting. Many fanciers re-
qiire advance orders. If the hens
want to setlet them do so. And or
der the eggs at once. Experienced
fanciers know how to keep eggs and
how to ship them too so that they
will reach you without being dam
aged by cold or otherwise. And
most of them guarantee about 80
per cent to hatch. There are scores
of reliable, courteous, poultry fan
ciers in this state and it is not at all
necessary to order from Kansas or
Missouri. 'fThe State" advertises
some of them, and The Advertiser
no doubt receives some good poul-
try papers with similar advertise
ments.
Which is 4he best breed every
one must decide for himself. As a
matter of. fact the White Wyan-
dott are largely in the majority at
the poultry shows. The White Leg
horns and White Plymouth Rocks
are also very popular. The white
fowls are always most popular COM
mercially on account of showing up
better for eating purposes. In breed
ing also there is-no trouble about
varieties OF coloring or marking, as
there is in the case of colored birds.
in consequence of which the other
points, of size, shape, combs, wat
ties, ETC., in white birds have all
received the more attention. Per
sonalIy the writer considers the
White Plymouth Rock the best of.
all, and is very proud of his own
rem of them. They are good winter
layers, good mothers, quick grow
ers, and become Very large in a few
months. tits trust that they get toe
heavy and fat after the second
wear. But it is also true th hat:some
other breeds get. too lean and too
hard to feed. The White Rocks are
workers from the shell on up.
WHITE ROCKS.
Hustling News-boy.