The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-05

Der of custom hatcheries have been es- tablished. In some cases these have very large capacity. Others are in tho experimental stage, and are expanding in proportion to the local demand. It seems to be the rule that such estab- lishments greatly stimulate the poultry industry in their immediate vicinity. The reason is not far to seek. Farmers and others who make poultry raising a, side line often hesitate to invest in incuba- tors for personal use and depend upon the hens to hatch their chicks. When they find it possible to have chicks matched at low cost they take advantage of the opportunity to largely increase their flocks of youngsters. Poultrymen with sufficient incubator equipment adopt the same plan. Others frankly concede that the experienced and well equipped operators can hatch more and better chicks from a given number of eggs, and so consider it good business to per init these experts to do this work for them. Under such conditions the chick population in the surrounding territory is greatly increased. This naturally means more flesh and eggs to sell and more money coming in.
 Just to illustrate this point we'will give the facts regarding the work of a custom matching establishmet in Virginia. Rock ingham county is in the northwestern
 
 toric Shenandoah valley. It is strictly an agricultural section, the soil being rich and fertile and producing great crops. Until very recently the growing of grain and forage, sheep, beef cattle hoss and horses were the more important interests. Of late many apple orchards have been developed and dairying and poultry rais- ing taken up extensively.
 The writer recently visited the principal 1 town of this county and was surprised to note the number of crates of live poultry and eggs hauled through the streets on the wagons of farmers and hucksters Most of these went to a large produce establishment. and a visit to this resulted in the securing of the following informa- tion:
 Chicken Crop Greatly Increased Eight years ago the territory sup ported one produce establishment, which handled eggs and poultry. Two others have been opened up poultry. Two other have been opened up since that time. The largest concern be- gan business but five years ago, ana at that date it was impossible to gather at one time 10000 chickens Of all breeds and varieties within driving distance of the town. During the last season this con cern has had as high as 35.0 000 birds in the rattenlng crates at one time and the two other establishments as many more. In other words, the chicken crop has been increased many fold in the last decade. Last season more than 100000 pounds Of poultry were shipped out of the coun- ty at an average price. all grades in- cluded. of IS cents per pound, With tifis went 75,OOO cases of eggs a matter of 2,2oO,OOO dozens, averaging 23 cents per dozen.
 Products Valued at $1,5OO,OOO A buyer just across the line in another county who draws much of his supply from Rockingham county, shipped more than 100000 dozens also On this basis It Is fair to estimate that the county re- ceiVed from the great consuming centers of the north $1.5OO00O for its surplus poul- try products, no inconsiderable sum to be divided among its 35,O00 inhabitants.
 It must be remembered that in this sec- ton there are few if any, speciality poul- try farms. This tremendous quantity of table poultry and eggs is produced by general farmers and backyard poultry Keepers who are principally interested in other lines.
 In this connection 1t is most interesting to note that the great increase in produc- ton has not adversely affected prices paid to the producers. As a matter of Tact, these prices are increasing each year, due to the competition among the buyers The latter in turn are devoting themselves to improving the quality of their output, thus securing for tnem- selves returns greatly in excess of those of former years.
 Virtually all ehe poultry is crate fed for a period of two weeks or more, is dressed py experts. carefully graded and packed ana so shipped that it reaches the market Ill prime condition Naturally such stock commands top quotations, bringing better prices than if shipped by the producers themselves. The same is true of the eggs These are carefully tested and graded. The buyer then knows just what he is getting.s confidence Is inspired and every one along the line is benefited
 This pleasing condition is not peculiar