The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-13

frame covered with sheeting. This is closed only during storms and severe weather. On the east side is narrow wooden door. about 21ax5 feet in size. which Is opened when additional ventila- ton is required. Fine poultry netting is tackled over the doorway to prevent the hens from escaping. The small door through which the hens pass to the yards is cut in the west wall.
 The furnishings of each house are sim pie. Along the rear wall are placed a single roost with dropping boards below Beneath the latter are hung four simple trap nests by means of which individual egg records are kept. An automatic grain feeder stands in the center of the house. Along the east side is the elevated platform upon which rest the water re- ceptace the simple dry mash feeder and boxes for grit, shell and charcoal
 Connected with each house is yard 15x50 feet in size. These yards are covered with sod, consisting of alfalfa, various clovers and grasses Of different kinds; and this is so well established that the small number of hens in each flock can not kill it out.
 House Furnishings Simple
 The houses are placed in two parallel streets. with cross streets at intervals for the convenience of the attendants The arrangement is such that each house may be entered from the front without pa ss- ing through the yard Finally, a high fence of poultry wire incloses the entire plant at a distance of 20 feet from the i'm terior fencing, so any fowls which may possibly escape from their own quarters are still confined to the plant. This outer barrier also keeps unwelcome vis- itors away at night, in which work an energetic watchdog enthusiastically joins
 Spring water is piped to the plant. faucets being located at several conven- tent points.
 The duty of caring for these valuable birds and keeping the great mass of rec crds is intrusted to A. Nj. Pollard who has continuously filled this position since the first competition was started. He has two assistants, young men trained by himself.
 It must be admitted that the plant seems to be heavily manned, but it should be remembered that much time Is con stunned in escorting endless string Of visitors about the plant and keeping very complete records of egg production, feed on consumption, etc. During the busy sea son it requires the greater part of one mans time to care for the trap nests work which is of greatest importance to every entrant. The nests are all in- spected nearly once an hour during the day so that no layer need be confined longer than necessary.
 The daily routine includes the cleaning of all the droppings boards. supplying fresh watef at least once and frequently twice, attending to the trap nests, con fining or lberating the broody hens. at- tending to any individuals which are ai- ing in any way. replenishing the feed hop rers and making endless records. There are always other duties to be performed Yards to be raked, litter renewed hens to be dusted. water dishes scrubbed, eggs packed and shipped, houses disinfected.
 That. all of the above work is cared for regularly and thoroughly, thousands o. visitors will testify. And the laying rec ords made. in addition to the fact that only six birds have died during the year. is additional proof that these men arc doing their duty most thoroughly
 The ration used has been published so frequently that it need not be repeated here. All scratch grain Is fed through au- tomatic feeders and the dry mash is kept before the fowls at all times. This sys- tenn of feeding eliminates the element of uncertainty, giving all pens an abso- lutely equal chance since the macnsnes are all alike and play no favorites, some thing which might occur in hand feed ing.
 A few lessons may be drawn from the above by the studious poultryman. The more important points may be epitomized as follows:
 Select the laying flock with greatest care House in we'll ventilated buildings and keep these scrupulously clean Feed a varied ration in liberal quantities. Have fresh, clean water available at all times Give the birds access to plenty of green food. Fight the lice and mites Watch the individuals carefully and give prompt treatment if any show signs of sickness. Keep the whole plant in sanitary condi- tion- Breed from the heavy layers Stay on the job.