The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-17
By MRS. JOHN c. MOSES.

By MRS. JOHN c. MOSES.
 The growing bullet is creature of habit, thoroughly addicted to regularity and vigorously opposed to disturbance and unusual commotion. It is essential for the good of the flock in it's entirety that the bullets should grow and i'm prove like clockwork from the time of matching to maturity. Laying is often retarded by seemingly trivial disturb ances, such as moving the fowl from place to place and changing the makeup of the ration.
 In order to insure early eggs see to 1t that the growth of the bullets is not re- tarded in any manner whatever. Almost without exception the bullet whose growth from matching to maturity has been regular, not subject to checks and
 interruptions, is an early layer. In sup port of the statement that checked growth results in retarded laying, comes the fact that May-hatched bullets often lay earlier than others which were matched in April but retarded in the early stages of their growth by unfayorable weather.
 Retardation by weather conditions, however, is only one of many factors which may stunt the normal growth of a bullet and defer her entrance to the lay
 ing class.
 As a rule, egg production begins at or before the cessation of the outlets physi- cal growth and development of the re- productive organs. Generally, influences which hinder growth also operate to de- lay egg production for several months. Any disturbance affecting the habits, quarters or comfort of the bullet at any stage of her life may retard laying. Shift ing the birds from place to place and abrupt changes in the diet often disturb the fowl enough to retard laying In fact poultry fanciers who desire to keep bullets in condition for exhibition often use this means of keeping them from laying. On the average, bullets about to begin laying are more sensitive to disturbances than at any other stages of their growth, and therefore require greater care in handling but disturb ances retarding the growth even Of small chicks are likely to postpone the begin ming of egg production.
 It is imperative that every poultry keeper exercise the maximum of caution from the time the chicks are matched until the bullets attain maturity, so that the fowl will make regular growth and not be subjected to any factors which will stunt or divert the proper develop ment of the birds. The alphabet of prop CT management of the bullets emphasizes such factors as correct nourishment, reg ularity, comfort, well-heing, constitution, exercise and cleanliness Given the proper care and surroundings, the early hatched chick will develop into a profitable, early and persistent producer of eggs This is the goal toward which every poultry man should work.
 POSTAGE RATES FOR EGGS
 Average hens eggs will weigh about l1s rounds to the dozen, or ounces apiece. The weight of a single dozen of eggs ir a carton properly packed and wrapped for mailing will run from ? to 3 pounds, depending on the nature of the partic- ular container, the size of the eggs, and the hacking and wrapping used If the container be very light one and the eggs small. the parcel may fall within the 2- pound limit, and the postage, therefore, within the first and second zones, or l5o- mile limit would be cents Most parcels containing a dozen eggs will exceed pounds. but will not reach 3; therefore the postage on them will be cents within the first and second zones. A parcel containing ? dozen eggs will add perhaps cents to the postage, though sometimes only cent, depending on the nature or the container and the packing and wrap ping.
 EVERYBODY LIKES EGGS
 Egg production doubtless is the leading branch of poultry keeping, and. in addi- ton. is a very important agricultural activity According to the last census
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