The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-03

artificial incubation, poultry breeding and diseases. The results of these expe- riments are giving to the public Ahrough class room and institute lectures, eorre- spondence and bulletins. The latter may usually be secured free by merely writ ing for them
 Experimental work of this character is expensive. It must be done by trained men who have available for their use the necessary equipment and ample funds. Naturally, we have to look to public institutions to carry 1t on In a sense, the field has been merely scratched over thus far. but some remarkable re- suits have been secured and greater things will be accomplished in the future as the various institutions increase their facilities and extend their work.
 The poultry clubs for boys and girls is the natural outgrowth of the corn clubs which have proved so successful and are eNerting such an influence on corn grow CTS in those sections where the clubs have been established.
 These clubs are managed by officials of the national department of agriculture in cooperation with teachers in public schools. They. are competitive in char acter, thus introducing a factor which appeals to red-blooded Americans of all ages who delight to excell in their special fields. The winners gain considerable reputation as well as prizes of more tangible nature.
 Poultry Clubs for Boys
 The idea behind these clubs is to in- terest the boys in the work and to teach them the best possible methods. Each boy prepares his own tract of land se- lects his seed and care for his crop from planting to harvest, working always un- der the direction of the qualified official in his district. Emphasis is laid upon til- lage and fertilization, but special stress is placed upon seed selection, g. funda- mental which is so often overlooked. Suitable varieties are chosen, superior ears selected and sample kernels tested for vitality to the end that the stand shall be perfect and the yield heavy.
 Many of these corn club boys have ac- tually secured better results than their experienced fathers. Is it not fair to con- clude that the latter will take advantage of the object lesson and improve ther own methods? Certainly, such has been the usual experience.
 The same general plan is now being fol- lowed with poultry. Again the emphasis Is placed upon breeds and breeding, upon the selection of pure breed stock and knowledge of the performance of the in- dividual. Trap nesting is advised and the establishment of strains of fowls ca pablo of heavy egg production.
 That fiocks so bred will yield better re- sultS tudn the average DuncH or 0Ou- descripts usually found on the farm or in the back yard is certain. And it is equally sure that our boys and girls will in this way gradually improve the aver age quality of the utility fowls of the country.
 At the present time the laying compe- tion idea bulks larger in the public eye than any other single factor. Just how much these events will influence the utility side of the industry the future alone can decide. Certainly they have ac- complshed much in the short time they have been under way, and it Is only req sonable to suppose that they will continue to be constructive force.
 Laying competitions have been regu- iarly conducted in Australia for about 15 years, and in other countries for shorter period of time. In some quarters they nave been criticized; but the consensus of opinion of the practical poutrymen them.
 The pioneer event of this character in America was planned in 1910 and was started in the fall of 1911. At this writ Ing there are several competitions under way and others projected or these. three stand out most prominently, and will be specifically referred to below.
 The object of these competitors are many. To create a popular interest in fowls as laying machines, not mere tovs or objects of beauty. Tn induce poultry men to pay more attention to the Ia wing ability of the individual hen, the unif in the flock, upon which real progress in breeding depends. To give utility poultry- men an opportunity to pubiiNy demon strate the value of their birds as egg pro- ducers. thus enabling them to reap the reward of their efforts in attempting to develop laying strains. To bring together large number of selected birds of many different kinds from the yards of a large number of breeders for inspection and study by students and others To per init the accumulation of valuable data having to do with egg production. fced- ing costs, etc.
 When the first American competitor was announced many poultrymen attacked or ridiculed the scheme. Some seemed to