N 2 ,*.. BEPOET ON he Poultry Industry in the Netherlands. BY EDWARD BROWN, F.L,S, President of the International Association of Poultry Instructors and Investigators. Author of " Report on the Poultry Industry in America," " Report on the Poultry Industry in Denmark and Sweden," "Report on the Poultry Industry in Belgium^*- " Report on the Poultry Industry in Germany," "Poultry Husbandry" (1914), " Poultry Keeping as an Industry for Farmers and Cottagers," "Races of Domestic Poultry," "Poultry Fattening," &c. Xondon : JOHN BALE, SONS & DANIELSSON, Ltd. OXFORD HOUSE 83-91, GREAT TITCHFIELD STREET,' OXFORD STREET, W.i. 1921. .« Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003104944 REPORT ON The Poultry Industry in the Netherlands. BV j EDWARD BROWN, F.L.S. President of the International Association of Poultry Instructors and Investigators, Author of " Report on the Poultry Industry in America," "Report on the Poultry Industry in Denmark and Sweden," " Report on the Poultry Industry in Belgium," " Report on the Poultry Industry in Germany," "Poultry Husbandry" {1914)1 " Poultry Keeping as an Industry for Farmers and Cottagers," " Races of Domestic Poultry," " Poultry Fattening," &c. Xon&oit : JOHN BALE, SONS & DANIELSSON, Ltd. OXFORD HOUSE 83-91, GREAT TITCHFIELD STREET, OXFORD STREET, W.i. 1921. From The Library of Dr. Oiney Brown Kent s F ^7J B ^H-3^ TABLE OF CONTENTS. Preface— Objects of Inquiry Range of Tours Results Acknowledgments I. The Netherlands An Economic Laboratory Physical Features Area and Soil Population The Canal System Standards of Life Values IL Industrial Poultry Keeping in Holland General Recognition An Egg Country Historical Recent Developments Statistical Number of Fowls Poultry in Relation to Holdings Practical Breeding Prosperity of Poultry Keepers Extension of Industry Imports and Exports of Eggs Tariffs III. Systems of Management Transitional Methods Distribution versus Concentration Houses and Housing Roosting Sheds Large Poultry Houses Other Forms of Poultry Houses Hen Ladders Incubation and Rearing Feeding The Breeding Stock Yarding of Fowls Page T Paragraph 2 — 2 — 3 — 5 — 5 I 6 2 6 3 7 4 9 5 lO 6 II 7 12 — 12 8 13 9 13 lO 14 II 15 12 i6 13 17 14 17 15 i8 i6 19 17 20 i8 21 19 22 — 22 20 22 21 23 22 24 23 25 24 26 25 27 26 28 27 28 28 29 29 3° 3° Table of Contents IV. Races of Poultry in Holland Breeding Ideals Original Home of the Hamburg Fowl ... Dutch Breeds of Fowls Barneveld Fowls Influence of Imported Breeds Utility Fowls in Holland Waterfowl and Turkeys V. Farm Poultry versus Poultry Farms Non-success of Poultry Farms Voorthuizen Vinkenhof Other Farms North Holland Bergen District Undesirable Methods Vlaardingen VI. Egg Production Increased Production Limburg Gelderland Friesland Other Provinces Advance in Prices Improvement of Quality Size of Eggs Profits VII. Table Poultry Limited Demand Trade with Germany A Zwolle Exporter A Table Poultry Farm Equipment at Doetincham Methods and Results Fattening at Landsmeer VIII. Duck Farming Holland not a Duck Country Landsmeer Effect of Duck Industry A Duck-keepers' Association Breed of Ducks Houses and Runs Feeding Ducks at Landsmeer Observations 111. "a£-e Paragri 32 — 32 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 — 38 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 42 41 43 42 44 42 45 44 — 44 46 44 47 45 48 45 49 46 50 46 51 47 52 48 53 48 54 50 — 50 55 50 56 51 57 52 58 52 59 53 60 54 61 55 — 55 62 55 63 56 64 57 65 57 66 58 67 59 68 60 69 IV. Table of Contents IX. Marketing the Produce Local Markets Barneveld Views of Egg Merchants Further Opinions ... Alkmaar Holding and Mixing Eggs Preservation Prices A Control System ... X. The V.P.N. AND ITS Branches Co-operation in Holland ... Vereeniging Pluimveehouderij Nederland Scope of the V.P.N. General Operations ... Marketing Developments Financial Aspects ... General Features Amersfoort Society ... Friesland Co-operative Egg Society Growth of Friesland Society Methods of Trading Auction Sales The Place of Sale Whence Supplies obtained Boxes Testing the Eggs Machine for Testing Branding A Dutch Auction Co-operative Roermondsche Eiermijn V.P.N General Arrangements A Mechanical Auctioneer The Buyers Poultry Sales Payments for Produce and Commissions 6i Paragf 6i 70 6i 71 62 72 63 73 64 74 65 75 66 76 66 77 68 78 69 69 79 69 80 70 81 71 82 72 83 72 84 73 85 74 86 74 87 75 88 76 89 77 90 77 91 78 92 79 93 80 94 80 9S 81 96 81 97 82 98 83 99 84 100 85 lOI 85 102 86 103 XI. Instruction and Investigation Want of Practical Teaching Appointment of Consulent ... Lectures and Courses Central Poultry School Research J11 ... 00 88 104 88 105 89 lo6 90 107 90 108 Table of Contents v. XII. State Assistance Ministry of Agriculture Breeding Stations Eggs for Hatching Langezwaag Haarlemer Meer A Novel Exhibition The Poultry Section XIII. Combating Disease Dangers of Increased Numbers The Present Position Prevalent Diseases Serum Institute Operations of the Institute Serum and Vaccine Treatment The Practical Issue XIV. General Notes Exhibitions .. "Avicultura" Transport Facilities Status of Societies The Islands XV. Summary and Conclusions Influence of the Netherlands The Effect of Quality Anticipated Developments Conclusions Page Paragr 92 — 92 109 92 no 93 III 94 112 94 113 95 114 95 "5 97 — 97 116 97 117 98 118 99 119 100 120 100 121 lOI 122 103 — 103 123 103 124 104 125 105 126 105 127 107 — 107 128 107 129 108 130 108 131 vi. Illustrations ILLUSTRATIONS, Plate I. How the Remote Areas were reached ...facing page 8 „ „ A Gelderland Farm House and Buildings „ „ „ II. A Gelderland Poultry House „ 9 „ „ Barrack Poultry House in Bergen District „ „ „ III. Poultry House in Gelderland „ 25 „ ,, At a Breeding Centre in Friesland ... „ „ „ IV. An Ornamental Hen Ladder „ 26 „ ,, In Gelderland — Somewhat Intensive ... „ „ „ V. A Small Breeding Station , 40 „ „ Chicken Raising under Favourable Con- ditions „ „ „ VI. Successful Poultry-keepers „ 41 „ „ A 500-HEN Shed „ „ „ VII. Duck-keeper's House at Landsmeer ... „ 48 „ VIII. Scenes on a Duck-egg Farm (2) „ 49 „ IX. Range of Duck Sheds at Landsmeer ... „ 56 „ X. "Nest" Tank at Landsmeer , 57 „ „ A Gelderland Poultry House „ „ „ XI. Egg Market at Epe ,, 64 „ XII. Early Morning Egg Market at Barneveld „ 65 „ „ Use of the Bicycle „ XIII. Revolving Egg-testing Table „ 72 „ XIV. The Egg Shed at Roermond Co-operative Auction Sale „ „ XV. Sale Room at Roermond 80 „ XVI. Inoculating the Hens ... " s, ON THE Poultry Industry in the Netherlands. PREFACE. The series of Reports on the Poultry Industry in various countries — namely, America, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Wales — which it has been my privilege to issue as a contribution to knowledge upon this branch of food production, involved a study of conditions and developments in the Netherlands where remarkable progress had been made upon exceptional lines. This was almost completed when the great European War broke out in 1914. The effects of that conflict have been very great, and are seen in a considerable decrease in the number of poultry kept and the volume of production, together with an enormous enhancement of values of products. The Report now presented, therefore, refers to the conditions prior to the war period. It has, however, been felt that what is set forth should be given as an indication of methods adopted, from the fact thai in this way is indicated how the Poultry Industry was developed in one of the smaller countries, and especially that in the time of restoration the principles recorded are those on which the Poultry Industry in the Netherlands is being rebuilt. Objects of Inquiry. — Whilst poultry-breeding has re- ceived a large measure of attention in Holland for centuries, and we owe to it well-known races of fowls, of which the Hamburg is an example, this pursuit has been to a degree not generally understood upon a non-economic basis. The atten- tion given to breeds of fowls was mainly in respect to develop- ment of characters which did not lead to productiveness, although, as elsewhere, certain races were evolved conforming 2 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS to their environment. As will be seen by the report now presented the primary efforts for improvement, commenced about thirty years ago, were chiefly by fanciers and by means of exhibitions. The entire aspect, however, has been changed by later developments, with a result that the balance of imports and exports, as shown in the statistics given, has steadily been transferred from the former to the latter. The rapid growth of supplies now received on the British markets from the Netherlands, and the general high quality of the eggs imported, indicate that the progress made has been considerable, in addition to which is the large export to Germany. It was desirable, therefore, to study (i) the conditions of the country, with a view to seeing what are the prospects of further increase in the supply of eggs, which come more into competition with British produce than those from all other countries save one ; (2) how far the methods adopted in breeding and production differ from our own, and whether any of these are suited to our conditions ; (3) the aid given by central and provincial authori- ties in direct encouragement of the industry, or by promotion of instruction and investigation ; (4) the organization for collection and sale of eggs and poultry, by co-operative societies or private traders, whether for home consumption or export, more especially the system adopted in connection with periodic auction sales ; and (5) the way in which disease is combated. Range of Tours. — In the adjoining country of Belgium, which I have known fairly well for many years, poultry-keeping has been more fully developed than is the case in Holland. Although my first visit to the last-named country was made in 1869, any observations made have been mainly restricted to a few of the leading towns and to rapid journeys en route to other parts of Europe. It was specially necessary, therefore, that the country should be studied in detail. On my first journey, after calling at The Hague, the Provinces of North and South Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland and Overijssel were traversed. During a second journey, which was delayed in consequence of other duties, parts of Utrecht and Gelderland were again visited, also Drente, Friesland, Groningen, Brabant and Limburg. It will be seen that these journeys covered what may be regarded as the more important producing sections of the country. These other journeys have afforded an opportunity of examining the conditions of the country and PREFACE 3 of obtaining a large amount of useful information. Many visits wei-e paid to farms, breeding establishments and centres, country markets, co-operative societies, sales and institutions, and interviews were sought and obtained with traders and others, as well as central and local officials. Results. — As will be seen from the Report itself, in so far as general poultry-breeding and production are concerned, with the exception of the duck industry in the Landsmeer district, the methods adopted do not present any new features as compared with those which are practical in our own country. And, further, that the conditions in Holland differ considerably from such as are met with in Belgium, as recorded in my report on that portion of the Low Countries, although these more nearly approximate in the provinces of Brabant and Limburg. So far as the northern and central provinces are concerned, these are distinctive. Even there, however, striking variations are met with. In this connection one important factor is that Holland must be regarded as a country of small occupations. At the same time it is highly prosperous, the evidences of which are manifest on all sides, due to the industry of the people and to the combination of animal breeding with cultivation. Considering the present-day tendencies in Britain towards the development of small holdings and allotments, Holland affords an object-lesson which is worthy of careful study and emulation. The chief value of the observations which are recorded in this report will be in respect to the methods of marketing and sale of produce, which, both co-operatively and by private traders, have been organized on very advanced lines. As a result Dutch eggs hold a very high place for quality on the English and German markets. I desire specially to call attention to the auction sales, of which description is given. That section and the chapter showing governmental action to combat disease fully justify the present inquiry. Acknowledgments. — Such an inquiry could not be successfully accomplished without the cordial co-operation of those who are able to render assistance so as to provide the opportunities for seeing the country in detail, and of supplying the information required. It has ever been my good fortune to have these placed at my disposal, in which respect the present occasion but duplicated previous experiences. I have 4 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS again to express my indebtedness to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who gave me official letters to British representatives in the Netherlands, which helped materially, and to the staff of the British Embassy at The Hague. Mynheer A. S. Talma, who was at the time of my first visit Minister of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce, took a personal interest in the tours, and expressed his recognition of the important place held by the Poultry Industry at an inter- view accorded me by His Excellency. He arranged that Mynheer H. B. Beaufort, Konsultant of the Netherlands Poultry Organization Society (V.P.N.), should accompany me throughout. As Mr. Beaufort was the official who occupies a unique position as responsible for the developments which are taking place, such help cannot be adequately acknowledged. To it whatever value this Report possesses is largely due. By his motor car we were enabled to visit several of the more remote districts. To Mynheer J. S. van Hoek, Director of Agriculture at The Hague, I am greatly indebted for statistical and other information, as also to Mynheer R. Houwink, jun., of Meppel, whose researches as to breeds of poultry and experiments in breeding are known throughout the globe, and to Dr. van Ryn, formerly the agricultural representative of the Netherlands Government in London, for advice and guidance. Courtesies extended to me by many others whose names are mentioned in the report, were great. For permission to use some of the photographs for illustration, I am indebted to Mr. J. Breukers, of Roermond, Mr. W. J. Krudde, of Deventer, and Mr. S. B. Meyer, of York. EDWARD BROWN. ON THE Poultry Industry in the Netherlands. I.— THE NETHERLANDS. I. An Economic Laboratory. — In these days when the tendency of all development is, socially, commercially and nationally, towards concentration, when aggregation appears to be the dominant factor in almost every aspect of life, it is of special interest to study what is taking place in the smaller countries. There evolutionary action may be met with on a scale which can be easily understood. Not only so, but progression is there frequently most rapid, at any rate in pursuits like agriculture which in the productive stages are and must always be dependent for success upon individual effort, not as a mass controlled by a few, but separately or in small com- munities. Farming, inclusive of stock-breeding, is dependent upon distribution of population. Production is determined to a limited extent by opportunity available in the shape of land. That, however, is not the point of supreme importance, although necessary. What decides the question is the number of people upon the land, and how far they conform to and take advantage of their conditions, equally as to development of production and organization for distribution of supplies beyond their own requirements. It is an undoubted fact that the smaller states, such as Belgium, Denmark, Holland and Ireland, within recent years have made the greatest progress in the direction indicated. The two former of these have been dealt with in previous reports, and my present inquiry reviews the position in the third of the countries named. As will be seen in the following pages, there are phases peculiar to the Netherlands, where problems which are presenting themselves over the entire globe 6 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS are finding solution. It is, therefore, an economic laboratory worthy of careful study. At a time when over vast areas the consuming sections of great communities are growing more rapidly than the producing, and demand is rapidly out-dis- tancing supplies of food, this question is pressing itself upon every householder. What we have to attain is increased pro- duction. That may be by the opening of new lands, or by enhanced returns in older countries. So far as perishable articles of food are concerned the last named is of the greater importance. 2. Physical Features. — It does not fall within the scope of the present report to attempt anything like a description of Holland as a country. Such is well worthy of record, but must be studied in other publications. Mention may, however, be made of a recent work entitled " A Free Farmer in a Free State '' ^ by " Home Counties," which, so far as its general information is concerned, I am assured by Dutch friends is one of the best that has been written in the English language. As to the political and economic views expressed by the writer I have here nothing to say. The story told in other directions is inspiring, indicative of the practical manner in which con- ditions, in many respects by no means favourable, have been made stepping-stones to success, individually and nationally. As is well known a considerable proportion of the country is below the level of the North Sea, which is kept out by great dykes or walls, and that in origin it was formed by deposits brought down by the great rivers, such as the Rhine and the Meuse. It is only in a small section of Gelderland and to a greater extent in Limburg that higher lands are met with. Of the total area islands form an important part. The territory has been won and is maintained by strenuous effort and at great expense. A Dutch saying is " God made the sea ; we made the land." When the great scheme for reclamation of part of the Zuider Zee is carried out there will be a large addition to the area capable of cultivation. 3. Area and Soil. — The total area of the country is 12,582 square miles, that is, 8,052,480 acres. It is, therefore, ' London : William Heinemann, 395 pp., illustrated. THE NETHERLANDS 7 a small country. In the English Divisions Ilia (Salop Worcester, Gloucester, Wilts, Monmouth and Hereford) and I lib (Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall) are 8,052,043 acres, so that the counties named are practically the same in extent as all the Netherlands, which is in acreage one-fourth that of England, and the area of Wales is about half that of Holland, though that is scarcely a fair comparison, as so much of the former is hilly, whilst the last named is mainly flat. The eleven provinces into which the country is divided vary consider- ably in size, as shown in the following table : — Area of Provinces in Acres. North Brabant ... 1,267,200 Drente ... 659,200 Gelderland ... 1,257,600 Limburg ... 536,000 Overijssel 826,240 Groningen ... 505,600 Friesland 820,480 Zeeland ... 441,600 South Holland .., 746,240 Utrecht ... 341,760 North Holland ... 684,800 Of the area named nearly 26 per cent, is uncultivated, a considerable portion of which is waste, mainly sand and heath. From the work already referred to I quote the subjoined figures : — Percentages of Land. Permanent pasture ... 37'I2 Untaxable land • •• 2-39 Farm crops ... 26-60 Horticulture - 2-35 Uncultivated (waste) ... ... 16-65 Buildings and Parks ... I-4S Woods ... 7-9 Roads ... i-o Water and Marsh - 2-77 Miscellaneous ... 1-06 Of the cultivated land the division between pasture and arable varies considerably. In North Brabant only i8'S per cent, is in pasture, whereas 81 '5 per cent, is arable. That pro- vince is in the south. In the northern province of Friesland the pasturage reaches 83*5 per cent, and arable i6"S per cent. Utrecht, also in the south, has 82" i per cent, pasture, and Groningen, in the north, 68'8 per cent, arable. There are large tracts of waste and poor land, notably, in North Brabant, Drente, Gelderland, and Overijssel. If Belgian experience is a guide these might be improved and brought under cultiva- tion, in which work poultry could exert considerable influence. 4. Population. — On December 31, 1910, the population of the Netherlands was 5,945, 155, and has doubled in sixty years. Some of this is due to the growth of industries and 8 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS commerce in the southern provinces, but what is most sugges- tive is that there has been a large increase within the rural areas. In 1869 the last named formed 73-8 of the total popula- tion, and in 1908 62-6 per cent. That is apparently a decline, but the fact is that the actual increase in numbers of rural inhabitants was 1,003,024, or nearly 38 per cent. The lessened percentage of country population is explained by the fact that in the same period the towns had increased by 1,242,645, which was an advance of 132 per cent. At the same time, however, a million more people were living on the land than was the case forty years previously. The area of each province has already been given (para- graph 3). It is of interest to note the density of population in the respective provinces, namely : — Density of Population. South Holland 1,168 per square mile. North Holland 1,031 Utrecht 534 Groningen 4I9 Limburg 393 Zeeland 336 Gelderland 3^5 North Brabant 313 Overijssel 294 Friesland 283 Drente 1S7 Total 460 These figures include both urban and rural areas. Hence the great cities and towns in North and South Holland account for their high position. Belgium has 737 inhabitants per square mile, and the United Kingdom 367, so that the Netherlands are in density of population 25'62 per cent, above the United Kingdom, and 2Ttg per cent, below the neighbouring country of Belgium. The latter is explained by the fact that these industrial and commercial centres are much more widely dis- tributed than is the case in Holland, where all the Northern provinces are almost purely agricultural. A further point is that in Belgium the occupations are smaller. As shown in the Report on that country more than half the holdings are less than \\ acres in extent (5S"23 per cent.). In the Netherlands farms are moderate in size, and the number below a hectare^ ' A hectare is equal to 2 '47 11 acres. o < Q O *■ /Ml. ^■¥§MrJ pi Mt *■•■■■ Mil f, ■1 ' i^^^H IVIf^ HI ' IPI Bra 1^ \ ■ ' ' / ^ , j ■! J<8k iBJ^^M •'.^^J^^B 1 • < / 8l "^Uffti Hk 1 "^"''3HrT- v3qH ^^^ ^ ^fnikw^l :. W m ■ ii Q 2; •A a o CLi < < THE NETHERLANDS 9 is proportionately much less. I find in the statistics published by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture^ that out of 277,905 occu- pations enumerated, 68,735 (nearly 25 per cent.) are under one hectare. As to the others the following table shows their division : — Size of Occupations. Area Under i hectare I to 2 hectares 2 ,, 3 ,. 3 » S ., 5 » 10 „ 10 ,, 20 „ 20 „ 30 ,, 30 >, 40 „ 40 ,. 5° .. SO „ 75 .. 7i „ 100 „ Over 100 ,, Number of Holdings •• 68,733 - 46,846 Percentage 24-81 16-87 29,077 33.697 10-43 12-21 41,439 30,821 14-92 11-10 13.734 6,S32 4-87 2-26 3.532 1-27 2,831 1-02 447 216 0.16 0-08 277,905 100-00 It will be seen, therefore, that the occupations over 20 hectares (50 acres) number less than 10 per cent., and that farms of 40 hectares (100 acres) and upwards are slightly over 2^ per cent, of the total. Of the area under cultivation, inclu- sive of pasture land, 65 per cent, is in farms of from 5 hectares (12^ acres) to 40 hectares (100 acres). About half the land is farmed by proprietors. It may be explained that the larger farms are mainly in the northern provinces where dairying prevails. Holland is a country of mixed races, mainly Franks, Frisians and Saxons. The more stalwart people physically are found in the north and north-east, and the Frisians are generally built on large lines. There is, also, a considerable variation in dialect, and Frisian is a distinct language. In all parts of the country the number of educated people who under- stand English is considerable. At Bergen, in North Holland, the driver of a carriage we engaged spoke excellent English. He had lived in America twenty years and recently returned to his native land. 5. The Canal System. — That the water ways of the Netherlands have had an important influence on its develop- ment is generally recognized. In the country are 1,135 ^iles of ' Uitkonsien der Telling in Zake Het Grondgebruik en den Veestapel, May-June, 1910. lO THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS navigable rivers and 1,522 miles of navigable canals. These are met with almost everywhere over a large part of the country, the chief exception being in Drente, where there are practically none, except in and near one or two towns such as Assen and Meppel, the former of which is adjacent to the Friesland border. To a very large extent these waterways form the great arteries of intercommunication in the country, specially for produce, but also to a considerable extent for pas- senger traffic, affording a cheap mode of transit. Not only do canals connect the various villages they serve, but also branches bring them into direct touch with the individual farms. In Section VIII will be seen how these have had a direct influence in development of a great duck industry at Landsmeer. Vil- lages are built along the sides of the canals. Where butter factories, egg-packing stations, and auction marts have been formed, water communication frequently determines the position. It is of special interest to see farmers taking their milk to the creamery by barge, or eggs to the collecting depot. The cost of transit is very low indeed. Probably the saving in this direction makes a substantial addition to the aggregate earnings of all classes of Dutch farmers. 6. Standards of Life. — In the main the standard of living in Holland is a good one, though in that respect there are considerable differences, as also in the habits of the people. It is well known that the Dutch people are thrifty and clean. I was surprised at some of the farms visited, even where the occupations were small, to note the evident signs of comfort and prosperity. Such visits were not to show places. These do not reveal the actual conditions of any country. Many of the kitchens and living rooms were remarkable for their furnish- ings. That Dutch women are " house proud " and homemakers is apparent, and in many districts they do not take any share in the farm work. Nor is this restricted to the dwellings. In many districts ornamentation is general. Even cow-houses often have curtained windows. Cleanliness is met with everywhere. Farm-houses are, as a rule, well built and frequently picturesque, surrounded by pleasant and well-kept gardens. There are, however, shadows which are making their influence felt to a greater extent with enlarged views of life and increased number of stock. In many places the dwelling houses and THE NETHERLANDS II byres are all under one roof, and doors directly lead from the living rooms to the quarters for cows. That may be conducive to economy of labour, but cannot be healthy, more especially where the animals are numerous and ventilation inadequate, as is generally the case. The old and now exploded notion that conservation of heat, more especially where the winters are cold, is best secured by exclusion of fresh air, prevails to a very large extent. I noticed, also, in many of the farm-houses, both old and new, that the older form of box or cupboard beds, access to which is obtained from the living rooms, are very general. Such are met with in the more antiquated farm- houses of the North of England and Scotland, even of a more objectionable type, but the newer dwellings there do not perpetuate what is an evil system. That, however, is not true to the same extent in Holland, although such arrangements are being discouraged by the authorities, who now realize that to this cause is largely due the high death-rate from pulmonary consumption, which in 1909 was i6'i3 per 10,000. 7. Values. — In view of what is stated below, it is necessary to indicate that the prosperity of the Netherlands is not due to cheap land either in purchase or rental. Values are consider- ably higher than in Britain under like conditions. The reason for this is not within my purpose to consider. Sufficient is it to record the fact. Nor are these high values alone where intensive methods of cultivation are adopted, as they are general throughout the country. Among my notes are several references in the direction indicated. In one section of Gelderland, around Barnevald, it was reported that the rents, as the land is mainly rented, are 50 gulden per hectare, which works out at 37s. 6d. per acre. In the Leuwarden district of Friesland £xz per hectare (96s. per acre) is paid in some cases. These are for purely agricultural land devoted to ordinary farm cropping or stock. In North Holland, on the rich dairy farms, sales have taken place at ;^ioo per acre, and on the rich clays of Groningen and Limburg from £^0 to £\oo is the price per acre. On the vegetable and fruit lands of various provinces ;£'200 to £2ip per acre is obtained. What is of special import- ance is that values have advanced within recent years. 12 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS II.— INDUSTRIAL POULTRY-KEEPING IN HOLLAND. 8. General Recognition. — Throughout the Netherlands the importance of the poultry industry is accepted without question. Evidences in favour of its economic value are too apparent to raise any doubts in that direction. In the course of my observations I did not come across any example of the antiquated genus homo who declares that " poultry don't pay," of whom we still have a few in Britain, though these are steadily becoming extinct. Perhaps there may be some ; if so these did not come across my path. Central and local authorities, landowners and farmers, officials and traders alike, recognize that this branch of live stock is capable of great development, specially in connection with general farming. In the interesting interview which was accorded to me at The Hague by Mynheer A. S. Talma, at that time Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, that gentleman expressed his deep interest in poultry, and stated as his belief that the pursuit is invaluable more especially for smaller farmers and occupiers. It was evident, however, that there is a mistaken idea as to American poultry farms, and an absence of recognition that these are mainly breeding establishments, at which sales of market eggs and poultry hold relatively a minor place. That question is further considered in Section V. From what is stated below it will be seen that there has been a greatly increased attention paid to poultry within recent years, and a considerable advance in production. Some of this growth is due to enhance- ment of home consumption, of eggs especially, in which respect the Netherlands share in the changes that are taking place all over the world. The development of industrial and commercial centres in the Southern provinces has created a demand which has had to be provided for. What is, perhaps, the most impelling force within recent years is the export trade. Holland, geographically, is in a specially favoured position. To the west, within a short sea journey, are the insatiable British INDUSTRIAL POULTRY-KEEPING IN HOLLAND 1 3 markets. To an even shorter distance on the east are the vast populations of the Rhine provinces of Germany, equally insistent in demanding provision to meet their requirements. It will be seen, therefore, that Holland has in these respects advantages over Denmark, where the home demand is compara- tively small, and the main outlet is in Great Britain. This is a factor which should always be kept in view. 9. An Egg Country. — More than twenty years ago, landing one morning at a Dutch port en route for another European country, the cabin steward asked if I would have an egg to my coffee. On asking whether they were new-laid, he replied, " Of course they are ! This is an egg country." Evidently they proved to be satisfactory. At the same time it is only within recent years that the general quality has proved to be equal to modern requirements, at least for such as passed through the ordinary channels of trade. In the work by " Home Counties," already referred to, the author stated that he " found some farmers were giving their calves eggs as well as milk. These particular animals were of course fattening for veal." I have heard of eggs being fed to pigs in Wales during a time of glut, when outlets were few and prices very low, but as an economic proposition neither the one nor the other could be adopted. The tendency of the future will be, I believe, that unlike Belgium, egg production will be the line of development in Holland. Experience within recent years has shown that following organization for marketing the supplies there has been a greatly increased production, and that the Netherlands is in process of becoming an " egg country." ID. Historical. — Development of poultry-breeding, so far as concerns its industrial aspect, unlike Belgium and France, is recent in the Netherlands. Since the days of Julius Caesar records show that fowls were kept, as was probably the case over all the west of Europe. The breeds were of a common type. At a much later period, that is, after the rise of the Dutch shipping trade, as Hollanders were among the most daring adventurers, new breeds were introduced. For some reason those that were curious appeared to have com- manded special attention. Some modern races probably owe their special characters, such as crests, beards and heavy 14 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS feathering, to these over-sea specimens, as did those which came by way of Spain when the Netherlands were under the domination of that country. Such breeding as took place was largely in perpetuation of these breeds, though others were added. That we owe the Hamburg fowl to Holland is unquestionable, as it descended from the Friesland fowl, still to be met with in the northern provinces, though the small eggs make it of little practical value for farm purposes. In the latter half of the nineteenth century importation of English, American and Mediterranean races, and to a lesser extent of Asiatics, mainly due to the enterprise of fanciers and the rise of exhibitions, gave an impetus to poultry-keeping, though not for utility purposes. In a later section (No. XIV) further information will be found as to the influence exerted by societies and exhibitions, some of which are yet in existence. Such development has been in Great Britain, Germany, America and British Colonies the evolutionary process through which the poultry industry has passed. It was not until variations of productiveness had been realized that the possibility of regarding fowls as an economic branch of live stock, rather than merely a means of supplying in small measure household requirements, was thought of; in fact, this stage was not reached until the importation of foreign races showed that the fecundity of native breeds was not the measure of what might be accomplished in this direction. One point is here of considerable interest, namely, that so far as I have been able to learn, cock-fighting as a sport was never very popular in Holland, and did not therefore influence poultry-breeding to the same extent as in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The example set forth by other countries, together with increasing demand for eggs, especially in the rapidly growing industrial and commercial areas, has been responsible for later attention to this question, as also to the possibilities of a profitable export trade. Practically speaking, the Dutch poultry industry is modern, that is to say, dates from 1880 onwards. II. Recent Developments. — Some attempts were made during the last decade but one of the nineteenth century, which indicated that the practical value of poultry was receiving even a measure of attention. These were mainly in the province INDUSTRIAL POULTRY-KEEPING IN HOLLAND 1 5 of Drente, where breeding stations were established for dissemination of the native breeds of fowls. At a later period the rapid growth of the Danish egg trade commanded con- siderable attention. Ultimately, owing to action by and addresses of various pioneers, notably Mr. R. Houwink, jun., Mr. M. L. Spruyt, Mr. V. Repelius, and Mr. J. Kooiman, suggestions made were focussed, and in 1901, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, the society known briefly as the V.P-N., whose work is detailed in Section X, was established. To it is due in large measure, as also to the support of central authorities, the steady growth of the poultry industry in the Netherlands. This society has co-operation as one of its leading objects, although general development, of utility poultry- keeping occupies its attention first and foremost. Acknow- ledgment must also be made to the service rendered by merchants who, by organization of the trade, domestic and for export, have provided profitable outlets for supplies, and thus given a great impetus to increased production. In this respect the line of progression has differed considerably from that followed in Denmark, where co-operation was primarily responsible. In Holland, exports of eggs are made to a much larger extent through private traders, although in Denmark, as was pointed out in my report on that country, half the shipments are by other than the egg export societies. As shown below (Section X), co-operative effort has advanced largely, more especially in Friesland and Limburg. Informa- tion as to other developments are given in succeeding sections. 12. Statistical. — As a consequence of the efforts referred to above, and to an awakened consciousness of the important place which poultry may hold in respect to agriculture, there has been a large increase in the number of fowls kept in the country. It is stated that in 1870 the fowls in Holland numbered two millions, and that by 1900 these had increased to four millions. The Agricultural Census taken in May and June, 1910, records the number of fowls at that time as given in the table on p. 16. It is necessary, however, to state that these figures do not include ducks, geese and turkeys, respecting which no statistics appear to be available. So far as my observations have gone these species are not very numerous, except ducks, which are largely kept in some districts of North 1 6 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS Holland. Geese are not suited to a highly populated country, and the conditions met with in the Netherlands are not favour- able for turkeys, save in one or two provinces, where more might be done were the farms in general larger. I do not think that there is any prospect of turkeys being introduced to any great extent, though it is possible ducks may increase in number. We have, however, to take the figures as presented. 13. Number of Fowls. — In the subjoined table are given the number of (i) adult fowls ; (2) chickens bred in 1910, and (3) fowls per 1,000 acres of cultivated land in the respective provinces. Poultry Census of 1910. Province Number of adult Number of Adult fowU per ^""""^ fowls chickens ^•??'^'^/f°l cultivated land Groningen ... 401,127 ... 156,567 ... 828 Friesland 347>9l8 ... 134.504 ... 536 Drente 278,065 ... 117,256 ... 936 Ovetijssel ... 623,609 ... 313,817 ... 1,272 Gelderland ... 1,488,248 ... 738,866 ... 2,048 Utrecht 313.909 ••■ 144.961 ... 1,316 North Holland ... 463.132 ■•■ 217,282 ... 928 South Holland ... 661,145 •■• 305.255 ... 1,108 Zeeland 449.868 ... 235,571 ... 1,212 North Brabant ... 813,133 ... 338,986 ... 1,160 Limburg 869,439 - 365,304 ••• 2,584 6,709.593 ••■ 3,068,369 ... 1,252 From the above it will be seen that in the northern sections of the country, that is, the provinces of North Holland, Drente, Friesland and Groningen, where the conditions are purely agricultural, the poultry population is least, although only one of these is below the English average. Limburg in the extreme south, and Gelderland in the centre, occupy the premier positions, the first-named of which is one of the most densely populated poultry districts in the world. It will be evident from the table given above that egg production has received the greater measure of attention. In only three provinces do the chickens equal 50 per cent, of the adult stock, showing that those bred are chieHyfor maintenance and replacement of the breeding and laying stock. Upon this point evidence is adduced below. In this connection it is of interest to compare the average number of fowls, not including ducks, geese and turkeys in the United Kingdom, which are officially recorded as follows : — INDUSTRIAL POULTRY-KEEPING IN HOLLAND 17 England (1908) 560 per i ,000 acres of cultivated land. Wales (1908) 444 Scotland (1908) 499 Ireland (1912) 805 In England, one division of the country, the North-western, had 769 fowls per 1,000 acres, but in Ireland one county (Monaghan) had 2,155 poultry per 1,000 acres, and fourteen counties had between 1,000 and 2,000 poultry per 1,000 acres. These figures, however, include all races of poultry, and are not, therefore, comparable. For reasons stated in the Belgian Report I was unable to give figures for that country. 14. Poultry in relation to Holdings. — In view of the figures recorded in the third column of table given in the preceding paragraph (No. 13), as an explanation of the great divergence in the adult fowls per thousand acres of cultivated land, it is of interest to compare the two highest and the two lowest provinces with regard to size of holdings. The following are suggestive facts, and I repeat figures already given : — Size of holdings in relation to number of poultry Province Adult fowls per i,ooo Percentage of holdings acres of cultivated land 50 acres and upwards Limburg 2,584 3-55 Gelderland 2,048 6*92 Groningen 828 35'83 Friesland 536 2275 Here we have further evidence that practical poultry breed- ing is greatest where the holdings are smallest in area, and that in larger farm districts production is always proportionately lower. At the same time it must be remembered that farms in the Netherlands are not what we regard as large. In Friesland there are only three farms of over 250 acres, and in Groningen only thirty-two, which, to a large extent, explains the higher average of fowls in Holland. It is necessary, how- ever, to keep in mind that records in that country are gathered from all occupations one-eighth of an acre in extent and upwards, whereas in Britain the minimum is one acre, and in Ireland a quarter of an acre. 15. Practical Breeding. — Whilst, as indicated later, breeding of exhibition poultry has exerted an influence, especially by introduction of new and more productive races, 2 l8 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS one of the fixed impressions left as a result of this inquiry is that the practical or utility side occupies the premier position, and is growing rapidly. What was at one period a non-economic branch of live stock has assumed a different phase. The consensus of opinion is that the average produc- tiveness of farm hens is much higher than was formerly the case. Among my notes are many instances of what was stated in this connection. Apart from extreme examples, such as a dairy farm in Utrecht, where an average record of 175 eggs from a flock of 150 hens was reported, it appears to be unquestionable that there has been a steady rise in this direction, though it was impossible to obtain reliable statistics except here and there. These were the exceptions. Their value is mainly to show what can be done by careful selection, breeding and management. How far they can be maintained remains to be proved. We are just now at a stage when systems of selection for high fecundity have to some extent broken down, and the question requires full and exhaustive reconsideration. The trap-nest system has not been intro- duced to any extent in Holland. My own idea is that the improvement made is due almost entirely to new breeds and elimination of old types, as also, it may be, to change of environment. That a great improvement has taken place in the milking qualities of Dutch dairy cattle is universally acknowledged. This has had a reactive and educational effect in promoting the adoption of similar methods for fowls. 16. Prosperity of Poultry-keepers. — Except in the more thickly populated industrial districts, where fowls may be found within enclosed runs as with us, the great mass of poultry-keepers are farmers or small occupiers, and the pursuit is widely distributed, although varying in degree as already shown. That there has been a great increase of prosperity as a result is evident, in some provinces to a larger extent than in others. Evidences of this are given in later sections. At the same time signs are not wanting, as indicated by serious outbreaks of disease, which show that there is much to be learnt, perhaps by bitter experience and heavy loss, and that some of the methods are not conducive to permanency; in fact, in those districts where the greatest development has taken place increase of numbers has not been accompanied, as it INDUSTRIAL POULTRY-KEEPING IN HOLLAND 19 ought always to be, by modification of system in so far as distribution over tlie land rather than concentration is con- cerned. This is a subject which has for years been constantly urged, but it seems as if every country has to learn its own lesson, and that the experience of others is disregarded. Up to the present time, with a few exceptions, what are known as intensive methods have not been adopted. Those who are most guilty of operating on bad lines are farmers who trans- gress natural laws owing to want of knowledge or of thought, but have none the less sooner or later to suffer as a con- sequence. In fact some have done so already. 17. Extension of Industry. — As a result of the abundant examples of profit following enlarged operations there has been a great extension of poultry-keeping all over the country. I came across an interesting instance in the Bergen district of Friesland, which indicated a strong belief in the profitableness of poultry, and a desire to take advantage of every opportunity offered to maintain a flock of hens. On the inner dyke, which forms part of the old great sea-barrier, there is a house every 100 metres (109 yards), the dwellings of men whose business it was to keep out the ocean. At a considerable number of these fowls have been kept to a large extent. They did so much damage, however, by scratching on the dyke that a regulation has had to be adopted restricting the number in each case to sixteen, as a measure of prevention and precaution. Generally speaking, with the exception of some districts, afterwards noted, development has been on satis- factory lines. For instance, as a rule in Friesland the general number of adult fowls maintained on each farm, where attention is given to this branch, is from 20 to 50 head. In that province the average per occupation is a fraction under 18 adult fowls, whereas in Limburg, where the holdings are much smaller, it is nearly 42. Even in the latter case the average is by no means excessive if there is a due relationship between ordinary cropping and the fowls main- tained upon the land. That such is not always kept in view is to be feared, and it is in this direction much in the way of education and instruction has yet to be done. There are other provinces, however, where what is here stated has been forgotten, of which Gelderland, Utrecht and North Holland 20 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS are examples, for in these extension has not been on alto- gether satisfactory lines, and I fear an increase of loss by disease will follow as a consequence, unless there is an immediate change of method. That will doubtless in process of time be remedied, especially as those engaged in promotion of the industry are fully alive to its importance, as are many of the more progressive farmers. Whatever may be the ultimate result in this direction, the fact is evident that there has been a great extension of poultry breeding on practical lines, in association with general farming, which, it may be pointed out, is the way of permanency and successful development. 1 8. Imports and Exports of Eggs. — Until 1907 the Netherlands might be termed an importing country, so far as eggs were concerned, in that the volume of supplies received was greater than that of exports. Such is no longer the case, as the margin is rapidly increasing on the export side, as shown in the following table: — Import and Export of Eggs, 1S90 to 1912 (in Kilogrammes). Margins Year Total Imports Total Exports 1890 . 4. 191.497 ■ 491.017 189I ■ 4.09S.7SS . 495.' 13 1892 . ■ 4.540,637 . 467,957 1893 . . 4,286,822 . 489.836 1894 . • 4.244,753 • 677,217 189s . . 4.488.635 . • 1,127,543 1896 . • 5.019,372 . • 1,989,659 1897 . • 6,075,279 . • 2,533,657 1898 . . 7.156,428 . 4,240,159 1899 . . 6,196,034 . • 3.687,548 1900 ■ 5.941.414 ■ • 3.623,392 I901 . ■ 5.827,788 . • 3.747,915 1902 . 5.284,003 . • 3.803,533 1903 . . 5.965.227 . • 4,319.470 1904 . .. 7,400,246 . . 4.774.006 1 90s • • 6.366,987 . . 4,012,865 1906 . • 9.043,175 • • 7,965,694 1907 . 7,101,597 . ■ 7.896,678 1908 . 8,912,461 . . 12,090,998 1909 . 9,246,000 . . 15,003,000 I910 . . 12,515,000 . . 20,113,000 191I . • 14.S35.000 . • 20,433,000 I912 ■■ 13.743.000 . • 21,234,000 I913 . • 16,315,000 . 23,204,000 Imports 3,700,480 3,600,642 4,072,680 3,796,986 3,567,536 3,361,092 3,029,713 3,541,622 2,916,269 2,508,486 2,318,022 2,070,870 1,480,470 1.645.757 2,626,240 2,354,122 1.077,483 Exports It would take too figures relating to the 795.081 3.178,537 S.7S7.00O 7,598,000 S.898,000 7.491.000 6,889,000 much space to detail for each year the various countries, but for comparison I INDUSTRIAL POULTRY-KEEPING IN HOLLAND 21 give in the subjoined table the figures for 1890 and 191 2 respectively, from which it will be seen that the increase of imports is mainly Russian, and that the exports to Germany bulk to the largest extent. Comparative Imports and Exports, Netherlands, 1890 and 1912. Imports Exports Country ^^^90_ 1912 1890 19x2 Total in Total in + Increase Total in Total in kilos kilos — Decrease kilos kilos Increases Belgium 113,600 425,000 + 311,400 201,257 2,065,000 1.863,743 Germany 4,008,422 ii, 40 1, 000 -1,607,422 189,252 13,803,000 13,613,748 Russia 33.470 10.793.000 + 10,759.530 — — — Great Britain... — — — 100,508 5,353,000 5,252,492 Other Countries 36,005 4. 191.497 124,000 +87.995 +9.551.503 — 13,000 13.000 Totals ... 13,743.000 491,017 21,234,000 20,742,983 It will be seen, therefore, that the imports of eggs increased from 1890 to 1912 by nearly 224 per cent., and that in the same period the exports advanced by 4,224 per cent. The exports to Germany were greater in 191 2 than in 1890 by 7,196 per cent., and to the United Kingdom by 5,226 per cent. How many of the Russian eggs are re-exported I was unable to learn, but upon that question more is stated in a later chapter. So far as the actual margin of exports over imports is concerned this began in 1907, since which year it has advanced nearly ten- fold, the actual increase in six years being 6,695,919 kilos, or 6,695 tons. 19. Tariffs. — The Netherlands is a free trade country, and as such obtains advantage of the " most-favoured-nation clause " for exports to Germany. As set out in my " Report on the Poultry Industry in Germany," the tariffs now imposed upon what is known as the special scale, that is from countries with which there are reciprocal conventions, are as under : — Eggs in shell 2 marks per 100 kilos or 2d. per 120. Live chickens and ducklings 4 „ 100 „ o|d. per bird. Dead chickens and ducklings, unfatted 14 „ 100 „ 3d. „ Dead chickens and ducklings, fatted 20 „ 100 „ 6d. to 8d. per bird. For all live birds there is a strict veterinary examination at the German frontier, which merchants do not object to if fairly applied. As the United Kingdom does not impose import duties on eggs and poultry the restrictions referred to are avoided. 22 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS III.— SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT. 20. Transitional Methods. — The general impression remaining, as a result of observations made over the entire country, is that in many places improved methods in connec- tion with poultry are being introduced, to some extent by farmers and others, but more by those who are adopting specialist lines. This is, however, the usual process of evolu- tionary action in any rural industry. Nothing is taking place in that direction differing in principle to what has been seen in other countries. One of the surprising features is that every nation has, in a very large degree, to gain its own experience, as that we seldom learn much from that of others, in so far, at least, as general systems of management are concerned. Stilh if the lesson is learnt, though the process may be painful for the time being, it will ultimately be beneficial. One fact may be noted, namely, that within recent years there has been a tendency in Holland towards American methods, which is an evidence of disposition to learn, although the different conditions in the Netherlands, a small, thickly populated country of moderate-sized occupations, as compared with Canada and the United States, where land is abundant, has not been fully realized. What may be the opportunities in one is not neces- sarily suited to the other. Unless this is clearly understood the risks are considerable. In that direction special attention is required. As shown in later paragraphs, increase of number of fowls has not been accompanied by the change of system which is essential to permanent success. 21. Distribution versus Concentration. — At first the tendency is ever towards concentration, forgetful of the fact that poultry, as in the case of all animals, must be relative to cultivation, and that the last named is an essential factor, more than is generally acknowledged. It is in this direction that the limitations are to be found. Such is true everywhere, but to a greater degree in a country of limited extent such as Holland. And, further, certain antjquated notions as to SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT 23 possible injury to growing crops if fowls are allowed to run over them, required to be reconsidered. For instance, I found that in some of the purely arable areas, as is also the case in Denmark, hens are kept in confined areas during several months of the year. That this is necessary cannot be admitted. If the birds are denied liberty and then placed out on cropped land they will undoubtedly take a heavy toll, but if given freedom all the time such temptation is removed. Under these circumstances they will render the same service as do wild birds in destruction of parasitic life, animal and vegetable. It is always a difficult task to secure recognition of what is here stated. Believing as I do that the future of the poultry industry, more especially in order to secure an adequate extension of production so much needed, will be on arable rather than pasture lands, it is desirable to bring about a change of view and of practice. A general observation in Holland, as else- where, is that the tendency of occupiers of all grades — more, however, in the cases of those with limited areas of land — is to herd the fowls in small runs or yards, often badly overcrowded, and maintained in a by no means satisfactory state. That fowls can be profitably kept on small areas, provided these are changed, and a rotation of cropping be maintained, has been demonstrated. In several places visited this is being done to some extent. As a rule, however, that was not the case, and in some of these there must be drastic changes if disease is to be avoided. Upon larger farms the absence of distribution was evident to a marked extent. Examples are recorded in Section V. The outbreaks of disease referred to in Section XIII show that the ill-effects of crowding large numbers of fowls around the homestead and in the farm buildings are already apparent. One fact has yet to be borne in upon the minds of farmers and occupiers, namely, that the contra- vention of natural laws brings its own punishment, and that the maintenance of a due balance between animal and plant life is of supreme importance. There are sections of the country where space is greater in relation to population than in others. The main danger is in the more highly cultivated districts. 22. Houses and Housing. — Throughout the greater part of the Netherlands portable houses are not employed. When the question was raised in Utrecht and Gelderland, 24 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS where the conditions are eminently favourable for the em- ployment of such structures, the explanation given was that the risk of theft is considerable. How far that is merely an excuse I am unable to state, or whether the line of least resist- ance, by use of existing buildings and avoidance of capital outlay, is preferred. Statements of this kind are not unknown elsewhere. Nearly twenty years ago, in one part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, when advocating the use of movable huts for the poultry, I was met by a like objection. There, adoption of this system has not been followed by greater loss. That in all countries are to be met people who do not regard fowls as personal property may be accepted. I have yet, however, to learn that Dutchmen are worse than other people in this respect. Such as are deficient in appreciation of the rights of others in this respect can be educated by legal processes. In the Bergen district of North Holland I found scattered houses quite common, and was informed that there " thieves do not break through nor steal." Some of these houses v/ere not of the best form, and in a few instances were too large to be readily moved. The idea of distribution has, however, been adopted, which is to the good. Doubtless in due time improved forms will be introduced. Specially interesting and important is the fact, as reported, that this class of house has led to a great increase of poultry kept in the district named, both among ordinary farmers and labourers. That such would be the case elsewhere is evident. A further point is that the bite noire of the British farm poultryman, namely, foxes, do not enter into consideration in Holland, where restriction for that reason is entirely absent, and is not, therefore, a repressive factor. What may be here stated is that opportunities for per- manent extension of poultry breeding in the Netherlands are to be measured by the extent to which portable houses are introduced. 23. Roosting Sheds.— As already indicated, upon a large number of farms the fowls roost in one of the ordinary buildings. So long as the number maintained was small no serious objec- tion could be raised to this arrangement. It may be noted that in many parts of Holland the farm buildings are very good indeed, as are the dwelling-houses, and, as stated above (para. 6), a considerable amount of pride is taken in their O SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT 25 appearance. That does not, in the main, apply to accommoda- tion for the fowls. In only too many instances it was evident that when the number of birds kept was small they were allowed to roost in one of the farm buildings, as that with extension of the flocks the same system continued, with the resultant effect of overcrowding ; or, on the other hand, where it had been felt that special provision must be made, one of the ordinary buildings, often totally unsuited for the purpose, ill- ventilated, dark and small, is given up as a roosting-place. In several instances of farms visited a lack of cleanliness was most apparent, and the atmosphere inside was decidedly objection- able. On more than one place the fowl-roosts were above pigs, more especially in Central Holland, where large numbers of these animals are bred, which is in every sense undesirable. So far as I remember in no case were the birds allowed to sleep over the cattle, though on several farms sections of the byres were boarded off to form a dwelling for the poultry, having, however, a separate entrance. At one of these I found that whilst the roosts were apart the nest-boxes were placed over the cow stalls, the idea being that the warmth arising from the animals promoted laying. This was a small occupation of half a hectare (i^ acres) upon which three cows and 200 hens are maintained. Under such conditions it is scarcely to be wondered at if disease breaks out. What is here stated was found to be general throughout the central and southern provinces, where there has been a great increase of poultry within recent years. Perhaps it is early to expect the modification of method so much required. That it will have to be adopted is evident. When we find in conjunction overcrowding, want of light and ventilation, and uncleanliness, sooner or later the penalty will have to be paid. 24. Large Poultry Houses. — In some sections of the country, more especially North Holland, large separate build- ings have been provided. On a farm of 14 hectares (nearly 25 acres) in the Bergen district 1,500 hens are kept, of which at the time of my visit 600 were pullets. A considerable portion of these were accommodated in the main buildings, where the sleeping-place was dark, dirty, and overcrowded. In addition, however, a large wooden building out on the open fields was used for the same purpose. Whether it had been 26 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS specially erected my notes do not state ; but I question if that was so. In this house 500 hens were accommodated. The building itself was rough, dark, and insufficiently ventilated, and the perches were not arranged in the best manner. It was scarcely surprising, therefore, to find that at the time of my visit (November) only about twenty eggs per diem were being produced. On another farm in this district, referred to more fully in Section V, a similar building was in use, in which the conditions were pretty much the same. The question of large versus small houses for fowls is one upon which there has been much controversy. It may, however, be stated that where these larger structures are adopted it is evident that attention to detail in the directions already mentioned, and that the most scrupulous cleanliness shall be maintained, are absolutely necessary to success, if they can ever be made suc- cessful. Even where all is done that is possible there is the risk of tainted ground, owing to concentration all the time upon the area contiguous to the building. When, in addition, the internal conditions are non-hygienic the dangers of disease are enormously increased. I was not surprised, therefore, to learn that in the Bergen district there have been serious out- breaks of diphtheritis. In one instance it was acknowledged that 500 birds had been lost in the previous year. How far the use of these special buildings was due to realization of the need for a better system, or simply to lack of accommodation in the permanent quarters, was not revealed. My own opinion is that the latter rather than the former afforded the true explanation. It is evident, however, that if there is to be anything like permanency in the pursuit the aggregation of huge flocks of fowls in houses such as those illustrated should not be encouraged, as it is hardly possible to ventilate them properly. The fewer of such there are the better. 25. Other Forms of Poultry Houses. — Not much need be said on this question, as I did not see any poultry houses presenting special features other than those with which we are already acquainted. There is, as may be supposed, a great amount of variety in this direction, some of which are expressive of the individuality of the owners. It was satis- factory to note that, whilst the number of open-fronted houses is small, there is a marked tendency to the introduction of O .£ a a a ^ a .a O S »5 S HH O 1/3 Q Q < K " ij « < S z »• SO) < X o 2 o H U3 □ a z gf a 3 FARM POULTRY versus POULTRY FARMS 41 42. North Holland. — Within recent years there has been a great increase of poultry keeping in the province of North Holland, more especially within the areas contiguous to the picturesque town of Alkmaar, at which is a great cheese market, thousands of these red and other coloured balls being sold weekly. To the south of the town named fowls are very largely in evidence. Nearly every farm has a considerable flock. Here it may be noted the human standard of life is not so good as in the Bergen district. The dweUing-houses and byres are inferior to those found farther north, and to be next dealt with. As a consequence the methods of poultry manage- ment are primitive in the extreme, and much has yet to be done ere a satisfactory basis can be secured. The difficulties are always correspondingly greater when human beings and cattle live in the way stated. Under these conditions an increase in the number of fowls involves considerable risks, as they are usually concentrated around the homestead and crowded amid insanitary quarters. 43. Bergen District. — A light railway runs from Alkmaar to Bergen, a new holiday resort near the sea, from which it is separated by high dunes. The line traverses a great plain, intersected by waterways, and is below the sea- level. Although the land is light it is good, especially nearer to the town first named, and cattle abound, cheese and butter- making being the staple industry. The farms are usually larger than in many other sections of the country, and there is every sign of prosperity. The dwelling-houses differ in type (from those met with elsewhere, as they are usually square, with long, pointed roofs. In many cases the farmers live in villages and not on the farms, though that custom is by no means universal. Within this area poultry have increased enormously, and their universality is very striking. The principal breeds are Leghorns, Minorcas, and Wyandottes, as already stated (para. 36). Here for the first time I saw scattered houses used for the poultry, it being explained that there is no risk of loss by thieving. Many of these are portable, which is a distinct advance, even though they are not of the best form. Others are permanent, which is less satisfactory. My own view is that in the main the progression made is on the right lines, save as noted below ; in that all classes have shared. Labourers 42 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS keep poultry as well as farmers, either in runs or at liberty. In this district, as elsewhere, eggs are the main object. 44. Undesirable Methods. — References have already been made (paras. 22 and 24) to the large houses used upon some of the farms visited near Bergen, which are altogether undesirable. The bye-roads in this district are very bad, and in one or two cases it was impossible to get to the farms except on foot. Upon one of these, with an area of 14 hectares (35 acres), no fewer than 1,500 hens were kept, that is, at the rate of 43 per acre, in addition to which would be the chicken rearing to keep up the stock. On another place of the same average 1,200 hens were found. In this instance there were in addition 10 cows. Fifteen hundred chickens are bred annually, as the birds are only kept for two years. Seven male birds are used, and, therefore, a measure of selection of hens as breeders is adopted. As on each of the above farms the breeding of fowls is the primary consideration they may be regarded as poultry farms. These were among the largest flocks seen. As a rule the majority of farmers keep from 100 to 500 hens. The tendency is undoubtedly in the direction of overstocking, which by tainting the land, and in combination with houses wherein the hygienic conditions are bad, explains the outbreak of disease in the Bergen area, more especially diphtheritis. What is of even greater import is the prevalence of tuberculosis among the fowls, as I was informed that such is the case, confirmed by the appearance of many of the birds. This fell disease may to some extent be combated by introduction of fresh stock from non-infected places, but will not be over- come without an entire change of system, and adoption of smaller houses with more even distribution. It is also true that among human beings there is a great amount of tubercular consump- tion. Upon one farm I saw a revolving sleeping hut. Ill- ventilated houses and box-beds are bound to adversely affect the inmates. 45. Vlaardingen.— An indispensable factor in develop- ment of the poultry industry is the provision of stock, in which the economic qualities have been improved by selection and careful breeding, which is scarcely within the scope and oppor- tunities of the ordinary farmer. This is, in my judgment, the FARM POULTRY versus POULTRY FARMS 43 sphere of the poultry farm, as such. In Holland that work is being largely done by breeding centres, of which some par- ticulars are given in Section XII. Mention may, however, be made of an establishment at Vlaardingen, near Schiedam, owned by Mynheer A. Hoogenvijk, first established in 1895, but extended in 1900. This is splendidly equipped, has good houses and runs, which latter are planted with fruit, mainly black currant. The total area is 6 hectares (15 acres). In the centre is a large octagonal house for breeding stock, having twenty-four compartments, each comprising a roosting-place and open-fronted scratching shed, with corresponding outside runs. In order that the roosting-places shall have sufficient light, as these are inside, the roof is double-gabled all round, and skylights are used on the southern sides of the inner gable. This house cost 5,000 gulden (nearly ;£"42o). The incubator house is a very fine one of brick, with egg room behind and food store in front. Long-range chicken houses are employed with open fronts. In these are platforms on which brooders are placed with sand below and litter above. Here the youngsters are kept for six weeks, during which time they are not allowed out into runs. Thence they are trans- ferred to other houses among the fruit trees, where they are given liberty. The breeds kept are White Leghorns, Plymouth Rocks, and White Wyandottes, in fowls. Mynheer Hoogenvijk is experimenting to produce the almost mythical Black Crested White Polish, of which he has had one good specimen. In addition, Carolina and Mandarin ducks are kept in special netting-covered water runs, the birds within which are allowed to choose their own mates. The accounts and records of the farm are most carefully compiled and very complete as to feed- ing of each pen and laying results. In this way fertility and hatchability can be checked. An estimate has been formed that 5s. is required to produce each pullet at maturity, inclu- sive of cost of egg-hatching, labour and loss on sale of cockerels. This appears to be excessive, except upon such plants as that at Vlaardingen. In any case the last item should not incur any expense. The total capital expended upon this plant is 50,000 gulden (^■4,160), and the profit in 191 1, after payment of interest, was ;^224. The wages bill was i'208 17s., and for food ;^289 i8s. The sales in that year were ;^ 1,008 17s. 44 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS VI.— EGG PRODUCTION. 46. Increased Production. — The figures given in Section II (para. 18), showing that whilst the imports of eggs into Holland increased from 4,191,000 kilos in 1890 to 13,743,000 kilos in 1912, the exports during the same period advanced from 491,000 kilos to 21,234,000 kilos, and that the margin in the first-named year of 3,700,000 kilos in favour of imports had not only been transferred, but was 7,491,000 kilos on the side of exports, representing an enormous increase of production. The export in 191 2, on the basis of eighteen eggs to the kilo, would represent, allowing for packages, upwards of three million great hundreds, with a value of about ;^i, 500,000. How much of the quantity named consisted of re-exports the published statistics do not record, if these are known. The exports, however, do not tell the entire story, for there has been a large increase of consumption, though it would appear from the expansion of imports that this has been met to some extent by non-native supplies. The evidence obtained in the greater number of provinces is to the effect that the advance made has been general throughout all sections of the country, in some areas to a greater extent than in others. The lines of development have certainly been on a national basis. Wherever that has taken place there has followed a considerable increase of prosperity. How far that can be still further developed will, in my judgment, depend upon modifica- tion of methods in the light of what has been stated. My impressions are that those districts which have not advanced with the greatest rapidity are in the main developing on a more permanent basis. 47. LiMBURG. — One of the most striking instances of growth in egg production is in the Province of Limburg with parts of Brabant. The Co-operative Societies at Maestrict and Roermond have grown very rapidly, and by providing constant and reliable outlets, as well as ensuring adequate EGG PRODUCTION 45 returns, have given a great stimulus to production. Some particulars are given in Section X of the last-named society, which in 1905 marketed 835,075 eggs, and in 1912 19,016,796. That does not mean the local production has increased twenty- three fold, for the trade formerly in private hands is now done co-operatively. I am assured that the number of eggs sold within the area is several times greater than was the case in and before 1905. The ratio of fowls kept in this province, as shown in para. 13, is proof of the importance of the poultry industry. 48. Gelderland. — Mention has been made of the place held by egg production in this province. At Amersfoort, Barneveld, Deventer, Nijkerk and other centres, the evidences on the part of all concerned were that there has been a large increase in the volume of supplies, as in the number of fowls maintained. On the day of my visit to Barneveld (November) about 25,000 eggs were sold in that market. Sometimes in the spring months half a million will be disposed of on one market- day, which is a great increase, although actual figures were unobtainable. At Deventer a similar story was told. That market was at one time the largest in Gelderland, but now ranks below Barneveld. At Nijkerk, which is near the Zuider Zee, and, therefore, has only a one-side territory to draw upon, in November about 12,000 were being sold at each weekly market, but in spring as many as 100,000 are brought in, the estimate being made that this is three to four times as many as was the case a few years before. It may be explained that poultry breeding has received attention for a longer period in West than in East Gelderland, the latter of which has more recently been brought under cultivation, and there the condi- tions are immediately less favourable. Again, and yet again, expression was given to the opinion that egg production will increase still more rapidly in the future. That such is possible can be freely admitted. At the same time, as stated previously, the line of safety is to obtain a modification of methods as a preliminary step. 49. FriesLAND. — Whilst this province has made great progress in respect to poultry keeping, as has also Groningen, it does not equal in number of fowls or production of eggs 46 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS those areas referred to in the preceding paragraphs. There is, however, less overcrowding or concentration than in some other districts. If further advance be in continuation of the present methods, in which direction there are great oppor- tunities, there should not be much risk of disease and loss. As shown below (Section X), the organization for marketing by means of the Co-operative Society is very complete, as that body holds a commanding position. I was unable to obtain any definite information as to the advance in respect to egg production. It was stated, however, that within recent years this has multiplied to a considerable extent. Probably the main advance has been in respect to improvement of method. A reference to ^para. 13 will show that Friesland stands lowest in respect to number of fowls pro rata to the acreage, with Groningen second lowest, so that the respective capacities for extension are great. If the industry is built upon the present basis, production should increase to a very large extent. 50. Other Provinces. — So far as other sections of the Netherlands are concerned it is unnecessary to do more than make a few brief observations. In Overijssel and Drente poultry breeding has not been developed to the same extent as in Gelderland, due to the fact that the conditions are less favourable ; in the latter especially, as it is sparsely populated. How far the future will see a change in this respect remains to be proved. As these provinces border on Germany, where is to be found a great and growing demand, profitable outlets are at hand. Should such development take place the area of production will be greatly increased, and there should be a corresponding advance in the total quantities. It may be explained, however, that in these two provinces the quality is not as high as in Gelderland and Friesland. So far as North Holland is concerned it is unnecessary to add to what has already been recorded (para. 42). There the sale is in the hands of private traders. 51. Advance in Prices,— The main influence making for advance of egg production has been better prices obtain- able and a general increase in values. This is by no means peculiar to Holland, as it has been evident in nearly all EGG PRODUCTION 47 countries. I was not prepared to find advance so universal. In the month of November at Barneveld white-shelled eggs were selling at 15s. to 16s. per 120, whilst the dark brown eggs for the British markets were realizing 20s. per 120. In the same month at Amsterdam (para. 100) they were 65- cents to g^ cents (i^d, to nearly 2d.) each, in accordance with size and quality. At Alkmaar a day or two later they were 8 cents (a fraction over i|d. each), and at Rotterdam the variations were from 5^ cents to 9i cents. At Roermond, in July, the rates ruled from 8s. 2^d. to los. 2^d. per 120. These are high prices, considering that the Netherlands is an exporting country. Perhaps the most striking example of what is here stated is shown in respect to the yearly average at Roermond. In 1905 this was 7s. 8|d. per 120, steadily advancing to 1912, when it was 9s. 2d. for the same number. The result has been to give a most powerful impetus to production. 52. Improvement of Quality.— Observations all over the Netherlands were to the effect that within recent years, that is, since exportation became an important factor, there has been great improvement in the quality of egg marketed. The evidence in support of this statement was obtained alike from co-operative societies and traders. Mynheer Langenhof, manager of the Co-operative Auction at Amsterdam, informed me that as bad eggs are refused, and senders are fined if these are sent after warning is given, as well as the fact that eggs are paid for in accordance with realized prices, a strong impetus is applied towards greater care on the part of producers. Similar reports were made elsewhere. Mynheer W. J. Krudde, of Deventer, a large exporter to England, stated that at one time he had great trouble with farmers bringing in eggs of inferior quality, but by adopting the plan of refusing to buy from those who did this, and by paying in accordance with the size and quality, there had been a marked advance in both directions, as well as affording a great stimulus to production, the result of enhanced returns. The eggs are tested at each packing centre, so that proof is at hand in case of dispute. This trader also informed me that the most unsatisfactory supplies came from those districts where the buying was done through local shopkeepers who accept eggs in exchange for other goods. These people generally pay all-round prices, 48 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS finding their profit in the commodities sold. Reports of a like nature were received elsewhere. The Co-operative Society at Leuwarden, Friesland, only recognizes one quality, that is, the new-laid. All others are returned to senders. Further, a fine of 2^ gulden (4s.) is imposed if a bad or stale egg is sent in, and as 300 gulden (£2^) in fines were received in 1912 the need for such a regulation is evident. On the day of my visit a lot of stolen nest-eggs were forwarded by a member, with a note stating what they were, and asking that they should be tested. That is a form of loyalty which deserves recognition. 53. Size of Eggs. — It is also true that a distinct advance in respect to size had been noted within recent years, though, for reasons not satisfactorily explained, West Gelderland has always produced good-sized eggs. That may to some extent be due to moist conditions of atmosphere and soil. The main supplies vary from 14^ lb. to 17 lb. per great hundred. Eighteen- pound eggs are not encouraged ; in some districts there was great room for improvement in this respect. An interesting instance of what can be done in this direction was given to me by Mynheer Van Essen, of Zwolle, who stated that at Ommen, in North-east Overijssl, twelve years previously the eggs were very small, about 13 lb. per 120, but that now they average 15 lb., and are also better in colour. At Roermond I was informed that since the Co-operative Society was esta- blished, and the weight of eggs recorded before sale, there has been a great improvement, and that as a rule these range from 15 lb. to 17 lb. per 120. Whilst, therefore, considerable differences are found in the size of eggs produced in different districts and also within the same area, Dutch eggs are on the whole very good in that respect, and it would appear that there has been very great improvement in this direction. Such fact emphasizes what was known before, namely, that an increased size of egg is within the influence of producers by introduction of new breeds, by careful selection of eggs for hatching, and by proper feeding. 54. Profits. — Information as to prices of eggs is given in Section IX. The evidence obtained as to profits made varied considerably. In Gelderland one small farmer occupying EGG PRODUCTION 49 12^ acres said that he had made 2^ gulden (4s.) per hen, which was very good. On another farm in the same district 2 gulden (3s. 4d.) was recorded. A poultryman in the Bergen district placed the profit at i gulden (is. 8d.) per hen per annum. On the duck egg farms at Landsmeer the estimate given was I gulden (is. 8d.) per annum. Between the two extremes here named, i to 2^ gulden seemed to be the general opinion, though actual figures were not easily obtained. 50 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS VII.— TABLE POULTRY. 55. Limited Demand. — A very notable difference between the two sections of the Low Countries is in respect to the con- sumption of chickens and other classes of table poultry. For centuries the Belgians, as I have previously shown in the Belgian Report, have been great "chicken eaters." Hence special attention is paid to this branch of the poultry industry in that country, and also to production of ducklings. Such cannot be said for their northern neighbours. It was stated repeatedly that there is no demand for high-class table poultry in Holland. The birds seen are generally very mediocre in flesh qualities, which are scarcely recognized in the selection of breeds. It is of interest to note that not one of the native races, and few of those introduced, have any special claim in this direction. As must always be the case where fowls are kept there is a number to dispose of annually. These are, however, merely the surplus — that is the cockerels not required for breeding, and the old hens who have fulfilled their purpose as layers. Under such circumstances it cannot be expected that quality will be regarded. And as a further fact I may mention that a very large number of the birds placed upon the markets are exported to Germany. A possible exception is Amsterdam, where, with its large Hebrew population, there is a fairly good demand for larger birds to be consumed during the Jewish festivals. It may be assumed that had there been a need in the country itself the supply would have been forth- coming. What is stated above applies to all classes of poultry. 56. Trade with Germany.— As already mentioned a considerable trade is done with Germany in fowls, which are sent alive or dead. The V.P.N. Auction Sale at Rotterdam has recently commenced receiving poultry from members, which are killed and plucked for shipment to the Rhine Provinces. At Barneveld on the day of my visit (November) 3,000 birds were sold in the market. These were packed in TABLE POULTRY 5 1 large round crates holding about thirty fowls, for the same destination. They are brought in by farmers, sometimes in hampers attached to bicycles (as shown in plate XII.). The prices paid on the day named were is. 4d. to as. 6d. each for older specimens, and is. to 2s. each for cockerels. The society at Leuwarden, Friesland, began to trade in chickens in 1912, compelled to do so in the interests of its members. The week I was there (July) 3,000 had been received, and five killers and pluckers were engaged ; all these were for dispatch to Germany. Larger birds are in demand for this trade, which will probably in due course modify the class of fowls kept. At one time in this market surplus fowls could be bought at lod. each ; since the society there has organized the work they have doubled in value. The object is not to make a profit, and expenses are merely charged to producers. At Roermond, where the size and quality is poor by reason of the breeds kept in that district, all birds are sold alive to buyers from across the German frontier. The prices paid on the day of my visit (July) were : Old birds, 50 cents per kilo (about 4^d. per lb.) ; young cockerels, IS. id. each. Similar testimony was obtained in other districts. An exception was, however, Amsterdam, as the demand at the Co-operative Auction there was mainly for local consumption. Sometimes as many as 1,000 are offered in one day. Each lot is weighed and the number stated. The prices ruling were (November) : Cockerels, is. to 3s. gd. each ; old cocks, is. id. to 2s. 2d. each; hens, is. 3d. to 4s. id. each. 57. A ZwoLLE Exporter. — In view of what has just been stated a brief account of an interview with Mynheer E. Engels, of Zwolle, may be given, as he is a large exporter of fowls, alive and dead, to Germany, and of wild game and rabbits to England. In this business he has been engaged for many years. He reported that the main difficulties arose from diseased specimens, of which there were a goodly number about. In these the symptoms pointed to what is known as chicken cholera. At the German frontier the veterinary examination is very strict, respecting which this and other traders offered no complaint when fairly applied. Suggestions are made that this is not always the case, though whether there are any justifiable grounds I have no knowledge. In my " Report on the Poultry Industry in Germany," p. 65, will be found infor- 52 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS mation as to the rigid veterinary examination of geese from Russia in operation at the Magerviehhof Market, Berlin. Behind Mr. Engel's house were the receiving sheds, where were a large number of birds, but the chickens were of a moderate type. Nothing is done in the way of fattening these. There were, however, three lots of ducks and geese undergoing the process of fattening as an experiment. Of these some of the ducks were excellent. As the demand at that season (November) is limited, the birds when killed were being placed in cold storage for the spring trade, when the sale is much larger and the prices better. 58. A Table Poultry Farm. — At Doetincham, in East Gelderland, and a few miles from the German frontier, near the old Ijssel river, I visited the only establishment where the pro- duction of high-class table poultry is attempted in Holland. Although, for reasons stated below, it did not impress me as being on a practical basis or having the elements of financial success, partly from the fact that there is no demand in Holland for the class of bird turned out, the experience thus gained may ultimately be beneficial. The owner is Mynheer C. J. E. Rombouts, a man who had made some money in the Dutch East Indies, and, returning home, turned his attention to table poultry, largely influenced by reading descriptions of American poultry farms. He had, however, visited the Belgian district of East Flanders, and is largely following on the lines adopted there. The land at first occupied consisted of 4 hectares (10 acres), to which more has since been added. This, whilst conveniently situated so far as the town is concerned, did not strike me as very suitable, as it was somewhat low. A damp soil is always cold for chickens, and has a tendency to retard growth. Nothing is of greater importance than a dry, kindly soil, otherwise the cost of production is enhanced and the results are less satisfactory. There are many parts of the Netherlands which in these respects would be preferable. 59. Equipment at Doetincham.— We have here another example of attempting to apply the factory system to poultry. The ground is in some respects thickly occupied with buildings and runs, the latter of which are in many cases too small, especially in view of the fact that there was a totally inadequate provision for either changing runs or giving the land a rest, TABLE POULTRY 53 which is essential where intensive methods are followed. On the newly occupied ground there was manifest improvement in this direction, and fruit trees had been planted, among which the young birds were allowed to wander; also, part of this area was being used for breeding pens. The central buildings are excellent. That for incubators is of brick, with offices and food stores above, the hatching room being partly underground, but well ventilated by air shafts. The only fault to be found is that the windows are on the wrong side for summer work. The machines in use are the well known Cyphers Incubators. In the breeding pens referred to ordinary single houses are used. For young chickens a pipe brooder house about 48 yds. long is employed. This has hovers on each side with a passage- way between. Those on the north are used in summer and the south side in winter. When the chicks no longer require applied heat they are transferred to a large semi-circular building for the growing stages, which has a very ingenious series of runs outside. The evident desire has been to get as much on the ground as possible, always a mistake in connec- tion with animal life. Large screens for shelter and shade are used in the runs, thus indicating that the system is one of forcing. There is also a fattening shed holding a hundred birds, which are fed from troughs all the time, as is usual in Belgium. 60. Methods and Results. — The system adopted is modelled on Belgian lines. It is scarcely surprising, therefore, that the evil effects are reproduced. During the last two years a disastrous epidemic has devastated the table poultry industry in East Flanders and the Province of Antwerp, due to the ultra-intensive methods in vogue, as I foreshadowed in 1909 would be the case. Mr. Rombouts buys Malines eggs from Belgium, and at the time of my visit to his farm (November) was paying 28 francs (22s. 6d.) per hundred, which was not a high price. Where the loss arose was in the poor results. Even at the best season he was only able to obtain 50 per cent, of chickens, and at the time named 30 per cent., in addition to which the mortality in the birds was very high, namely, 20 per cent. How far this was owing to action of the same microbe as in Belgium I did not learn. It is, however, reasonable to assume that the malign influence stated has been at work. 54 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS One main reason for keeping breeding pens was with the desire to be less dependent upon Belgian eggs, and thus regulate the supply. A better plan would have been to organize production upon farms in the surrounding districts. His system of feeding is to give dry seeds and grain at first, after ten days varied by soft food composed of wheatmeal mixed with sharps. In fattening, buckwheat meal mixed with skim or butter milk is used. Mr. Rombouts has tried FaveroUes, but they did not attain the same size as do Malines fowls. Sales are in Berlin, Brussels and Paris. He says a profit of 2s. can be made per bird over the hatching and food cost, from which it is evident a large output is needed to meet the heavy establishment expenses. The problem is a very doubtful one, and I could not but feel that as a financial proposition it is not likely to be successful. 6i. Fattening at Landsmeer. — The only other fatten- ing establishment visited was at the great duck breeding centre of Landsmeer, in North Holland (Section VHI), which was on a totally different scale. This is owned by Mynheer van Schaik, and is designed to deal with surplus cockerels. A small wooden house is used, with cages built in five tiers, fitted with drop boards below, on the French system. As a thousand birds could thus be crowded into a comparatively small space, although rigid cleanliness prevailed, the smell was offensive. It may be explained, however, that the inmates are only fed one week, with the object of softening and whitening the flesh, and the food is given in troughs. This consists almost entirely of Paddy (undressed) rice and butter-milk. In this district the impression is general that a mixture of meal and milk causes diarrhoea. The birds in the cages were very mixed. Among these were a good many Buff Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes. At Alkmaar Market I found that chickens were being bought up for this place. DUCK FARMING 55 VIII.— DUCK FARMING. 62. Holland not a Duck Country.— Whilst a fair number of ducks are to be met with in the Netherlands, these birds are very few as compared with what might have been expected considering the prevailing conditions. In a low- lying land with an abundance of streams, waterways and meers or lakes, the opportunities for breeding this species of poultry are favourable in the extreme. It is surprising, therefore, that more has not been attempted in this way. The explanation is probably that an absence of demand for high-class ducklings in Holland itself, together with moderate prices, and on the other hand, the greater profits from hens, has led to the latter being developed at the expense of the former. Further, the great advance of cultivation in many parts of the country has not conduced to increase of duck breeding. That there are sections in which much in this way could be done, and where by adoption of right methods no interference with other branches of agriculture would result, is abundantly apparent, were regular and payable outlets available. There is, however, a duck industry in one district of the province of North Holland which is on exceptional lines of especial interest, in that the methods differ from anything I have seen before, and that it is conducted entirely for egg production. 63. Landsmeer. — The locale is at Landsmeer, a few miles to the north of Amsterdam in the direction of the Zuider Zee, and on the borders of the famous cheese district of which Edam is the centre. The place named comprises a long, picturesque, prosperous-looking village on the shores of the lake so desig- nated. The polder, which is the name given to an area of land surrounded and intersected by dykes, so that the water is under control, extends for some distance. These water courses are wide and deep enough to accommodate a barge of moderate dimensions. Each side of the village street has such water channel, with branches dividing the various occupations, as 56 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS shown in one of the accompanying illustrations (plate VII). Approach to the dwelling houses and land from the roadway is by means of footbridges crossing the canal, and high enough to allow passage of a barge below. In some cases they can be raised. A specially suggestive fact is that the dwellings are neat, substantial, and well kept, frequently distinctly orna- mental, betokening the prosperity of the occupants, as do the excellent interior arrangements and furniture. 64. Effect of Duck Industry. — In a most interesting interview which I had with Mynheer J. van Beek, w^ho has been Burgomeister of Landsmeer for about thirty years, this gentleman stated that whilst duck breeding has been carried on for a very long period, its development on present lines has been within the last two decades. The total area of the commune is 2,800 hectares, of which one-fourth is water, and is mainly owned by the Church and individual proprietors. The occupations are usually bought, mortgages being effected for a time, but ultimately paid off. The last Census recorded 2,300 inhabitants, or 532 families, of whom one-third keep ducks. Formerly fishing was the main pursuit, at which time the people were poor in the extreme. About twenty years ago increased attention was given to ducks, since which time great progress has been made. As indicative of the advance in general pros- perity, the Burgomeister said that since he first occupied that position 224 new houses have been built, to each of which is the corresponding plot of land, and 76 have been rebuilt. In spite of the fact that increased prosperity tends to reduction in the size of families, the total population has increased by 700 in the period named. As a further proof it was reported that the rateable value of the commune has grown by 60 per cent., that is, from 5,000 gulden in 1885 to 8,000 gulden at the present time. Young men in many cases remain and take up duck farming, instead of being compelled to migrate. The standard of life is certainly a good one, and I do not remember to have visited any poultry centre where upon small areas of land results as evidenced were more satisfactory. One further sign is that the women take no part in the work, devoting attention to their households and families. It is a man's business from first to last. Polder rights are free to residents in accordance with ancient regulations. Certain restrictions are imposed to Q Z < Q a X en D a b O u o z < Pi 3 O a, p < DUCK FARMING 57 prevent tainting of tlie water, which is very peaty. That is thought to act as a disinfectant and thus prevent disease. In view of the results just recorded I feel justified in giving special prominence to an industry which has been of great economic value to the district and to its people. 65. A Duck-keepers' Association. — Under the con- ditions named below ducks are kept very thickly on the ground, and in addition hens are maintained in considerable numbers. The statistics for 1912 are as follows : — Ducks 41,114 Hens 26,287 Geese 50 Swans 8 It is believed, however, that there are at least 50,000 ducks in the commune, as the full numbers are not stated by reason of the registration tax imposed. This works out at an average of fifteen per acre of land, which is considerable, though not excessive when the system adopted is taken into account. As there is always a risk of birds getting out and becoming mixed an association has been formed (Vereeniging tot betengelingder diefstallen van Pluimgedierte) for the purpose of registering markings so that the ownership can be recognized. The birds are branded on the beaks, and a very ingenious code is adopted. The contributions made to the association are, annually, from 100 to 500 per 120 ducks, 2d. ; 500 and upwards, i^d. per 100. When birds are killed it is insisted that the heads must not be removed, so that the marks can be distinguished. The asso- ciation permanently offers a reward of 100 gulden (eight guineas) to any one discovering a theft, and it speaks well for the people that this has never been claimed. The estimated production of duck eggs at Landsmeer is 5,500,000, and of hens' eggs 3,120,000 annually, which is indeed a remarkable result. The prices realized average for duck eggs 4^ cents, and hens' eggs 45 cents each, or 8s. 6d. and 9s. per 120 respectively. On that basis, upwards of _^3i, 500 is paid into the district every year. All eggs are sold to dealers in the village. 66. Breed of Ducks. — The Landsmeer duck industry is exceptional, not alone by reason of the methods adopted, as described below, but also that no birds are bred there, and that egg production is the entire object. In the adjacent communes 58 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS are great dairy farms upon which the ducks are hatched and reared, the price paid for them being usually 2s. each at three to four months old. When bought they are selected for uniformity into flocks of fifty or sixty, and placed in what are to be their dwelling houses. The duration of life is three years. In size the ducks are small bodied, without any distinctive type, perhaps rather larger than Indian Runners, of which I did not note any trace, and their shape, whilst long and developed behind, is ordinary, that is, level from front to back. Some follow closely the Mallard, or wild duck, in colouration of plumage and markings. A considerable proportion, however, show a white cravat, or crescentic marking across the throat, in which case the general plumage is black, or very dark. It may be explained that birds with this distinguishing feature are common in North-western Europe, from Belgium to Sweden, of which the white-cravated or blue ducks are known as Danish or Swedish respectively, though these are much larger in body than such as I saw at Landsmeer. On several of the farms visited were the long-billed ducks referred to in para. 37. The claim was made that on some of the duck plants an aver- age of 120 eggs per annum is secured, and that the net profit is I gulden (is. 8d.) per duck per annum, which would work out at nearly ;^85 per thousand ducks, which, considering that all the food has to be purchased, is regarded as satisfactory. It may here be mentioned that where hens are kept the chickens are hatched and reared on the spot. Under such circumstances the line of greater profit is found to be by retaining them as layers for only one season, and keeping the breeding stock distinct. 67. Houses and Runs. — The number of ducks on the individual occupations varies considerably, ranging from 100 to 4,000 birds. Where the flocks are smaller these are usually supplemental to some other means of livelihood. The range is usually between 600 to 2,000, only few having more than the latter number. In all, however, the methods adopted are remarkably uniform. The duck houses, built of wood and having open fronts, are placed parallel to the side streams with enclosed yards in front, about 30 ft. in length and 6 ft. to 8 ft. wide, divided by wire-netting and wood. Of the length about 6 ft. is water, so that the birds have DUCK FARMING 59 constant access to what is their natural element. That un- doubtedly has a great and a beneficial influence upon them. The water sections are divided by boards about 2 in. or 3 in. apart, so that the water passes through freely and is thus kept sweet and clean. By these arrangements the canals are left free for barges to pass. The houses are simple in the extreme, but substantially built. The yards are littered out with straw. As often as necessary a fresh supply is provided, the old being allowed to remain, so that it becomes in process of time a thick bed. About once in two years all is removed, and is found to be a most valuable manure for use on the fields. Part of the manure must be lost in the water, but in this way a considerable portion is conserved. 68. Feeding Ducks at Landsmeer. — The water courses or canals already referred to are really the highways of this district, as in many other parts of Holland. Everything required to be brought or sent away finds transit by boat or barge, so that no cartage charges are incurred. Maize is largely employed for feeding, supplied in open troughs ; in fact, I saw little else used in the shape of grain. The most important article, however, of the duck's diet is a small white fish called Nest, which term means small fish, caught in the Zuider Zee. Many of the boats which go out from the picturesque village of Volendam are engaged in catching this fish, respecting which there is great controversy between the provinces on both sides that inland sea, as complaint is made of excessive fishing. Of late years demand for Nest has advanced greatly, not alone by the increase of duck keeping at Landsmeer, but also the industry is being developed at Volendam, where I saw several establishments run on similar lines. This Nest is regarded as indispensable for the ducks, and I was informed that when the supply is reduced or stopped the industry is no longer profitable. What will be the effect when the great scheme of draining a large part of the Zuider Zee is carried out remains to be proved. Experiments have been carried out with other fish, notably inferior mussels (mosselen), but the results have not proved satisfactory. The great lake at Landsmeer only produces eels. The fish when brought to Volendam is dispatched in tank barges, and trans- ferred on the respective duck farms into large wooden tanks 6o THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS suspended by chains and pulleys in the water, so that they may be kept alive until required. The price varies from 30 cents (6d.) to i^ gulden (2s. 6d.) per 20 kilos (45 lb.), according to the season and supplies, and the tendency has been to a rise in values as a result of increased demand. So far as I was able to learn no attempt has been made to test whether meat in any form could be substituted for fish. Our experience has been that ducks require flesh food in one form or another, but this is the first instance I have known of the use of live fish in this way. In America I saw dead sea-fish being fed to ducklings. 69. Observations. — From what has been said it will be evident that here is a communal industry, conducted in the aggregate on a large scale, but which has, in the hands of a considerable number of men, contributed to their prosperity, and lifted them on to a higher plane. For that reason it is of special interest. Further, the object is entirely egg pro- duction. The eggs are shipped to Britain until Easter, and after that season are pickled. On one place upwards of a million hen and duck eggs were in tanks, awaiting the time of sale. MARKETING THE PRODUCE 6l IX.— MARKETING THE PRODUCE. 70. Local Markets. — Although the co-operative sale of eggs and poultry has made a steady development in the Netherlands, and in two provinces especially, namely Friesland and Limburg, that is now the dominant influence, of which full particulars are given in the next chapter, the bulk of the business done both for immediate consumption and export is in the hands of private merchants, who have, within the limita- tions of their system, organized it on very complete lines. We have here a further example of what has been evidenced in the United Kingdom, namely, that the great opportunity of co-operation, except where markets are very remote, is to handle increased production rather than that which has already been organized by private enterprise, unless the latter is very inefficiently carried out. In Denmark this industry was practi- cally built from the foundations, both productively and co- operatively, each being developed as a counterpart of the other. I do not suggest but that in areas occupied by private buyers co-operation will not exert very great influence, much more than is measurable by the extent of operations, and by defence of the interests of producers grade up quality and prices, for we have had abundant proof of such results. That does not alter the view expressed above, namely, increase of supplies affords the greater opportunity. It is therefore in local or district markets, where are gathered the much larger propor- tion of eggs and poultry sold, that success has been achieved. Human nature is the same everywhere. The feeling often expressed that if co-operation were general country towns would suffer on the one hand, 'and farmers' wives would lose their weekly outing on the other, is not unknown in Holland. 71. Barneveld. — It is unnecessary to describe markets which are duplicates of others, but content myself with dealing with two of these. It may be stated, however, that there 62 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS are others of equal importance, notably, Amersfoort where 20,000 eggs to 400,000 eggs are sold weekly, according to the season of the year ; Deventer, probably as large, though I have no note of actual figures ; Nijkerk, and others. Barneveld, however, is the largest of these markets, and the quality and colour of shell gives the eggs sold there the first position. The range of quantity was stated to be from 25,000 to over half a million in a single week, for which there is great com- petition among the many buyers who attend. It is a quaint old town with narrow streets, awakening from its lethargy once a week. The church in the centre of the town is sur- rounded by sheds built against its walls, as shown in one of the illustrations (plate XII). Here at 7 a.m. the market com- mences, and it is indeed a busy scene, especially in the plen- tiful season when rows of vendors line the adjacent streets. Poultry is brought and sold in a shed near by, but not attached to the church. The traders, who usually have pack- ing houses in the town, go round and examine the supplies, making bids for them, which are accepted or not by the vendors. On the day of my visit (November) the price varied from 8 cents (i6s.) to 9-^ cents (19s.) per 120. In one case 9I cents (19s. 6d.) was offered, but the seller held out for 10 cents (20s.). As a bargain is struck a ticket is given, when the eggs are taken to the packing house, counted and paid for. The eggs offered varied in number from a couple of dozen to a hundred, and whilst excellent in size and very clean, differed considerably in colour of shell. Some were very dark, more were medium in tint, and a few white. There appeared to be a fair proportion of " held " eggs, though the majority were new laid, taking into account that the market is held weekly. A number of higglers collect in the district and bring in larger quantities. These did not appear to me quite up to the average of those sold by the farmers' wives. The poultry offered for sale was on the whole good in size, as might be expected from the breed generally kept in the district and the time of year. It was stated that nothing had contri- buted to improvement of quality in both directions so much as buying in accordance with the actual value. 72. Views of Egg Merchants.— I had the opportunity of an interview with Mr. W. J. Krudde, a large egg merchant MARKETING THE PRODUCE 63 at Deventer, and also met him at Barneveld. His central establishment is at the former town. He has packing centres there and at Barneveld, Nymegen, Raalte and Vassern, and also attends other local markets. To him I am indebted for illustration of egg market at Epe (plate XI), a few miles south of Barneveld. He exports largely to England. During the busy season eggs are brought in once a week, but in the winter period at longer intervals, and he complained that farmers are very slow to improve their methods. In that respect there has been a distinct advance within recent years. He has adopted the plan of buying entirely by quality and size, as of also of refusing to purchase from those who would not respond, which has had great influence. As all eggs are candled before they are packed, and high prices are realized where the quality is good, a great stimulus has been given to production. Traders in these districts have a distinct advantage in that they ship brown eggs to Britain and white eggs to Germany. Those going to London are shipped via Rotterdam, the carriage to which port is 7s. per ton, and thence by the Great Eastern Railway Company's steamers to Harwich and London, which costs 20s. per ton. Thus the total carriage is equal to 2s. 8^d. per case, or a little more than 3^d. per great hundred. The time occupied in reaching London is two and a half days. Testing is by means of well lights with trays above, loo being dealt with at a time. Mr. Krudde stated that in his opinion it was most important there should be direct contact between the buyer and the producer, as he had found the use of higglers unsatisfactory. 73. Further Opinions. — ZwoUe in Overijssel is a great centre for the export of eggs. The trade has increased very largely of late years due to advanced production, supplies being shipped both to England and Germany. There has also been, as elsewhere, considerable increase of values, which are, in the opinion of traders, too great. Here I had the opportunity of an interview with Mynheer J. S. van Essen, President of one of the two Egg Shippers' Associations in Holland, and head of the firm of Messrs. J. S. van Essen and Zoon, who have been for many years engaged in this business. The establishment of this firm is a large one, and, as stated below, a considerable number of eggs are preserved. It has a place in Rotterdam for 64 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS dealing with imported eggs, not for export but for consumption in Holland. In many directions the information received con- firmed that already given. There are, however, special points to be noted. Mr. van Essen stated that in the main his firm buys direct from farmers and pays in accordance with quality. Size has always been good over the southern part of the province, in which respect there has been a distinct improve- ment. Further north the eggs are not so satisfactory, and are white-shelled. In districts where the practice is to barter eggs for goods with local shopkeepers it is very difficult to secure any improvement. In many cases the last-named hold supplies too long. As a rule in the ordinary markets these are brought in once a week. This firm does not candle, but grades and packs as received. Whilst the claim is made that experts can gauge the freshness by external appearances acknowledgment was made that the adoption of testing would be advantageous. This firm in a busy season handles as many as 600,000 eggs per week. At Nijkerk I found that testing is not carried out. There, however, some of the buyers are agents of London firms and purchase on commission, so that they have no responsi- bility beyond grading and proper packing. 74. Alkmaar. — A large trade in eggs and poultry is done at this delightful old town (para. 42) in the province of North Holland, where my visit awakened considerable interest, as it was thought I was an English buyer. A fair-sized market house is provided by the local authority, with a range of sheds all around where the birds are packed. The poultry was on the whole good, and as already stated (para. 61) were bought up by the fatteners at Landsmeer. A joint butter and egg market is provided, at which tolls are charged varying from I cent (one-fifth of a penny) for under 50 eggs, to i cent for every 200 when 1,000 and upwards. The vendor of 200 to 400 eggs only pays id. toll. At the time of my visit (November) there was a fair number of country people with baskets of butter and eggs, but in this district higglers are very strong, going around the farms and collecting supplies. The Netherlands Poultry Organization Society has tried to introduce co-opera- tion, but up to the present time without success, as the people are said to be very suspicious. The trade is in the hands of three or four buyers, who control it to a very large extent. a a a W * * '« d^ ih. i ^.^^^■H ;^m: *^^ll . ., ,..„™„, i.i^lnn^l If' j ■l^r ^e^^ 1 W\ i m^ Oil- ''' ■ '■' ^^Pflb^f^ ^^^T' \ rP, L J^- ■■ 1 ^ 1 V Ik - 1 ' ? o S S. S - A a-^ MARKETING THE PRODUCE 65 Here the evil system of paying all-round prices is general, with the result that there is no stimulus to the adoption of improved methods or to the raising of the standard of quality. On the day of my visit the average rate was 8 cents (i6s. per 120), so that there was a distinct loss so far as better grades were concerned. Those which had been brought in by higglers must have yielded producers 2s. to 3s. less than that amount. The eggs offered for sale were of good size and a fair number tinted in shell, though the majority were white. There was evidence that a proportion were not new laid. A good many duck eggs were on the market, but these were dirty ; in fact, there was a want of cleanliness all round, which is one of the directions that would be improved were prices paid in accord- ance with value. 75- Holding and Mixing Eggs. — The practice of holding and mixing eggs for a rising market appears to be universal. In the Netherlands, as elsewhere, whilst the co-operative societies and many of the best merchants are endeavouring to stamp it out, the evidences are that the system named is very •common. Farmers do it, and especially where sales are at all- round prices and not on the quality basis — that is, they hold eggs for several weeks. No suggestion was made that mixing takes place at this stage. Local shopkeepers who trade in eggs are said to be very guilty in that respect. It was acknowledged that some of the shippers do the same ; in fact, one of these bluntly stated that during the winter months the export business would mean a heavy loss, by reason of high prices in Holland, unless they mixed. That this is true must be evident, at any rate in the best markets. To pay 19s. or 19s. 6d. per 120, as at Barneveld, would mean, by local expenses, cost of pack- ages and carriage, the net cost on arrival in Britain could not be less than 21s. to 21s. 6d. without any profit. Merchants who denied that they mixed eggs stated that during the winter months they made nothing, and were well contented if there were no actual loss on trading. For that reason one of these at Nijkerk had stopped buying when I saw |him. It was recorded that merchants in some cases had bought largely in August and September, forcing up the prices then, thus upset- ting the normal balance of trade, in addition to spoiling the good name of Dutch eggs later on. Speculation in this way 5 66 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS had, therefore, done a great amount of harm, and in some cases a considerable amount of money has been lost, as August eggs do not keep well. It was also alleged that Dutch eggs, which are among the best imported in to Britain, have also cheaper grades of foreign mixed with them in London. If that be so, and other information received supports the statement, it appears as if many of those concerned, from farmer to London merchant, are guilty of a practice which cannot fail to seriously injure the good reputation hitherto held by supplies received from the Netherlands. I was glad to learn that in connection with co-operative marketing in Friesland, described in the next chapter, the most stringent regulations are imposed to prevent the holding or mixing of eggs. In Denmark there is a law prohibiting the mixing of imported eggs with native produce^ but such does not exist in Holland. 76. Preservation. — As mentioned above (para. 18) there is, in spite of greatly increased home production, a large importation of foreign eggs, mainly from Russia and Hungary, the former accounting for 78 per cent, of the total. I was assured repeatedly that these were for consumption in Holland, which is undoubtedly true in the main. It was stated, however, that in some cases foreign preserved eggs are sold as Dutch. It was denied, however, that any of these are mixed with exported fresh eggs. Generally speak- ing preservation of native produce is carried out to a very limited extent, owing to the large demand and good prices obtainable at nearly all seasons of the year. Messrs. J. S. van Essen and Zoon of Zwolle, have introduced the system, and at the time of my visit had one and a half million eggs in pickle, all Dutch. These were in excellent cement tanks, cool and well arranged. Some of these were round, holding about 15,000 in each. Lime water is the preserving fluid. At other places visited I found considerable quantities of Russian eggs being preserved in the usual manner. The quality of these could not be good, even for pickles, con- sidering the age and condition when put down. 77. Prices. — Mention has already been made as to prices obtained in various markets. There are, however, further points which deserve consideration. " Home Counties," in his work on Holland, says that " high prices have unquestion- ably been one of the factors in the agricultural prosperity of MARKETING THE PRODUCE 67 Holland. This has been the case, however, because the Dutch have known how to get the full benefit of those high prices." He further adds, referring to British producers: "The prices paid in London for large, brown, absolutely fresh eggs is high, but many of our farmers are content to accept the lower price paid through a series of middlemen for ungraded eggs of uncertain age. The trouble with these egg producers is not, therefore, that prices are not good, but that they do not know how to take advantage of them." That is the lesson, namely, raising the standard of quality and adaptation to market require- ments, which we have been for some years and are still en- deavouring to teach. In Holland there is a general feeling that the increases in values have been too great so far as the trade is concerned, although beneficial to producers. It was stated that London values determine prices in many of the Dutch markets, though, as already shown, this is not altogether the case, for the latter frequently do not always allow of a sufficient margin. In some instances, as at Amersfoort, the prices are often higher than in London. What is undoubtedly a better system is that adopted in Friesland (para. 98). In this connec- tion may be reported talks I have had with German buyers at Roermond (para, no), in which it was stated that, first, German housewives are buying eggs to a much greater extent by reason of the great advance of meat values in that country ; and, second, that the price of herrings in Germany exerts a great influence upon the demand for and values of eggs. As herrings increase in price so do eggs. This is an interesting example of the inter-relationship of food products. German prices have not hitherto reached the London standard for dark brown eggs. At Barneveld (November) white-shelled eggs sold at 15s. to i6s. per 120, whilst in the same market brown-shelled commanded 19s. to 19s. 6d. for the quantity stated. A very interesting statement was given me as to the range of prices over a period of six months paid by Mynheer W. van Schaik, of Den Up, in North Holland, which was as follows : March 7 and 14, 8s. g^d. per 120; March 20, 8s. 2^6. per 120; March 27 to August 13, 8s. per 120; September 3, 9s. per 120; September 16, 9s. 6d. per 120. These are high averages. The lowest rate paid at Nijkerk in the spring of 1919, for one week only, was 7s. a^d. per 120. As mentioned above, considerable shipments are made to Germany, as also to Belgium, and the benefit of having alternative outlets is 68 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS very great. Some of the buyers for London purchase on commission, but the majority ship to merchants, about whom many complaints were made, though that is generally the case, and I have no means of judging whether these are justified or not. 78. A CONTROL System. — In connection with milk, butter and other classes of produce, a system is in operation by which independent examination and grading is conducted, so as to prevent fraud and standardize quality. The brands affixed are a guarantee as to the origin and the grade. Proposals are under consideration for adoption of a similar process in con- nection with eggs, as it is felt to be equally necessary. It is a well-known fact that eggs from other countries bearing the same trade marks on the cases often vary in quality. As mentioned above (para. 73) there are two egg shippers' associations in Holland, one national and the other specially concerned with Gelderland and Overijssel. These have endeavoured to main- tain quality and prevent mixing of stale eggs during the periods of scarcity. They have, however, no power, and can only influence by moral suasion. Soi long as some exporters can mix in the manner stated, others feel compelled to do so in order to combat what they regard as unfair competition. This is an old story, which is as great a difficulty in Britain as else- where. After consideration the V.P.N, has established a control for eggs from its affiliated societies. At first only some of these will be included, but it is hoped all will ultimately join. A grant of 2,000 guilders has been obtained towards the expenses, and each society will pay 5 cents (id.) per thousand for first ten millions marketed in any year, and 3 cents for those beyond that number. All eggs will be candled by independent testers, who will seal the cases, when packed, with the date of dispatch. Ordinary traders will not be included in this scheme, but if it proves successful they will be compelled in their own interests to join, or establish a control of their own. The working of this system will be watched with great interest, as some means of checking present practices are essential. THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 69 X.— THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES. 79. Co-operation in Holland. — The growth of co- operation in the Netherlands during recent years has been very great in all branches of agriculture. The first societies were creameries. Dutch farmers found that their butter trade was being lost owing to Danish competition. A visit paid to Denmark by a deputation of Friesland farmers resulted in the formation of a Co-operative Creamery in that province in 1886. From that has sprung agricultural co-operative societies of all kinds, which have added greatly to the prosperity of the country, offering a stimulus to increased production, and to the realization of much better prices. The first application of this system to eggs appears to have been in 1902, at Brielle, on the island of Voorne, in South Holland, followed by the society at Leuwarden, Friesland (para. 87), in 1903. As the basis and arrangement of Dutch societies differ distinctly from those which are common in Denmark and the United Kingdom, it is necessary to describe them in detail. The motive is the same in all countries and places, as are the experiences. In the first place the lesson of self-help is taught, which is ever a great gain. It is found that the full advantage of co-operation is derived by the small man, the volume of whose products neces- sitates some local intermediary between him and the distant buyers. Experience has taught that, on the one hand, rings of buyers have the effect of checking production rather than stimulating development of the resources of any district ; and on the other hand that, as a rule, free markets do not tend to improved methods of sale, rather the reverse. Further, where traders have organized the business on advanced lines, the introduction of co-operation is difficult, for the reason that prices are already so good there is no apparent gain to be obtained. 80. Vereeniging Pluimveehouderij Nederland. — This body called V.P.N, for short, that is, the Netherlands Poultry Organization Society, has been largely responsible. 70 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS first, for development of the poultry industry in Holland, second, for the organization of co-operation as applied to marketing the produce. Its central offices are at 98, Ant Duyckstraats, The Hague. The secretary is Mynheer J. Schuyleman, and the konsultant, or organizer, is Mynheer H. B. Beaufort, who was my indefatigable helper and guide in this inquiry. The society embraces rabbit breeding as well as poultry, but the latter is much the larger part of its operations. As is general, the beginnings were ordinary in the extreme. Impressed with what was being done in Denmark so far as the egg trade was concerned. Mynheer M. L. Spruyt, of Gorredyk, Groningen, in a lecture delivered at Utrecht in 1898, drew attention to the need for systematic and sustained efforts for advancement of poultry. It was not until 1901, following a lecture delivered at Utrecht by Mynheer J. Kooiman, that the V.P.N, was formed, with Mr. Kooiman as Secretary, and Mr. M. L. Spruyt as President. At this meeting representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture were present, and from the outset the society has received the support, moral and financial, of that State department. During the formative year the grant made was 250 gulden (nearly ;^2i), but as the membership and operations have grown this has been advanced, and is now 6,000 gulden (;£^5oo) per annum. This money is used for salaries of the two leading officials, other expenses being met by members' subscriptions. As indicative of the growth of this society the membership which at the end of the first year was 1,637 now embraces upwards of 20,000 persons. 81. Scope of the V.P.N.— The sphere of operations cover the whole of the Netherlands. There are, however, eleven branches, that is, one for each of the eleven provinces, with independent committees, who watch specially the interest of their respective areas, yet form an integral part of the whole. The provincial branches are subdivided into local societies, of which there were 377 in 1913. It is imperative, however, that each provincial or local association shall adopt the constitution and bye-laws of the central body, so that there may be uniformity of aim and action. The annual subscription varies from I gulden (is. 8d.) to ij gulden (2s. 6d.), in accordance with local circumstances and wishes. The rate has been fixed low in order that smaller farmers and labourers may be able to THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 71 share in the benefits. Subscriptions are paid to the provincial society, which remits to the central body 60 cents (is.) for each member, the balance being retained for local purposes. In this way the V.P.N, has an income, additional to state grants, of nearly £84. for every thousand members, or at the present time of upwards of ;^ 1,650. Every member is registered at the head office, and receives free a copy of the monthly journal issued by the society called " V.P.N. ," so that he has an abundant return for his money. In Holland, as in the United States of America and British Colonies, the postal charges are very low for publications of this class. The total cost for the year in postage of the twelve numbers is less than ijd. In that "respect societies in the United Kingdom are unfavourably handicapped in their publications. The charge for posting a small monthly or quarterly journal is sometimes twice that of the Times or the Field, although these latter weigh many times as much as the former. The discrimination between daily or weekly journals, as against those published at longer intervals, made by the British Postal Authorities compares most un- favourably with the facilities granted in other countries, more especially for journals which are educative rather than commercial. 82. General Operations. — It may further be explained that the object of the V.P.N, is the promotion of the poultry industry on utility lines. A fair proportion of the members are residents in urban districts who are mainly fanciers. These have endeavoured to induce the association to support ordinary exhibitions. Such, however is not done. Prizes for utility breeds are offered and demonstrations given at agricultural shows, the former of which must be from stock kept at the breeding centres supported by the V.P.N. , of which particulars are given in Chapter XII. This prize system is not carried out to the same extent as described in my " Report on the Poultry Industry in Germany." The association has, in addition, prepared a utility standard for the various races of poultry. The association arranges for lectures as stated in the next chapter. One of the most valuable duties undertaken by provincial branches is that of inspection of breeding stock owned by members, with a view of advising as to improvement and selection. As an example, in Friesland this work is usually 72 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS undertaken by Mynheer Petersen, of St. Anna, a few miles from Leuwarden, whose fine farm of 60 hectares (nearly 150 acres) I visited. On this he keeps twenty-six cows, and grows large quantities of potatoes for export to England. He has been a poultry breeder for about sixteen years, and has a good stock of birds. He is also president of the provincial branch of the V.P.N. The system of inspection, usually carried out in the early spring, is found most valuable in many directions, and is said to have done much to ensure selection of the best type of fowls as breeders. 83. Marketing Developments. — In the earlier days of the association attention was specially given to the dissemina- tion of poultry knowledge, to urging the need for increased production, the introduction of suitable breeds, and better methods of management. As in Great Britain and Ireland, one of the first results of advanced production was to show the need for organization of marketing. In the more remote areas prices obtainable for eggs were so low that the margin of profit was either small in the extreme or non-existent. Unless, therefore, steps could be taken to ensure adequate returns it was useless, under such conditions, to expend efforts for develop- ment of the industry. Whatever was done in this way, and also improvement in the size of eggs, would accomplish but little. Such a condition of affairs was less evident in the central provinces, where organization by traders was fairly complete, than in other sections of the country. The lines of development adopted are practically two, namely, that seen in Friesland (para. 87), where the produce is received either from members direct or through sub-dep6ts, or by auctions as de- scribed in the succeeding paragraphs. The need was present, and has been met in a way that is peculiar to Holland. 84. Financial Aspects. — The main point in which co- operation is applied to societies engaged in trading throughout the Netherlands differs from similar organizations in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere, is in regard to finance and pecuniary responsibility. In fact, I question whether the Dutch societies can be regarded as fully co-operative, as those sending in supplies do not take shares to qualify for membership. Payment of an annual subscription to the V.P.N, gives the » 13 o n. > o a o o 6 u Q Z o S THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 73 right to send eggs and poultry to the local co-operative society and to the more distant auction marts, whichever may be pre- ferred. A member in Friesland can, if he thinks fit, send to the Leuwarden depot or to the auctions at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, or to all. There is no question of dividends or bonuses. I am well aware that there are in England and Wales societies which buy from anyone, as would an ordinary dealer, but this arrangement is regarded as merely a temporary expedient, possibly justified at first by reason of the fact that probably nothing would have been done for some time had the share system been insisted upon at the outset. Unless that is so they are not truly co-operative. In Holland the system is intended to be different. Probably the financial result does not materially differ, save that there is not the same pressure upon those who have no financial stake in the society as if they are actual shareholders. It speaks well for the public spirit met with in the Netherlands that the necessary capital to run the various societies and auction sales is forthcoming. That, however, is not the point, but rather that supplying members of the V.P.N, are not required to provide any of the money required for working the business, though some of them do so, but are qualified by payment of an annual subscription. 85. General Features. — Before describing some of the marketing societies a few points should be kept in mind. As already mentioned, the sale of eggs and poultry by co-operative societies and auctions is only in its infancy. The estimate is that not 10 per cent, of the national production pass through them. That these have exerted great influence in counteracting rings of local buyers is evident. The indirect effect is far and away beyond the actual amount of trade done. One note- worthy fact was brought to my notice by the manager of the auction sale at Rotterdam, namely, that at first there was great opposition on the part of wholesale dealers, who not alone objected to the principle of co-operation, but also to the stamping of eggs. The reason for the latter is obvious. Such opposition was speedily overcome, as the auction was welcomed by retailers, who are entirely better-class shop- keepers catering for local consumption. Many local societies not only collect eggs and poultry from members, but do a considerable business in sale of food-stuffs, notably that at 74 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS Amersfoort referred to below. I may again call attention to the beneficial effect of the imposition of fines for bad and inferior eggs. The more rigidly this system is carried out the greater has been the improvement of quality. Special atten- tion is also given to economy of management, as a conse- quence of which the charges and commissions levied are very low, as shown in the succeeding paragraphs. 86. Amersfoort Society. — Taking first those centres where collection and sale follow ordinary methods. At Amersfoort an attempt is being made in this direction, based upon a considerable trade in food-stuffs, in which direction the society has been at work for some years. Very good premises are occupied in the centre of the town. The original capital was ;£^2o, privately subscribed by a few of those interested. By trading this has been increased, and profits added to capital. Here I had the pleasure of meeting the president. Lieutenant van der Linden, who has devoted a large amount of personal interest and time to the society. The ideal is to form a registered co-operative society in which every member shall become a shareholder ; that, however, is for the future. The society is managed at present by the president, a committee, and secretary. Amersfoort is the centre of a great egg pro- ducing district. Eggs are brought in twice a week, are tested, graded to five sizes (14 lb. to 18 lb. per 120), and shipped direct to London merchants. Up to the time of my visit the maximum in any one week was 20,000, but it was expected that this would be largely increased, though the competition is very keen. Such eggs as I saw were very good in quality. Nearly all received are new laid. The fines system is not adopted here, but defaulting members are paid lower prices, and if they do not mend their methods their supplies are refused for three months. As in all other cases the control is local, but the V.P.N, regulations are accepted. 87. Friesland Co-operative Egg Society. — In respect to effective organization this society, which has its headquarters at Leuwarden, stands in the front rank. It has fine premises in the town named, costing in all ;^5,ooo, which includes testing and packing rooms, cellar tanks for preservation, killing and plucking sheds for fowls, and provision for cold storage. Recently it has taken up the sale of food-stuffs. In Friesland alone the V.P.N, has 4,000 members. There are in all THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 75 seventy-eight local collecting stations or sub-depots, a few of which, however, are in the adjoining provinces of Drente and Groningen. The financial basis is that detailed in para. 84, namely, that supplying members are not required to take shares, but must be members of the V.P.N. There is no difficulty in obtaining money either from private persons or banks, upon which a fixed interest is paid, as the members are liable in case of default. From the profits made a reserve fund of 2,500 gulden (.£'200) has been gradually built up. An indication of the excellent management is that in ten years' trading only ;£'io has been lost by bad debts. As a matter of history it may be told that the Friesland Co-operative Dairy Society was established in 1898, and has now an overturn of ;£'6oo,ooo per annum. The Egg Society was formed in 1903, mainly with the object of helping smaller farmers and poultry keepers. It is managed by a committee of eight, six of whom are nominated by the Friesland Branch of the V.P.N., and two others. Three of these form a trading sub-committee. I had an opportunity of meeting these gentle- men, namely, Mynheer K. Ericks (President), Mynheer W. A- Popstra, and Mynheer W. A. van Slotterdyck, the last named of whom is secretary of the local branch of the V.P.N. 88. Growth of Friesland Society. — This large business has been gradually built up. At first the manager was only engaged two days a week. Now his whole time and that of a fairly large staff is fully absorbed. By the inspection already referred to quality has been raised very greatly, and production in the province enormously advanced. Ten years ago the society handled about one-fourth of the total of local supplies ; now it receives nine-tenths. What the growth has been is indicated by the following table, in which are given figures as to volume and value of trade done in eggs : — Total number of Total amounts eggs sold in paid to great hundreds producers 1903 2,328 ;^84S 1904 S.381 .. 1,890 1905 9.224 3.323 1906 13.808 ■■ S.178 1907 18,984 •• 7.271 1908 24,814 8,482 1909 32.708 13.519 I9I0 53.732 21,472 i9ri 65.187 26,658 1912 83.93s 35.455 76 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS This is a considerable growth. In 1912 the actual sales were ;^ 38,373. Out of the margin, after payment of all expenses, dividends or bonuses were paid to members to the extent of £64$. Equally notable is the advance in price paid to suppliers. In 1903 the average was 7s. 2|-d. per 120 ; in 1904, 7s. ijd. per 120, steadily rising onwards until 1912, when it was 8s. gd. per 120. The records show that there has been a steady but sure advance in the size and quality of eggs. Only one standard is recognized, namely, the new-laid egg. All failing to pass that test are returned to the senders. Small eggs are preserved and sold locally. The maximum week in 1912 (March 22) was 3,605 great hundreds, and the minimum (November 15) was 192 great hundreds. In 191 1 the society began receiving fowls for sale. The week of my visit (July) 3,000 had been received, which were being dealt with by five killers and pluckers, and it is expected this trade will increase. 89. Methods of Trading. — Eggs are brought in to Leuwarden from the collecting stations every Friday, usually by canal boats, on which the cost of carriage is very low. In this case every egg has to be marked with the member's registered number, so that the origin can be traced, and those not so marked are refused. At first buyers objected to number- ing, but the excellence of quality has overcome opposition to that system, which is a guarantee. So far as I know no other mark is used. In Berlin, to which large quantities are sent, these eggs command the highest prices by reason of their quality. There is no mixing of eggs here, as to which the society applies stringent regulations, and imposes heavy fines if that practice is adopted by members. There is no sale by auction. Eggs as received are tested, graded, packed and dispatched direct to buyers, not salesmen. Germany is the heaviest customer; shipments are sent, however, vi4 the port of Harlingen, to London, Hull and Leith. The society fixes its own price, and as a rule quotations are made f.o.b. or f o.r. All trade is done on a cash basis ; in England five days after shipment, in Germany seven days after dispatch. As the members are paid every fortnight the working capital required, save for buildings and plant, is very small. Human nature is the same everywhere, and there are a few grumblers, but the benefits have been so great that these do not count. As THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 77 members have the right to send to the auction sales at Amsterdam and Rotterdam there are alternative markets, which are sometimes used. Whilst that may be annoying to the local society it is not perhaps altogether harmful. This society is one of the best managed I have seen. As a proof of the spirit of self-reliance which characterizes it may be mentioned that during the earlier years £2$ per annum was contributed to its funds by the central body. In 1910 this was voluntarjly given up, and in 191 2 a contribution of a like amount was sent to the V.P.N. 90. Auction Sales. — We have now to consider a different method of sale, namely, by auction, which has special features that deserve consideration on the part of our own co-operators. These auctions take place at several centres, notably Amsterdam, Hengelo, Maastrict, Roermond, Rotter- dam, and Venlo. In one or two cases they are not associated with the V.P.N., but as these are operated on similar lines may be treated as a whole. Those visited by me were Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Roermond, the last named of which is the largest in the Netherlands. For that and other reasons I shall deal with it separately from those at Amsterdam and Rotter- dam in one or two directions. There are, however, general features which are grouped in the subsequent paragraphs. The point to be here emphasized, which applies to other branches of agricultural produce, is to quote the work of " Home Counties " referred to above. " A co-operative auction mart means, of course, that the producer no longer seeks the merchant, but the merchant has to wait upon the producer," which is a great gain to the last named. On the other hand, buyers obtain supplies with the greater ease, and the cost of intermediaries is reduced considerably. 91. The Place of Sale. — At Amsterdam and Rotterdam the respective municipalities permit the use of public buildings for these co-operative sales, which is a very important gain, as the buyers attend such centres for other purposes. At Amsterdam part of the old fish market near the docks is rented on one day per week, for which £^0 per annum is paid. This allotted portion is only occupied from early morning to noon, by which time it must be cleared. Shortly a much increased 78 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS space is to be occupied, and it is hoped that the time will be extended, so that eggs and poultry received may be stored over night. The warehouse referred to below is rented separately. At Rotterdam the sales are held in the fine corn market near the North Blaak, in the market section of the city, occu- pation of part of which is from Monday afternoon to Tuesday noon in each week, and for two warehouses near, granted at an annual rental of 468 gulden, or about £2^, which is very low considering the accommodation provided. There are, how- ever, special restrictions at Rotterdam, as noted in a later paragraph, which explain the small charge made. I under- stand that in both these cases the payments referred to are inclusive of all market dues. At Roermond fine premises have been secured with yard for carts, and are in process of enlargement. These consist of sale rooms, offices, and large warehouse with testing cup- board, where the cases are stacked before the sale. The building cost 36,000 gulden (;£'3,ooo), for which capital has been borrowed at 4I per cent, 20,000 gulden from a bank, and the balance from private persons, inclusive of a few members. In all cases, as referred to above, the same basis is observed namely, that membership of the V.P.N, is alone the qualifica- tion for sending supplies. As an example, the auction sale at Amsterdam was founded and run for three years on private guarantee, that is, until financially successful, when it was formed into a society. That appears to have been the custom else- where. 92. Whence Supplies Obtained. — The V.P.N, has upwards of 400 local societies affiliated to it, a fair proportion of which undertake the collection of eggs and poultry, though not nearly to the extent that might be expected, more especially in the central provinces, as there traders have organized the business very completely. It is in the purely agricultural areas that co-operation is most effective. At Amsterdam supplies of eggs and poultry are received from local societies in North Holland, Overijssel, and the islands off the coast of Friesland, on which considerable developments as to poultry keeping have taken place within recent years. At this sale supplies are only received from THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 79 societies, any of whicii affiliated to the V.P.N, has a right to send eggs to these auctions. At Rotterdam the main sources are the provinces of North Holland, Drente, and Brabant. No eggs are received from Gelderland, where production is very large, owing to the high prices prevailing there. Local societies forward the bulk, but the Rotterdam Municipality has made it a condition that such eggs as may be sent in by those who are not members of the V.P.N, shall be sold at this auction under identical con- ditions, save that these are not branded with the letters " V.P.N.," which is the trade mark of the society. Poultry is not offered for sale for reasons stated below. When there is a shortage, foreign eggs are sometimes sold in order to satisfy traders, but I am assured that the country of origin is always stated. At Roermond eggs and poultry are also received from local societies in Central Limburg and part of the Province of North Brabant. 93. Boxes. — At Amsterdam and Rotterdam the boxes or cases are owned by the Auction Mart Committee, which pro- vides these in accordance with the requirements of local societies. I did not learn how many are in use at the last- named centre, but at Amsterdam they have 1,800, varying in size from 50 to 1,000 egg-capacity, 300 being a favourite size. The cases are standardized, and the trays are interchangeable (plate No. XIII). Each tray holds fifty eggs. It consists of a sheet of millboard on a wooden frame, with holes in which the egg can stand narrow-end downwards, and fitted with a strong tape at either end for lifting. A cardboard section, similar to those commonly used in Britain, fits loosely upon the tray, so that each division is above a corresponding hole in the tray. Thus when filled every egg not only stands upright in the perforation, but is prevented from damage by the section. To empty a box the section is removed. For the use of the cases societies are charged 2 cents (two- fifths of a penny) each time. At Amsterdam the traders have to deposit li gulders (2s. id.) per case, which is paid back on return, less 2 cents for use. At Rotterdam, as the carman who delivers is expected to receive an empty box in exchange for each delivered full, no deposit is required. The money received is placed in a separate fund for repairs and renewals. 80 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS At Roermond the boxes are owned by local authorities, but provided by the Federation, which arranges that they can be paid for by instalments. There the buyers pay 2 gulden per case on deposit, which is wholly paid back if returned within four weeks, a label being attached to determine the limit of time. 94. Testing the Eggs. — Local societies forward the eggs received from members once a week to the warehouses of the V.P.N., in whichever centre they think desirable, so as to be received the day prior to the auction sale. Here they are tested for quality. How far there is any local test I have not obtained definite information, but think that such plan is not generally adopted, so far as the sending to Amsterdam and Rotterdam is concerned. At Roermond it is supposed that such test is made locally. It is upon this examination as a guarantee that the traders depend, and the growth of demand has been greatly stimulated by the standard of quality set up. All bad, stale, or inferior eggs are removed from the cases. The first named are not paid for at all, and fines are imposed upon societies and members forwarding bad eggs. The others are paid for at lower rates, which has had the effect of securing a much higher standard of quality. 95. Machine for Testing.— The work of testing is carried out by means of an apparatus different to, and better than, any I have seen previously, of which an illustration is given (Plate XHI). It consists of a round table upwards of 6 ft. in diameter, revolving on a central pivot. In it are ten oblong holes into which the egg trays from the boxes fit exactly, and around which are slots for the reception of such eggs as are not of first quality. On one side, covering about a sixth of the table, with space for the operator, is an enclosed compart- ment formed either of wood or by stout curtains. Below the table are powerful electric lights with reflectors converging on the space referred to when in position, the light passing through the perforations in the tray, and showing clearly the condition of the eggs. The operator revolves the table to the next stage, filled by assistants outside, and in a few moments is able to pick out all spots, cracks, and those with large air-spaces. Without careful observations I should not like to suggest that the o < s o o < THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 8 1 result is as satisfactory as when each egg is tested separately. The question whether the eye is able to discriminate as closely when there are so many together, or by inability to revolve the egg, but that it is better than when 120 are tested together on a tray, as in Denmark, cannot be questioned. At the same time I was surprised how well and clearly the eggs could be seen, owing to the powerful light employed. Probably it would be better if the trays held only thirty eggs. As already stated, slots are provided, into which the rejected eggs are placed ; the operator gives the table another turn for the next lot, and so on ad infinitum. Assistants, as each lot passes out of the testing room, remove them, check the results, bulk the bad and inferior eggs, replace and brand those of first quality. By this excellent apparatus 5,000 to 6,000 eggs can be tested per hour, so that it facilitates rapidity of operation. A further advantage is that by the use of perforated trays used as described above there is no handling of the eggs. 96. Branding. — Except at Roermond, where stamping and branding have not been adopted, all eggs received from local societies must bear the number of that society and of ■the member from whom they are obtained. Thus "137-31" would indicate that it came from Society No. 137 on the V.P.N, register and from Member No. 31 on the local roll. This is regarded as essential in order that the origin may be traced. All first-quality eggs at Amsterdam, and those sent in by local societies at Rotterdam, are branded after testing with the letters " V.P.N." thus forming a trade mark, which is a guarantee to retailers and consumers. At Rotterdam, how- ever, the Municipality has insisted that in addition, societies' eggs shall bear the letters " R.E.V." (Rotterdamsche Eier Veiling; anglice, Rotterdam Egg Auction). Those received from private individuals (para. loi) are only marked " R.E.V." The demand for these has grown very greatly. It needed a great amount of perseverance and determination to overcome prejudice and opposition, but that has been accomplished. 97. A Dutch Auction. — When tested and branded the first-quality eggs are returned to their original cases, one of which from each society is taken to the place of sale as a sample, without any " grading," or all bulked in the warehouse 82 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS as at Roermond. Thus a lot may consist of a very odd number ; in one case it was 487, which meant that of 600 eggs 13 had been tested out. All from any single society are sold as a lot, except during the plentiful season, when numbers are large ; then they are sometimes divided for the convenience of buyers. The place of origin and number offered is given on lists issued before the time of sale ; the reason for this is shown above. In my younger days we called an amateur auction to avoid licence troubles — at which the bids were descending in value instead of ascending — a Dutch auction. I was interested to note, therefore, that such is the actual practice in Holland at these sales. All eggs are sold by the hundred (five score), not the long hundred (six score) as with us. At Roermond, as described below, a machine is employed, but at the other places visited the salesman started at a figure above any probable bid, and dropping i stiver (5 cents, or id.) at a time as fast as he could repeat, thus: 11 gulden; 10 gulden, 19; 10 gulden, 18, and so on. As soon as anyone called out that lot at the price last named it was booked. In cases of two bidders, either was chosen who was willing to pay I stiver higher. In this way, at both centres, considerable quantities were sold rapidly, and the competition was good. It was stated that several attempts on the part of buyers to form rings or " knock-outs " had been made. These were defeated by stopping the sales and sending the supplies else- where. 98. CO-OPERATIVE ROERMONDSCHE ElERMIJN V.P.N. — This, the largest society in Holland, was founded in 1904, and is a federation of the local societies, now numbering 104. I was informed by Mynheer J. M. Breukers, the director, to whose courtesy I am greatly indebted, that every village in Central Limburg has its society. The federation is a com- bination of these. Each new local society admitted pays an entrance fee of 7^ gulden (12s. 6d.). They elect the committee and control the business, so that, with the exception of being on a non-shareholding basis, it is co-operative in the fullest sense. In the area served there are upwards of 5,000 members of the V.P.N. The growth of operations is indicated by the following table, in which are recorded number of eggs sold,. THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 83 amount of sales, and average price realized, omitting 1904, as the business did not commence until October 15 of that year. Year Total number of eggs 190s ... 835,075 1906 ... 2,017,025 1907 ... ... 3.858,497 1908 ... ... 6,807,417 1909 ... 9.396,180 I910 ... ... 13,568,800 I9II ... 15,522,986 1912 ... 19,016,796 Total values Average price per T20 £ s. d. 2,686 . 7 8i 6,790 . 7 Hi 13,086 . 8 li 23.139 ■ 8 ij 33.810 . 8 8 48,268 . 8 6i 58,346 . 9 72,682 . 9 2 For the first six months of 1913 the eggs disposed of numbered 15,724,360, with a sale value of ;£^S6,435. On the day I attended this auction 600,000 eggs were sold. The maximum week was April 12, 1913, when 905,898 were disposed of; the minimum week was 50,000. 99. General Arrangements. — So far as the boxes used and method of testing are concerned, what has already been stated (pars. 102 and 103) applies at Roermond. Members are required to deliver their eggs weekly to the local society. Fines are levied if this is not done. Any member holding supplies for three weeks is struck off the roll, and only re- admitted on payment of a fine. The eggs are expected to be tested at each centre, packed in boxes labelled with the place of origin, and dispatched to Roermond to arrive there each Friday, as the sale is held on Saturdays, the cases being delivered carriage paid to the federation. It has been found necessary, however, for a check test to be made, although the local tester has to pay a fine of lod. for every bad egg and 2d. for each stale eg^ passed by him and discovered. No one knows which case will be opened for this purpose. On the day of my visit, out of the 600,000 eggs received about ico,ooo had been re-tested. On each box is branded the name of society from which it has been received. A card affixed states the number and net weight of the contents, which varied from 16 lb. to ]8 lb. the great hundred. There are considerable differences in the size and quality from the respective local centres, although in these respects marked improvement has taken place. Formerly people did not know what a good egg was, or the importance of size. All that, however, has been altered. As every lot of eggs is sold with the origin stated 84 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS reputation counts for much. Those who deserve the best prices get them. 100. A Mechanical Auctioneer. — At Roermond the manner of sale is on the latest principles, similar to that adopted for other classes of produce in the Netherlands, and which is the last thing for promptitude, efficiency and fairness between all concerned. A fine auction room is provided, at one side of which are the offices. Seats and desks are fixed for the buyers, in which latter are electric bell buttons, communicating with the dial referred to below, and when pressed the number of the seat occupied appears on the indicator. That is how bids are made. All the work is done silently, except that the salesman calls out when about to start the hand on the dial, the number and weight of each lot, and when the sale is made he declares the number of the buyer and the price. The average time taken is a little over a minute, and in less than two hours on the day of my visit 600,000 eggs were disposed of. Plate XV shows the auction in operation at Roermond. On the back wall is the dial referred to, controlled by the salesman. This excellent apparatus cost £$0, and is well worth that sum. In the centre of the face a large number appears, indicating the society from which the lot under offer has been received. A list of these local centres is suspended on the wall for reference. Below the dial will be seen the indicator upon which the seat numbers are registered. The outer figures represent the number of gulden, 2 to 5, which are alterable, and of the series on the inner rim each figure represents 10 cents (2d.). The hand is standing in the illustration at 6 gulden (los.), and is always started above what is likely to be the price. When liberated the hand moves slowly round. The moment a button is touched it stops, and the sale is effected, the number below recording the buyer. Should two or more buttons be touched at the same time these are all recorded, and the hand is set again. Thus all disputes are avoided. Lists are prepared in the office as sales are made, sent out to the warehouse, and the boxes labelled with the buyers' names. In order that there may be perfect fairness between local societies, and to prevent risk of giving undue advantage to those coming first, a change is made in the order of commencement every week. On the day of my visit Society No. 31 led off. The following week it would be No. 41, and so on. THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 85 loi. The Buyers.— At Amsterdam and Rotterdam the purchasers are entirely local retailers. At Roermond they are wholesale men, and almost without exception from the Rhine provinces of Germany, the frontier of which country is only eight miles distant. The city of Dusseldorf takes about one-third of the total. On the day I attended this sale about sixty purchasers were present, of whom three were women. One man bought about a quarter of a million eggs that day. When first established traders were strongly opposed to co-operation and tried to establish a free, independent auction. That, however, failed at the end of two months. Now the same men are among the largest buyers. There has been no trouble as to rings, the danger of which is prevented by the great and varied demand, and by the fact that some buyers who are unable to attend the sale send commissions to the secretary to purchase for them. As a rule a fair proportion of the business passes through his hands. There are restrictions, however, on those attending. The least anyone can purchase is 2,000 to 2,500 eggs in any week. Thus, except in a case of a few large bakers, most of those attending purchase for distribution among retailers in the districts referred to. As a rule they buy all sent by any given local society in one lot, though when the quantities are large the individual supplies are usually divided. Generally the lots are classed according to weights. In conversation with some of the men attending this sale I received further confirmation of observations made in connec- tion with my " Report on the Poultry Industry in Germany," to which reference has been made in para. yj. The prices on the day of my visit (July) varied from 8s. 2^d. to 10s. 2jd. per 120, which were very good indeed, considering that the goods are paid for on the spot and removed by the purchasers. In 1912 the maximum price realized was iSs. per 120, and the minimum 7s. 5d. for the same number. 102. Poultry Sales. — The poultry sale at Amsterdam is of considerable importance, and sometimes as many as 1,000 birds have been sold in a single day. Large birds are preferred, and there is a strong preference for fat hens at certain seasons, due to the great Hebrew population in and around that city. In fact, most of the buyers are Jews, and, as a consequence. 86 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS all the birds are sold alive. These are displayed in cases with slatted tops, so that they can be examined easily. On the day of my visit there were nearly 200, each lot varying in number, but four or six appeared to be most general. The quality was mixed, but some excellent white Wyandottes were disposed of, which commanded the top prices. As might be expected, the variations were largely due to the places whence the birds came. The prices realized were : cockerels, is. to 3s. 9d. each; old cocks, is. id. to 2s. 2d. each; hens, is. 3d. to 4s. each. These were good considering the quality. At Rotterdam poultry sales are not permitted, as a large poultry market is held there, and the Municipality is afraid it would be interfered with. Here Mr. J. J. Kanniegieter, manager, in order to help members, has commenced to receive live birds. These are killed, plucked and sent to Germany, realizing about lod. per lb. ; the quality of such as I saw was inferior. The poultry around Roermond is not, by reason of the class of fowls kept in that district, of a good type, and is small in size. A fair number were sold in the same manner as the eggs. The prices realized for old birds was lOd. per kilo (a fraction over 4d. per lb.), and for chickens is. id. each, the former being offered by weight and the latter by the piece. 103. Payments for Produce and Commissions. — As each lot is knocked down at the auction sale notes are made out, which are handed to the purchasers when the sale is over, so that the goods may be paid for. These are taken by them to the warehouse. All transactions are for cash, thus simplifying the work, especially in respect to book-keeping and collection of accounts. At Amsterdam and Roermond the buyers remove their own lots. At Rotterdam these are delivered at the cost of the society. This system simplifies the work, reduces cost of book-keeping, avoids all risk of bad debts, and enables prompt cash to be paid to local societies. On the day of my visit to Roermond the total sales amounted to ;^2,5oo. At Amsterdam and Rotterdam when the eggs are received, the weight and number of each lot are recorded and credit is given accordingly. From each are debited deductions for bad or inferior eggs, breakages and other disbursements, and a commission of 5 per cent., which is the total charge for services THE V.P.N. AND ITS BRANCHES 8? rendered. The business is built up on a commission of is. in the £ of prices realized. At Roermond the commission charge is 7 cents per lOO and warehouse expenses, amounting in all to about 3d. per 120, which is about 2| per cent. Although this is very small indeed, the volume of trade is so large that the total income of this society in 1912 was nearly ;£'2,ooo. After meeting all the expenses 1,000 gulden (say ;^83) was devoted to repaying borrowed capital, and a like amount was added to reserve fund. In that way every society knows that it will receive the actual value as indicated by the sale, less the fixed commission. Cheques in payment are sent out to societies the day following the auction, which promptitude has greatly facilitated their efforts. In view of this fact the local societies require very little capital. I did not learn what salaries are paid at Roermond, but at one of the other centres found that the manager receives ;^I30 per annum and 50 per cent, of net profits made every year. 88 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS XI.— INSTRUCTION AND INVESTIGATION. 104. Want of Practical Teaching. — General experi- ence in every country with which I am acquainted has hitherto been that the earlier developments of the poultry industry are not the result of definite teaching through ordinary educational channels. Not until the breeding and production of poultry has made considerable progress is any attempt made to provide systematic instruction. Such has certainly been the case in the Netherlands as elsewhere. On this question much might be said. The truth is, that what may be regarded as technical instruction, at any rate in older countries, is due to a definite demand for greater knowledge in regard to what already exists, and is capable of improvement and extension. A considerable period of time is required before this stage is arrived at. Central and local educational authorities are not and cannot be pioneers. In fact, these require education as much as do producers, which part of the work must be undertaken by others, and is of the greatest importance. In Holland it was undertaken by the V.P.N. , aided at a later period by grants from the Ministry of Agriculture, although there has been a considerable amount of personal service on the part of private individuals. In that direction, whilst co-operative societies and private traders may exert a large influence in respect to methods of marketing, and thus secure a decided improvement in quality of produce, their efforts require to be preceded by teaching in respect to breeds and general management. 105. Appointment of Consulent.— The first step taken in Holland was by establishment of breeding centres, described in the next section. By 1910 it had become abundantly apparent that something more must be done to bring know- ledge to those most concerned. Publication of leaflets and books and dissemination of information through the Press are valuable, and have an important place, but more especially in the creation of a poultry atmosphere. What is next required is the personal factor, by means of which guidance can be given INSTRUCTION AND INVESTIGATION 89 to the individual breeder and farmer in accordance with his special conditions and requirements. Only in that way can there be induced uniformity of effort and of practice, and avoid- ance of errors in respect to method. In the year named the V.P.N, was enabled by a special grant to appoint a consulent, or adviser, and JMynheer H. B. Beaufort was appointed to fill that position. It is unnecessary for me to speak as to his qualifications for such a post, more than to say that I have been much impressed by his clarity of vision and practical knowledge of his subject. His sphere of work covers the whole eleven provinces. The duties are very onerous and embrace supervision of breeding centres, giving of advice, both orally and by letter, the delivery of lectures as required, and generally attempting to direct the industry upon and into the right lines. That such can be accomplished by one man is impossible. If efficiency is to rule there must be others brought into the work. The appointment referred to, however, was a distinct step in advance, and has led to important results. What is now wanted is development along the same lines. It is a great gain having a directing mind guiding effort throughout the country. 106. Lectures and Courses. — Up to the present time very little has been done for teaching poultry breeding and management at the agricultural colleges and schools. So far as I am aware at not one of these higher institutions is the subject made a regular part of the curriculum. Until that is done it cannot be expected that the position of the poultry industry will receive adequate recognition. It is said that the main reason is a lack of qualified teachers, which, however, can be overcome. In 1910 four lectures on poultry were given at the Imperial Agricultural College at Wageningen, and similar courses have been held at Zutphen, Schagen, and Sittard. These are but a beginning. What is wanted most of all is that every general agricultural student shall, during his course, receive as complete a training as to poultry as in other branches of live stock. Until this stage is reached in Holland, and, in fact, every country, their education is incomplete. A commencement has, however, been made in other direc- tions. During the summer of 191 2 a short vacation course was held, extending over a week, for teachers at the winter 90 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS schools of agriculture, and in the summer of 1913 a similar course was arranged for country schoolmasters, at which thirty of these men attended, all of whom had some previous experience in the subject. It is freely admitted that schoolmasters have exerted a vast influence in other branches of agriculture, and that farmers listen to them readily. Some of the men I met were highly intelligent, and should be able to help materially in further developments. They are encouraged to give lectures in their own localities, for which they are paid about 9s. each. I could not but feel that in many respects their need for further instruction, equally as to principles and appplication, is great. Still a commencement has been made, which is a great gain. Pioneer lectures are also arranged by the V.P.N. , as the special needs of each district are manifested. 107. Central Poultry School. — In consequence of the urgent need for advanced instruction and practical training of teachers, a scheme has now been adopted for establishment of a Central Poultry School, Demonstration Farm, and Experi- ment Station. The site chosen is at Birkhoven, about i^ miles from Amersfoort Station, but within the boundaries of that town. The local authority is providing ii^ hectares of land (nearly 28| acres), of which 4^ hectares are arable and 7 hectares pasture and woods. 1 had an opportunity of visiting this site, which has great capacities, and is in a very convenient position. The rent charge is nominal, one gulden (is. 8d.) per annum. Occupation is absolute for thirty years. If at the end of that time the local authority desires to resume possession it will have to purchase all buildings thereon. The plans prepared involve an expenditure at first of 18,000 gulden (;£^i,500), which is a modest amount and will ultimately have to be increased. Of that sum the Ministry of Agriculture is providing 10,000 gulden toward the establishment charges and 2,000 gulden per annum for maintenance. At first it is to be a demonstration plant and central breeding station. After- wards, as money is available, teaching and research will be included. As a commencement the development is promising, though the scheme will require great enlargement to accomplish the purpose in view. 108. Research. — With the exception of efforts to investi- gate and combat disease, referred to in Section XIII, no INSTRUCTION AND INVESTIGATION 91 attempt has been made by support of public funds, save in the modified degree named below, to carry on experimental work and research. What has hitherto been done in this direction is due to the public spirit of Mynheer R. Houwink, junr., of Meppel, who has expended considerable sums from his own resources on the work. His investigations have largely been into the origin and development of breeds, and his great work in three volumes now in process of publication is most complete in that respect. A large amount of study has been given to the science of breeding, not alone as to external characters but to the skeleton and organs. The problem of in-breeding has also received a large amount of attention. In his laboratory is a series of jars showing the ovaries of hens produced by crosses, with the object of discerning what changes take place in those organs. The results of this study will in due course be published. He has, further, a number of stuffed specimens, and a set of heads of fowls. Recently Mr. Houwink has established, at his own cost, the " Central Fokstation V.P.N." at Havelte, about eight miles from Meppel, which has been adopted as the principal breeding station in the province of Drente. This consists of nearly four acres, laid out with an almost mathematical precision, the pivot of which is the well for supply of water. It is intended to here carry out scientific experiments in breeding, and the birds hitherto kept at Meppel have been transferred for that purpose. Reports will be published annually of the observations made and results attained. Each provincial branch of the V.P.N, has been invited to take one section of the plant, wherein will be placed its leading breed for experimentation. The buildings are well designed, and the runs planted with fruit trees. A portion of the ground is reserved for special experiments. The soil is almost pure sand, and the land is very cheap, only about 100 gulden (;^8 5s.) per hectare. The total cost has been 3,000 gulden (;^25o). Small grants towards the maintenance are received from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Provincial Department, and the V.P.N. Mr. Houwink is render- ing a great service not only to his own countrymen but to all others by his investigations, which are, in the main, in fields untouched by anyone else. 92 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS XII.— STATE ASSISTANCE. 109. Ministry of Agriculture. — As previously indi- cated the Netherlands Department of Agriculture has, during recent years, given its support, by grants of money and in other ways, for development of the poultry industry. My interviews with the Minister and some of the leading officials at The Hague clearly indicated that the importance of this branch is recognized. Save in respect to questions of disease the work is carried out almost entirely through the V.P.N., to which is now made an annual grant (para. 80) of ;^500 per annum. The policy adopted, as in Denmark, is to retain the individuality of each society or organization responsible for the respective sections of production, in order that there may be applied to them special knowledge and effort. The closest touch is kept between the department and the society already named, whilst preserving a large measure of freedom both to it and the provincial and local branches. It is, however, of importance to note that organization, as distinct from the promotion of co-operation, includes all questions of production, so that the industry is regarded as a whole by the V.P.N. no. Breeding Stations. — Readers of my reports on Denmark and Germany respectively will remember that in those countries great reliance is paid upon breeding stations and centres, from which birds and eggs for hatching are sent out to farmers and others for improvement of the poultry kept by them. In Ireland and Scotland the same method has been adopted. As a fact this system was first introduced in Ireland. It is scarcely surprising, therefore, to find that the policy has found favour in the Netherlands, and is attended with a con- siderable amount of success. My own view on this question is well known, namely, that whilst it is fully justified where the industry has to be built up from the base, or the people to be benefited are extremely poor, the question is totally different where there are already in existence a large number of private breeders, who have done notable work in the direction of STATE ASSISTANCE 93 improvement of breeds, and who could not compete against subsidized breeding stations selling at non-profitable prices. In that way many of the former would be crushed out of being. Observations in Germany where the system has been carried out on an extensive scale were to the effect that such is the result, and the same is evident in Holland, except for supply of fancy and exhibition stock. The one advantage is that uni- formity of breed within given areas is more or less secured. The universal custom is only to keep at and supply from such stations the races which are thought to be suitable to the district. A considerable number of places of this kind have been fixed, and the intention is that the number shall be greatly increased. III. Eggs for Hatching. — Sale of eggs for hatching is the method by which the improvement referred to is mainly secured. For these there is an ever-increasing demand. Purchase is encouraged by a system of bonus, so far as members of the V.P.N, are concerned. For instance, in Friesland I learnt that members who buy eggs for hatching from recognized breeding stations or selected breeders pay for these lo cents (2d.) each, upon which they receive back from the provincial branch 4 cents each. No one can, however, obtain a bonus on more than thirty eggs in any one year. I assume that a similar arrangement prevails in other provinces. It is of importance to note that all the birds from which eggs are sold under this system are inspected every year, as referred to in para. 81. In Friesland a list is issued annually, giving names and addresses of breeders, with scales of marks as to quality, thus indicating the comparative values in relation to racial characteristics and remarks of the inspector. These are divided as follows : — „ , Number ot t>„.j Number of Breed stations stations Number ot stations Breed 17 White Wyandotte 14 Silver Wyandotte 2 Golden Wyandotte . I Buff Orpington I White Orpington 2 Plymouth Rocks 5 Rhode Island Reds . I Indian Runner Ducks I Rouen Ducks ... White Leghorns 17 White Wyandotte 15 Brown Leghorns Buff Leghorns Black Leghorns I Buff Orpington 5 Cuckoo Leghorns i White Orpington 2 Black Minorcas 2 Plymouth Rocks 3 Silver Braekels Blue Andalusian Black Uilebaard That is eighty-two breeding stations and centres in all, widely distributed throughout the province. 94 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS 112. LangEZWAAG. — During my tours I had the oppor- tunity of visiting a considerable number of breeding stations and centres, the latter of which are usually small plants owned by men who in this country would be regarded as amateurs, and who keep the birds in runs. Some of these are referred to in Section III, and it is not too much to say that in many instances they could not be regarded as altogether satisfactory. As stepping-stones to something better a useful purpose is served. Reference has also been made (para. 117) to the central station for the province of Drente. One of the best places I visited was at Langezwaag, which is designated as the Central Breeding Station for Friesland. This is owned by Mynheer U. Bergoma, and has been in opera- tion since 191 1. Cowsheds have been turned into dwellings for the poultry, and everything is well done and well arranged, save that the runs are somewhat small, with no provision for fresh ground. Glass windows are in front, and but for the fact that the transformed barn is lofty the same criticisms made previously as to ventilation would apply. Separate houses are provided for cocks and cockerels, and the most modern types of internal fittings are in use. Although my visit was unex- pected, the general cleanliness and attention to detail was specially pleasing. The breeds kept are White and Silver Wyandottes, White, Brown, and Buff Leghorns, and Indian Runner ducks. The stock of adult birds was about 100, and 150 chickens had been bred. During the season upwards of 4,000 eggs had been sold for hatching. Mynheer Bergoma also goes in largely for bees. 113. Haarlemer Meer. — A few miles south of Haarlem, near to the great bulb district, a visit was paid to the breeding station of Mynheer C. Peetoom. The farm consists of 20 hectares (nearly 50 acres), of which 5 hectares are given up to poultry. He grows extensively high-class vegetables for the preserving factories, and is evidently a skilful and prosperous cultivator. For twenty years he has given attention to poultry and is a careful observer of what is being done elsewhere, whilst in many respects the place is thoroughly up to date. The houses are all open-fronted, which is a distinct improvement on what were seen elsewhere. Platforms under the perches are used so as to give all the floor space possible for scratching. STATE ASSISTANCE 95 The main fault to be found is that the perches are too high. Outside the runs are good, and kept sweet by cultivation. Upon this place 500 to 600 hens are regularly kept, the breeds being White Leghorns, Brown Leghorns, White Orpingtons, and White Wyandottes, all of which were of very good type. During the spring of 1913 he had bred 800 chickens entirely by natural methods of hatching and rearing. Here I saw a double glass-fronted coop for chickens. Why the glass at all, and why double, I did not learn. Apart from the sale of eggs for hatching under the V.P.N, scheme he has a considerable demand for stock birds, and has secured a large and profitable private trade for his surplus eggs at good prices, which might be enormously increased were supplies forthcoming. 114. A Novel Exhibition. — In September, 1913, the Dutch Government held an agricultural exhibition at The Hague, in connection with the celebrations attendant upon opening the Palace of Peace, which was of a novel and inter- esting character, and which I hope may be copied elsewhere. The whole area occupied was 60 acres, and was beautifully laid out. Where it differed from ordinary exhibitions was that there was no competition. The object was to make a representation of the various animals and birds bred for utility or practical purposes in the different provinces, and also to display the produce in which each part of the country is specially concerned. Whilst the sections, that is, all the horses, cattle or poultry were grouped, the exhibits were divided in accordance with the various provinces. Thus the same breed frequently appeared in each. Selection was made as to typical specimens, but as the number of these was strictly limited visitors were not mystified by numbers, which is often the case in ordinary shows except to the few. The vast crowds of visitors were an indica- tion of its popularity, and the educational value was great in the extreme. 115. The Poultry Section. — A relatively important place was given to poultry, and the section was splendidly organized by officials of the V.P.N., which body was responsible for this portion of the exhibition. A large building was filled with displays of appliances, food-stuffs, literature, diagrams, &c., and methods of testing and grading eggs were demonstrated. 96 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS The growth of co-operation was shown and its importance emphasized. Outside were 113 houses and runs, each with its pen of birds, consisting of one cock and ten hens, and pictur- esquely grouped in accordance with the respective provinces. In addition there were thirty lots of ducks and geese, each provided with open-fronted straw shed, a grass run, and a section of a running stream. Such an exhibition could not be so arranged on a competitive basis, and to be effective could only be held in the summer. That, however, was not wherein its value consisted, but in the conveyance of knowledge as to the breeds regarded as specially suited to each part of the country. At the same time comparisons could be made between exhibits of the same breed sent from different provinces. Competition can take care of itself. What we want is education and demonstration. These certainly were strikingly evident at The Hague. COMBATING DISEASE 97 XIII.— COMBATING DISEASE. 116. Dangers of Increased Numbers. — Experience in every country with which I am acquainted is that the poultry industry has to pass through a stage which may be compared to that of children in their infantile complaints, though more serious in its character. Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, the United States, and, most recent of all, Belgium are examples. As pointed out previously, increase of numbers without modification of method is bound to ultimate in disaster. That is true in every branch of animal life, though probably the effects are most apparent in respect to poultry, by reason of the fact that these birds, owing to the number of eggs, which are potential chickens, laid by each individual hen. It is possible on a farm to multiply the flock of poultry of all grades tenfold within a single season. Even with pigs, which are the most prolific of domesticated animals, that cannot be done. With cattle it would take ten years to accomplish the same result. Further, the cost of breeding a larger number of poultry is comparatively small. Given, therefore, realization of the fact that this industry can be made profitable, the temptation to increase is ever present, and the opportunities of immediate development are at hand. It is not until the lesson is learnt, generally by painful experience, that sound systems of breeding are adopted with introduction of hygienic conditions. The principles of sanitation are as essential for fowls as human beings, with the further point that the risks are even greater, due to soil influences. Methods must be adopted which conform to these requirements, otherwise disaster must result. At the present time the Netherlands is passing through this phase. 117. The Present Position. — That there is a large amount of disease among poultry in Holland is evident, in some provinces more than in others. For instance, I was informed that there is comparatively little in Friesland, Groningen and Drente, due to the fact that there developments 7 98 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS have been on more or less natural lines, and not nearly so rapid as elsewhere. In brief, it has been evolution. From what has been previously stated, more especially in Section III, it will be realized that in many places visited, as to methods of housing and overcrowding on the land especially, all the conditions are present conducive to reduction of vitality in the birds themselves, and to the development and spread of microbes and parasites inimical to health. A most super- ficial knowledge of environmental influences would show that disease must follow such methods. What I saw in North Holland, Gelderland, Overijssel and Limburg, and the informa- tion given as to various outbreaks, shows that the prime necessity is wider distribution over the land and provision of housing accommodation of a suitable character in accordance with the number of birds maintained. The observations recorded in Section III prove what is here stated. Fortunately many of those responsible for development of the poultry industry in the Netherlands are fully conscious as to the neces- sity for a complete revolution of method on the part of farmers and others, whenever and wherever there is increase in the number of poultry maintained. In this respect the men who are exerting an influence locally in many instances have not as yet realized what is involved, and need to be educated in the direction indicated. Perhaps their education will not be fully completed until they have had to face heavy loss. ii8. Prevalent Diseases.— Whilst what has just been stated is true, at the same time there have been not a few pregnant warnings. In 1901 the province of Limburg was ravaged by fowl cholera, which destroyed large numbers of poultry. This was due to imported birds, mainly from Italy, duplicating Belgian experience, as mentioned in my report on that country. More recently what is known as Klein's disease, so called by reason of the fact that it was diagnosed by Dr. Klein, of London, in connection with an outbreak on a well-known poultry breeding farm in Kent, has caused con- siderable loss in the central provinces of Holland, though not so virulent as fowl cholera or so speedy in its effects. A very interesting point in this connection was brought under my notice, namely, that as the word " Klein " in Dutch means "little," many farmers and others when they heard of "Klein's COMBATING DISEASE 99 disease " confounded the term and thought it was of small moment. Further, some of the reports published were at first expressed in too scientific terms, which could not be understood by ordinary folk. That, however, has been altered. If the purpose is to be served simplicity is essential. There has also been a large amount of diphtheritis in the country, as already indicated (para. 24), and in the Bergen district of North Holland tuberculosis is very general, as in fact it is in not a few sections of the United Kingdom. My attention was called in Overijssel to a practice which has been very common, namely, that when birds died the bodies were thrown into streams flowing to the Zuider Zee, as a consequence of which disease has been spread from one district to another. A more effective way of extending the area of infection could scarcely be devised. 119. Serum Institute. — The Dutch Ministry of Agri- culture has recognized that the prevention and treatment of animal disease is a national, not an individual question. An outbreak upon any given farm involves heavy loss, as a rule, to the owner. Even if his financial position is such that he can bear the loss with equanimity, that does not protect his neigh- bours. Usually epidemics start from an isolated case. It [is also generally true that whilst at one place a commencement in this way is made, except perhaps where there is wholesale importation as in Limburg, mentioned above, the conditions are fairly equal over a given area. If heather be dry a single lighted match will fire the hill-side. Thus it becomes of import- ance to all. What is here stated led to establishment in 1904 of the Government Serum Institute (Rijksseruminrichting) at Rotterdam, the director of which is Dr. Poels, who was not present at the time of my visit. I was, however, received by Dr. te Hennepe, bacteriologist to the Institute, who is largely responsible for the poultry work, and from whom I obtained very valuable information. This fine and well-equipped station was founded by the State for the purpose of investigation of and providing serum and vaccine for counteracting diseases of domestic animals, inclusive of poultry. Although, as might be anticipated, larger stock, as of greater value, have had the largest amount of attention, fowl diseases have been carefully studied, more especially diphtheritis. From the records on hand 100 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS it would appear that Klein's disease is most prevalent in Overijssel, near the River Issel in Gelderland, Brabant, and the island of Voorneputen (South Holland), whilst diphtheritis and tuberculosis are more general. Fowl cholera is epidemic, and only occasionally makes its appearance. One of the most important suggestions made by Dr. Hennepe was to the effect that the greater proportion of birds coming under notice are incubator-hatched. If that be so the question is one demand- ing further investigation. 1 20. Operations of the Institute. — Anyone can send diseased birds, alive or dead, for examination by the scientific staff of the station, upon which a report is in due course forwarded as to the nature of the disease and the means of prevention. For this no charge is made. Where it appears desirable a schedule is forwarded to be filled up, asking for information that may be of use in the direction indicated. The questions submitted are very complete, but would occupy too much space to reproduce. That these cannot fail to be educative is unquestionable, as indicating aspects which ordinary poultry keepers are prone to ignore. As all these returns are carefully tabulated valuable data is thus obtained. Should in any district disease appear to be widespread or virulent, scientific specialists are sent down to conduct investi- gations on the spot. In this manner a very close touch is kept with whatever takes place throughout the country. 121. Serum and Vaccine Treatment.— The name of the institute at Rotterdam indicates that inoculative methods are mainly depended upon for combating disease. Serums and vaccine are prepared and supplied gratis. In many cases these are sent to local veterinary surgeons, who are permitted to make a small charge for the treatment. When the outbreak is serious the station staff undertakes the duty, operating in each locality. For instance, some time ago the appearance widely of Klein's disease around Amersfoort was dealt with in this manner, and in the course of one week 10,000 fowls were inoculated. I visited several farms where all the birds had been so treated. On one of these there had been heavy mortality until the birds were inoculated, after which during the following six weeks only two had died, and the owner was naturally very COMBATING DISEASE lOI well pleased with the result. At others similar records were reported. On some the losses^^by death were very great. So far as my own observations were made it was apparent that the disease had been checked. How far that effect would be per- manent is a different question. Dr. te Hennepe stated that for cure of diseased birds it is necessary to reinoculate a second time at the end of three weeks after the first operation. As a means of prevention among non-infected birds it is believed that the vaccine used for this purpose gives immunity for a period of twelve months. Upon that point, however, further data is being obtained as a result of experience. Claim is made, however, that success has thus far abundantly attended the work of the institute. 122. The PRACriCAL Issue. — Taking first the question of prevention, whilst it may be freely admitted that the evidence available indicates the system of inoculation of non-infected fowls for a period of time to be valuable, affording a protection against disease, the fact that such treatment must be repeated at shorter or longer intervals involves an inquiry as to whether it is practical to expect that such can be carried out. As an occa- sional expedient this system may be resorted to, but nothing beyond that can be contemplated. Unless, therefore, preventive measures are taken in the direction of right systems of breed- ing, so that the physical resistance shall not be weakened, the provision of hygienic conditions in houses and on the land, and the adoption of healthful methods in relation to management generally, there can be no permanent development. We know that whatever may be our views as to the value of vaccination in human beings, sanitation and ventilation have had a power- ful influence by destroying the media in which the germs of smallpox found favourable ground for growth and propagation. Farmers and others would speedily abandon a pursuit which involved inoculation of their fowls every few months, or, after a time, neglect to carry it out. As to whether such inoculation has any effect upon poultry as breeding stock I am not qualified to express an opinion. There is certainly no evidence in that direction. It is, however, another question when we consider the case of birds which have had disease, and which have been cured by serum treatment. What is here involved demands careful research. An attack I02 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS of Klein's or any other infectious disease proves that the victim up to that stage has lacked the power of resistance, and we may- conclude that, even if cured, it is weakened by the attack, in which case it probably will transmit a measure of debilitation to its progeny. The line of safety, therefore, would be that in no case should such fowls be used as breeders. The researches of Professor Frateur, of the Louvain University, into the recent poultry epidemic in Belgium, have revealed the fact that the microbe can pass from an infected hen, through the egg, to her chickens. Such suggests an inquiry as to what the effect would be if these eggs were used as human food. Upon that aspect of the question we have no knowledge. GENERAL NOTES 103 XIV.— GENERAL NOTES. 123. Exhibitions.— As already noted (para. 10), the evolu- tion of the poultry industry in the Netherlands has followed practically the same lines as in the United Kingdom and many other countries, namely, by holding of shows as the first step. Some years ago when visiting South-eastern Europe I was asked by the Minister of Agriculture of one of the Balkan kingdoms what would be my recommendation in the direction of awakening a consciousness on the part of farmers and others to the need for improvement in the class of poultry kept by them. The reply given was to the effect that the most effective policy to adopt was the inclusion of classes for poultry in agricultural shows, and the holding of poultry exhibitions throughout the country. Nor have I seen any reason for revising such opinion. The first thing to be done is to impress the fact that there are marked differences beween the breeds and varieties of all species classed under the generic name of poultry, and that economically there are fowls and fowls. Dissatisfaction with what we have and are is essential to progression. What is stated above does not express approval of methods adopted when shows have been long established, or of ultra-fancier lines of breeding. My own view is that the educative value of exhibitions is enormous, so long as they have a utility basis. Where the real danger lies is in the adoption of false standards and the exaltation of abnormal points. It is apparent that in Holland the first impelling influence was by the establishment of shows, followed by that of fanciers' societies, of which there are many in the country, some of considerable size and importance. It is very sugges- tive, however, as previously mentioned, that in the Netherlands, as in Germany, distinct standards have been drawn up for utility, as compared with those for fancy poultry. 124. " AVICULTURA." — It is fortunate, however, that, as is generally the case, amongst those who may be classed as fanciers, there are men who do not fail to remember that the I04 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS true value of poultry is not in the feathers but the production of eggs and of flesh. Such has certainly been the case in Holland. Some of those who were exhibitors first and foremost have zealously supported movements for promotion of the poultry industry on its utility side. Among these may be named Mynheer R. Houwink, jun., of Meppel, and Mynheer S. Spanjaard, of The Hague. The work of the former has already been referred to (para. 107), Mr. Spanjaard was for eight years secretary, and is now a vice-president of " Avicultura," which is one of the two leading breeders' societies in Holland, and holds an annual show at The Hague. He was, however, one of the founders of the V.P.N. It may be pointed out that in the exhibitions referred to utility classes are now included, restricted to members of the V.P.N. Fanciers in Holland have adopted the usual lines. Their main desire has been to introduce new breeds, in which respect a large amount of valuable pioneer work was accomplished that could scarcely have been done in any other way, and to promote the dissemina- tion of better poultry throughout the country. In this direction a great influence has been exerted. As is always the case in such pursuits there are extremists, by whom productive qualities are ignored. It is the influence of such extremists that is ever the main difiiculty in linking together the various sections. "Avicultura" has four hundred members, each of whom pays an annual subscription of five gulden (8s. 4d.), for which he receives a weekly paper and reduction in entry fees at exhibitions. The postage of this paper only costs i cent per issue, so that the expense to the society on that item is less than lo^d. per annum. No grant is received from the Govern- ment, .save that lecturers are provided for addresses on breeding questions during the times of exhibitions. At Utrecht is another society conducted on similar lines. 125. Transport Facilities. — A considerable part of the railways in Holland are owned by the State, as are the canals. Transit on the latter is very cheap indeed, whether for goods or passengers. The land carriage also is favourable in the extreme. I was informed that generally speaking the railway charges for goods are less than half what has to be paid for the same service in respect to distance in Britain. It is difficult, however, to give comparative figures, for the reason that in the GENERAL NOTES I OS Netherlands eggs and poultry are forwarded in bulk as heavy traffic, whereas with us native supplies are almost entirely sent either by passenger trains or express goods. For smaller quantities there is not a great amount of difference between our agricultural parcels rates and those in the Netherlands. So far as passengers are concerned our Dutch friends have many advantages. A second-class i,ooo kilometer ticket (620 miles) costs 22|- gulden (37s. 6d.), or less than three farthings per mile. These can be used anywhere. So far as I am aware only two railways in Britain have adopted this system, the Cambrian and the North Eastern companies. These, however, are only for first class, the charge for which averages i:|^d. per mile. Another summer ticket (Vacation-Kaarte) is even cheaper. This costs 5 gulden (8s. 4d.) and can be used any distance so long as the journey is not broken. It is possible to travel more than 200 miles, second class, for a hundred pence, and by ordinary express trains. These are advantages of considerable value. 126. Status of Societies. — In the Netherlands are three grades of societies recognized, namely, (i) those established by Royal sanction, and which are not engaged in trading. These are similar to those which either receive a Royal Charter, or adopt the rules of and are registered by the Board of Trade as limited companies not working for profit; (2) registered co-operative societies on a trade basis with a corporate exist- ence, the provision of capital being different to our methods ; and (3) local societies affiliated with central bodies. The last named are not required to be registered. As an example the one hundred and four local societies connected with the federa- tion at Roermond are really village egg-circles, forming part of a complete whole, and qualified by subscriptions of individual members to the V.P.N. As a result of these arrangements the volume of trade done is much greater than the actual number of societies registered would indicate. 127. The Islands. — No mention has been made of the islands which stretch from the extreme north of the province of North Holland to where the German coast-line is reached. Some of these are of a fair size, inhabited by a stalwart race who have been largely engaged in fisheries. I had not an Io6 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS opportunity of visiting any, but was interested to learn that some efforts are being put forth to develop egg production on more or less industrial lines, as is being attempted on the Western Islands of Scotland. It is believed that there are great opportunities in this direction on some at least of the Dutch islands. When we remember what has been accom- plished in Orkney within the past decade, and that there the annual sale of eggs is greater than the rental of the entire island, considering the position and proximity of Texel and other islands to good markets, great developments should mark the near future. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 107 XV.— SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 128. Influence of the Netherlands.— Whilst the growth of supplies of eggs from Flolland upon British markets has advanced with considerable rapidity during recent years, and that they now form an appreciable factor, they are in respect to the total imports comparatively small. For instance, in 19 13, out of a total importation from British Colonies and foreign countries amounting to 21,579,950 great hundreds, those from the Netherlands were 977,350 great hundreds, or 4-53 per cent. If Irish supplies were added, and these compete strongly with Dutch, the percentage would be much less. It is evident, there- fore, that unless there should be a considerable increase in export of eggs to Britain from Holland there is no risk of home producers finding any serious rivalry in that direction. In fact, with declining shipments from our Colonies, from France, Italy, Austria-Hungary and Sweden, with practically stationary supplies from Denmark, whence are received the higher grades of imported eggs upon our markets, those from Holland have, to some extent, filled a void not yet occupied by either British or Irish. Russian and other long-distance eggs are of inferior quality and do not enter into serious competition with those named above. Until our own producers so increase their output as to provide for the rapidly advancing demand, it is important to find additional sources of supply, otherwise prices, which have increased during recent years by 30 per cent, to 40 per cent., will rise still further, with the effect of checking consumption. The importance of this aspect of the question from another point of view, namely, decreasing supplies, was fully discussed in my " Report on the Poultry Industry in Germany." 129. The Effect of Quality. — Where eggs from the Netherlands have had the greater influence is in respect to quality. That has powerfully told in their favour. With the exception of the few reaching our shores from North-eastern France, Dutch supplies have steadily but surely taken the front I08 THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS rank, equally as to freshness, size, and colour of shell, command- ing the highest prices. For these reasons they are often pre- ferred to native supplies, realizing higher values. I know that foreign shippers have one advantage, namely, in that selected eggs alone are sent to us, whereas all ours have to be marketed. Even allowing for that, the cause is to be found in another direction, namely, want of care on the part of producers and local buyers. Whether the high standard of quality will be maintained remains to be seen. Rapidly advancing prices in Holland have led to mixing, as indicated above, and to a loss of confidence which, if continued, would have a reactive influence. 130. Anticipated Developments. — That the Netherlands are capable of increasing to a considerable extent the number of poultry maintained is apparent, as also of advancing the average production. What is submitted in this report indicates, however, that this is not the case in Limburg and Gelderland, where it is not improbable the future may see a decrease in numbers. In Utrecht, Overijssel, Zeeland, North Brabant and South Holland, the limit of capacity has not been reached, though within sight ; it is in the other provinces where greater opportunities present themselves. Even if we acknowledge that a larger production is possible without adding to the poultry population, I cannot but feel that it is very unlikely, so long as German markets are available, that there can be any- thing more than a moderate increase of shipments to Britain, that is, of eggs, for table poultry is not now and is unlikely to become of moment. The factor of this question is the German demand, which is increasing, it may be with even greater rapidity, and where the sale of better class eggs is steadily rising. Were its frontiers closed, or tariffs introduced of a prohibitive nature, then there would undoubtedly be a deviation of the stream to Britain. Such is possible, though improbable. I do not anticipate that Dutch competition with British producers is likely to become serious. Up to the present it has been healthy, and nothing more. 131. Conclusions. — Already it has been indicated that the chief lessons which a study of the Poultry Industry of Holland teaches, so far as our own people are concerned, are in the organization for marketing the produce. There are, how- SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS I09 ever, points that may with advantage be summarized as confirmatory of experience elsewhere. I therefore submit for consideration : — (a) That increase in the number of poultry kept in any district without modification of method is certain to be followed by outbreaks of disease, therefore it is supremely important for those who are concerned with development of the poultry industry to exert their influence with farmers and others to adopt systems in conformity with the extent and intensity of operations ; (^) That extensive rather than intensive methods make for permanency, and whilst the progress made may be less rapid in the former direction the results achieved are greater, in that the cost of production is much less, and there are not the same risks of disease ; (c) That poultry farms have not proved successful in the Netherlands, and the bulk of supplies are from ordinary farms. It is further indicated that production is greater in districts where smaller occupations predominate; {d) That the use of large poultry houses, in which hundreds of fowls are massed together, leads to reduction of vitality in the birds, and, when lacking in provision for ventilation and light, tends to disease ; (e) That it is desirable to encourage the evolution of races of poultry, as in the case of the Barneveld fowl, specially suited to local conditions and to the class of produce in demand ; (/) That the keeping of ducks, as at Landsmeer, for pro- duction of eggs, should be tested in districts where water- courses are available ; {£) That egg production in Holland has been greatly stimulated by having alternative markets in Britain and Germany ; (/i) That the adoption of co-operation, as applied to sale of eggs, has resulted in a greatly increased production and no THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS improvement of methods, both in respect to societies and private traders, and also to advance in returns, in which direction buying in accordance with size and quah"ty has brought the responsibility home to producers, the need in respect to which was very great; (?) That the financing of co-operative societies in Holland has contributed to rapid extension of the system, and that as membership in the V.P.N, qualifies producers for sharing in the benefits, this has had a similar result. How far that plan could be adopted m the United Kingdom deserves con- sideration ; (7) That the system of auctions, co-operative or otherwise, in the great centres of pupulation drawing supplies from a wide area, at which eggs and poultry would be sold in accordance with the source of origin and quality, where buyers could reasonably expect regular and reliable supplies, should be established, operating in connection with local collecting centres. At these there should be applied a rigid test as a guarantee to purchasers ; (k) That the Board of Agriculture should be empowered to establish and maintain a research laboratory with a highly- qualified pathologist for study and treatment of poultry diseases, and that in case of outbreaks and epidemics the nature and contributory causes be studied on the spot ; (/) That efforts be made to induce agricultural shows to devote the poultry sections of their respective exhibitions to utility breeds, specially those suited to the areas they serve, and that non-competitive exhibitions be organized on an educational basis ; (m) That as high prices as a result of shortage of supply is unhealthy, and in view of the fact that demand for eggs and poultry is growing more rapidly than supplies in the United Kingdom, as elsewhere, efforts should be made on a more adequate scale to stimulate home production, more especially as it is possible that the United States of America will become a large buyer in European markets ; and SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS III (n) That, as in Holland and elsewhere, grants from public funds for organization and promotion of each special industry should no longer be made to societies dealing with all branches of agriculture, and, on the ad hoc principle, be allocated to special societies devoting themselves to the respective pursuits. The policy which led in 191 3 to termination of the National Poultry Organization Society, and which has had serious results, more especially in the war and after-war periods, should be abandoned for that indicated above. Edward Brown. 112 INDEX. Better Poultry, Dissemination of, I04 Birkhoven Station, go Black-crested White Polish Fowl, 43 Bonus on Eggs for Hatching, 76, 93 Box Beds, 11 Boxes for Eggs, 79 Brabant, Disease in, 100 „ Fowl, 34 „ North, 44 Braeckel Fowl, 37 Branches of the V.P.N. , 70 Branding Ducks, 57 ,, Eggs, 79, 8i Breda Fowl, 34 Breed of Ducks, 57 Breeding Centres, 71, 88 „ Farms, 12, 43 „ Ideals, 32 ,, in the Netherlands, 13 „ Practical, 17 ,, Problems, 91 ,, Stations,^ 15, 36, 91, 92 ,, Stock, The, 29 Breeds, Influence of Imported, 14, 35 BreukerSj Mynheer J., 4, 82 British Embassy at The Hague, 3 Brooder House, 53 Brooders, 28 Bronze Turkeys, 37 Brown and White Eggs, 63 Burgomeister of Landsmeer, 56 Buyers at Auctions, 85 Buying by Quality, 47 C ampin e Fowl, 33 Canal System, The, 9 Capacity of Production, 108 Capital for Societies, 73 Carriages, 63 Cash Payments for Eggs, 84 Census, Poultry, 1910, 16 Central Fokstation V.P.N. , 91 „ Poultry School, 90 Change of Environment, 36 Charges for Cases, 79 Check Test, 83 Acknowledgments, 3 Advance in Prices, 46, no Age of Breeding Stock, 29 „ Eggs 63 Agents. Purchasing, 64 Agricultural Census, ij ,, Colleges and Schools, 89 „ Shows, no Alkmaar, 41, 64 ,, Prices at, 46 All-round Prices, 65 Alternative Markets, 67 American Methods, 22 Amersfoort, 45, 62 „ Society, 74 Amsterdam, 50, 77 „ Auction, 85 ,, Prices at, 46 Anticipated Developments, 108 Appointment of Consulent, 88 Arable Lands, 23 Area and Soil, 6 ,f of Provinces, 7 Asiatic Type, 36 Assendelft Fowl, 34 Association, A Duck-keepers', 57 Auctioneer, A Mechanical, 84 Auction Sales, 46, 73, 77, no Average Egg Production, 40 Average Number of Fowls on Farms, 19 " Avicultura," 103 Bad Roads, 42 Balance of Imports and Exports, I Balance of Nature, 23 Barneveld, 45, 50, 61 „ Fowl, 34, 38 ,, Prices at, 46 Barter System, 64 Basis of Co-operative Societies, 69 Beaufort, Mynheer, H. B., 4, 70, 89 Belgian Poultry Industry, 2, 3 ,, Report, 50 Belgium, Trade with, 21 Bergen District, 25, 41 Bergoma, Mynheer W., 94 INDEX 1*3 Chicken Houses, 43 Cholera, Fowl, 98 Cleanliness Everywhere, 10 Cock-fighting, 14 Cold Storage, 52 Collecting Stations, 75 Combating Disease, 97 Commissions on Sales, 86 Comparative Imports and Ex- ports, 20 Comparative Values, 67 Competition, 69 ,, of Dutch Eggs, 2 Concentration, Effects of, 19 ,, versus Distribu- tion, 22 Conclusions, 107 Conditions, Bad, 25 Confined Areas, Poultry in, 23 Co-operation in Holland, 61, 69, 109, 115 Co-operation most Effective, Where, 78 Co-operative Egg Societies, 4^ ,, Roermondsche Ei«r- mijn V.P.N. , 82 Coops, 28 Cost of Feeding, 29 „ of Houses. 43 ,, of Producing Pullets, 43 „ of Transit, 10, 63 Control System, A, 68 Consulent, 88 Consumers increasing more rapidly than Producers, 6 Consumption of Eggs, 44 ,, Tubercular, 42 Courses of Instruction, 89 Crested Dutch Fowl, 34 Cultivation, Relationship of Poultry to, 22 Curious Type of Fowls, 13 Cyphers Incubator, 53 Damage by Scratching, 19 Dangers of Increased Numbers, 97 Danish Egg Trade, 15 Dark-shelled Eggs, 34 Demand for Table Poultry, Limited, 50 Demand Outdistancing Supplies, p den Beer Poortugaal, Mynheer, 3S, 38 Denmark, 61 ,, Report on, 92 Density of Population. 8 Developments, Anticipated, 108 ,, Recent, 14 Deventer, 45, 62 Diphtheritis, 26, 99, 100 Disposal of Diseased Birds, gg Director of Agriculture, 4 Disease, Combating, g7 Diseased Fowls, 51 Disease in Bergen District, 42 ,, Prevalent, 97 Distribution versus Concentra- tion, 22 Division or Arable and Pasture Land, 7 Doetincham, 52 Drente, 16, 46 Drentishe Fowl. 34 Duckers at Landsmeer, 56 Duck Farming, 55 ,, Industry, Effect of, 56 Duck-keepers' Association. A, 57 Ducks at Landsmeer, Number ^ of. 57 ,, Fattening of, 52 „ Kept for Eggs, 37 ,, Ornamental. 43 Dutch Auction, A, 8i „ Everyday Layers, 32 ,, Supplies, Percentage of. 107 Dwelling-houses, 41 Dykes, Damage by Poultry to. IQ Economic Laboratory, An, S Educational Authorities, 88 Educative Value of Exhibitions, 103 Effect of Duck Industry, 56 ,, of Inoculation, 100 ,, of Quality, 107 Egg Country, An, 13 Eggs, Growth of Dutch Sup- plies, I „ for Hatching, 93 ,, Holding and Mixing, 65 ,, Imports and Exports of, 20 ,, Size of, 48 Egg Production. 13, 16, 31, 44 ,, Shippers' Associations, 63 Embden Geese, 37 Engels, E., 51 English Speaking, g Entrance Fees for Local Socie- ties, 82 Environment, Change of, 36 Epe, 63 Epidemic in Belgium, 30, 53 Equipment at Doetincham, 52 Ericks, Mynheer K., 75 Exhibition, A Novel. 95 Exhibitions. Poultry, Influence of, 14, 17, 103 Exports of Eggs, 12, 20, 44 Extension of Industry. 19 Extensive Methods Required, 19 ,, versus Intensive Methods, 109 False Standards, 103 Fancy Breeding, Influence of, 14 114 INDEX Farm, A Table Poultry, 52 „ Houses, 10 ,, Poultry versus Poultry Farms, 38 Farms, Size of, 17 Fattening at Landsmeer, 54 ,, Food for, 54 Sheds, S3 Faverolles Fowl, 37 Feeding, 28 ,, Chickens, 54 ,, Cost of, 29 ,, Ducks, 59 ,, Eggs to Calves, 13 ,, Turkeys, 39 Financial Aspects, 72 Financing of Co-operative Socie- ties, no Fines, 48, 76, 80, 83 Fish Feeding, 59 Fixing Prices, 76 Food for Fattening, 54 Foreign Eggs, 66 Fowl Cholera, 98, 100 Fowls, Increased number of , 13 ,, over Cattle, 25 Foxes, No, in Holland, 24 Frateur, Professor, 102 " Free Farmer in a Free State, A," 6 Friesland, 16, 37. 45, 67 ,, Co-operative Egg Society, 46, 74 „ Fowl, 14, 32, 34 Geese, 37 ,, Fattening of, 52 ,, Holland not suitable for, IS, 16 Gelderland, 16, 36, 45 ,, Disease in, 100 General Arrangements at Roer- mond, 83 ,, Features, 73 ,, Notes, 103 ,, operations of V.P.N. , 71 ,, Recognition, 12 German Buyers, 85 ,, Consumption of Eggs, 67 ,, Demand, 108 ,, Import Tariff, 21 Germany, Report on, 92 ,, Trade with, 21, so Glass-fronted Coops, 95 ,, Houses, 27, 94 " God made the sea; we made the land," 6 Grants to Societies, 70, 92, in Great Britain, Exports to, 21 Groningen, 16, 45 Growth of Dutch Supplies of Eggs, 1 Growth of Friesland Society, 75 Guarantee of Quality, 80 Improved Methods, 22 Improvement of Quality, 46 In-breeding, gi Increased Number of Fowls, 15 ,, Production, 18, 44 „ „ Required, 6 ,, Values, 63 Increase of Population in Rural Areas, 8 Incubation and Rearing, 28 Incubator House, 43 Incubator-hatched Chickens, Disease in, 100 Incubators. 28 Independent Testing, 68 Indian Runner Duck, 37 ,, Corn largely used, 29 Individual Effort, 5 Industrial Poultry Keeping, 12 Infected Eggs, 102 Influence of Fancy Breeding, 14 ,, of Imported Breeds, 35 ,, of the Netherlands, 107 Inoculation, 100 Inspection of Breeding Stock, 71. Q3 ,, Poultry in relation to. 17 Holland, a Country of Small Occupations, 2 " Home Counties," 6, 66, 77 Hoogenvijk. Mynheer A., 43 Houses and Housing, 23 ,, for Ducks, s8 ,, Scattered, 41 Houwink, Mynheer R., jun., 4, 15. 34, 91, 104 Imperial Agricultural College, 89 Importance of Poultry Industry, 12 Imported Birds, Disease intro- duced by, 98 „ Breeds, 14 „ ,, Influence of, 35 Imports and Exports of Eggs, 20, 44 Haarlemer Meer, 94 Hamburg Fowl, Origin of, i V „ 14, 32 Harlingen, 76 Havelte, Drente, o' "Held" Eggs, 62 Hen Ladders, 27 Herrings, Price of, 67 Higglers, 62, 64 High Prices, 65 His Majesty's Foreign Secretary, ^ 3 Historical, 13 Holding Eggs, 65 Holdings, Size of, 8 INDEX "5 Instruction and Investigation, 88 Intensive Methods, 30 Investigations of Disease, 100 Irish Poultry Census, 17 Islands, The, 105 Jewish Festivals, so Journal of the V.P.N. , 71 Kanniegieter, Mynheer J. J., 86 Klein's Disease, 40, g8, 100 " Knock-outs " Defeated, 82 Knottenbelt, Mynheer J., 39 Kooiman, Mynheer J., 15, 70 Krudde, Mynheer AAT, T., 4, 47, 6j Laboratory, An Economic, s Ladders, Hen, 27 Land, Percentages of, 7 Landsmeer, 37 ,, Duck Farming at, SJ „ Ducks, 57 Langenhof, Mynheer, 46 Langezwaag, 94 Langshan Fowl, 37 Large Poultry Houses, 25 Lectures, 71 „ and Courses, 8g Leghorn Fowl, 36, 38 Leuwarden, 48 „ Table Poultry at, SI Life, Standards of, 10 Limburg, 16, 36, 44, 82 ,, Egg Production in, 31 Limit of Capacity, 108 Local Markets, 61 ,, Societies in Limburg, 82 „ ofV.P.N.,70 Long-billed Ducks, 58 Low-lying Land, 6 Maestrict Co-operative Society, 44 Malmes Fowl, 37 Management, Systems of, 22 Margin of Exports, 44 Markets for Table Poultry, 54 Market Tolls, 64 Marketing Developments, 72 „ the Produce. 61 Marking Eggs, 76 „ of Ducks, S7 Marts, Auction, 77 Mechanical Auctioneer, A, 84 Egg Testing, 80 Membership of V.P.N., 70, 82 Merchants, Views of Egg, 62 Methods at Doetincham, 53 „ of Trading, 76 Meyer, Mr. S. B., 4 Migration, Checked by Poultry- keeping, 56 Milk in Fattening, 54 Minister of Agriculture, 38 Ministry of Agriculture, 15, 88, 90, 91, 92 Minorca Fowl, 36 Mixing Eggs, 65 Modern English Leghorns, 36 Modification of Methods. 109 More People Living on the Land, 8 Mortality in Chickens, 53 Municipalities and Co-operation, 77 Natural Hatching and Rearing, 28 Need for Greater Production, no " Nest " for Ducks, 59 Netherlands a Free Trade Coun- try, 21 ,, Influence of the, 107 ,, Poultry Organiza- tion Society. 30, 41, 69 The, s Nijkerk, 45, 62, 64 Non-Competitive Exhibition, 95 Non-Success of Poultry Farms, 38 North Brabant, 31 North Holland, 16, 41, 46 Not a Duck Country, 55 Notes, General, 103 Novel Exhibition, A, 95 Number of Breeding Stations, 93 ,, Ducks at Landsmeer. 57 ,, Fowls, 16 ,, Fowls on Farms, 42 ,, Fowls to Acre, 31 Numbers, Dangers of Increased, 97 Nymegen, 63 Objects of Inquiry, i Observations. 60 Ommen, 48 Open-front Houses, 26, 39, 40 Operations of Serum Institute, 100 Opposition to Co-operation, 85 Organization for Sale, 3 of Egg Trade, 15 Origin and Development of Breeds, gi Original Home of the Hamburg Fowl, 32 Orpington Fowl, 37 Other Farms, 40 ,, Forms of Houses, 26 ,, Provinces, 46 Outbreaks of Disease, 18, 98 Overcrowding, 23, 31, 40, 42 Overijssel, iS, 46 ,, Disease in, 100 Owl-bearded Fowl, 34 ii6 INDEX Packing Centres, 63 „ Houses, 62 Payments for Produce, 86 Peaty Water for Ducks, S7 Peetoom, Mynheer C, 04 Percentage of Dutch Supplies, 107 Percentages of Land, 7 Permanent Poultry Houses, 41 Petersen, Mynheer, 72 Physical Features, 6 " Pickled " Eggs, 60 Place of Sale, The, 77 Plymouth Rock Fowls, 43 Poels, Dr., 99 Polder Rights, 56 Popstra, Mynheer W. A., 75 Population, 7 ,, at Landsmeer, In- creased, 56 Portable Houses, 41 Postage on Papers, 104 Postal Charges, 71 Poultry at Barneveld, 62 ,, Census, 1910, 16 ,, Farms, 42 ,, ,, versus Farm Poultry 38 ,, in Relation to Holdings, 17 Poultry-keeping Checks Migra- tion, 56 ,, Extension of, «9 Poultry, Poor in Flesh, 50 ,, Races of, 32 ,, Sales, 85 ., Section at the Hague, 95 Practical Breeding, 17 „ Issue, The, loi „ Teaching, Want of, 88 Preface, i Present Position, The, 97 Preservation of Eggs, 66 Prevalent Diseases, 98 Prevention of Disease, toi Prices, 62, 66, 76, 85 ,, Advance in, 46 „ of Duck Eggs, 57 ,, of Land, 11 „ of Poultry, 51, 86 Primary Efforts for Improve- ment, I Primitive Methods, 41 Private Breeders, 92 ,, Traders, 15, 46, 61 Prizes for Utility Breds, 71 Production, Egg, 44 Productiveness Increased, 18 Profitable Outlets, 46 Profits, 48 ,, of Duck Farming, 58 Prompt Payments, 76, 87 Prosperity, 3, 10, 18, 41, 56 Provinces, Area of, 7 Publications, 88 Pulmonary Consumption, ii Qualifications for Membership, 72 Quality, Effect of, 107 of Eggs, 46 ,, Improvement of, 40 Quantities of Eggs at Barneveld, 62 Raalte, 63 Races, A Country of Mixed, 9 " Races of Domestic Poultry," 34 Races of Poultry, 32 Railway Charges, 104 Range of Tours, 2 Recent Developments, 14 Reduction of Vitality. 98 Registration of Marks for Ducks, 57 Regulations as to Mixing Eggs, 66 Relationship to Cultivation, 22 Repelius, Mynheer V., 15 Research, go ,, into Diseases, no Reserve Funds, 75 Restrictions at Rotterdam, Municipal, 78 Results, 2 „ at Doetincham, 55 Revolving Table for Testing, 80 Rice Feeding, 29 Rijksseruminrichting, gg Rings of Buyers, 69 Roads, Bad, 42 Roermond Co-operative Society, 44, 78, 84. „ Prices at, 46 ,, Table Poultry at, 51 Rombouts, C. J. E., 52 Roost Platforms, 39 Roosting Sheds, 24 Rose-combed Dutch Fowl, 34 Rotterdam, 77 ,, Auction Sale, 50, 86 ,, Prices at, 46 Russia, Imports from, 21 Salaries, 87 Sale at Roermond, 83, 8it ,, of Eggs for Hatching, 93 ,, of Food Stuffs, 73, 74 Scattered Poultry Houses, 41 Schoolmasters, Influence or, 90 Schuyleman, Mynheer J., 70 Scientific Investigations, 100 Scope for Co-operation, 61 „ of the V.P.N., 70 Scratching Shed Houses, a/, 40 Screens for Shelter, 53 Selection for Fecundity, 18 ., in Breeding, 35 INDEX ri7 .Self-reliance, 77 •Sferum Institute, gg ,, Treatment, 100 Shareholders, Producers not, 73 Sheds, Roosting, 24 Shells, Colour of, 67 Shows, Influence of, 103 Signs of Prosperity, 10 Single-combed Dutch Fowl, 34 Size and Quality of Eggs, 76 ,, of Eggs, 3S, 48 ,, of Farms, 17 ,, Holdings, g ,, Holland, 6 ,, Houses, 26, 109 Smaller Countries, Influence of. Smaller Occupations More Pro- ductive, log Societies, Status of, 105 Soil, Area and, 6 South Holland, 16 Spanjaard, Mynheer S., 104 Special Poultry Farms not Suc- cessful, 38 Speculation in Eggs, 65 Spruyt, Mynheer M. L., 15, 70 Standard of Quality, 76 Utility, 71 Standards, False, 103 ,, of Life, 10, 41, 56 Standardized Cases, 7g State Assistance, g2 ,, Railways, 104 Statistical, 15 Statistics, Agricultural, 9 Status of Societies, 105 Stock, The Breeding, 2g Subscriptions to V.P.N., 70 Summary and Conclusions, 107 Supplies from Ordinary Farms, 109 ,, Whence obtained, 78, 79 Swedish Ducks, 58 Systems of Management, 22 Table Poultry, 50 ,, Farm, A, 52 Tainted Soil, 40, 42 Talma, His Excellency A. S., 3, 12, 38 Tank Barges, 59 Tariffs, 21 te Hennepe, Dr., gg Testing Eggs, 47, 63, 76, 80 Texel, Island of, 106 Theft, Risk of, 24 The Hague, Exhibition at, 95 Thieves, 3g Tickets, Railway, 105 Tolls, Market, 64 Tours, Range of, 2 Trade in Eggs, 21 ,, Marks, 79, 81 ,, with Germany, 30 Transit Charges, 10 Transitional Methods, 22 Transport Facilities, 104 Treatment, Serum and Vaccine. 100 -. - ._ Tuberculosis, 42, 100 Turkey Hens as Sitters, 28 Turkeys, 15, 37 Uncultivated Land, 7 Undesirable Methods, 42 United Kingdom Poultry Cen- sus, 16 Unsuitable Houses, 25 Utility Classes at Shows. 104 ,, Fowls in Holland, 36 ,, Standard, 71, 103 Utrecht, 16 V.P.N and its Branches, The, 69 ,, Auction Sale, 50 .. 4, 15, 6g, 88, 92 Vacation Poultry Course, 89 Vaccine Treatment, 100 Value of Mechanical Test, 81 Values, Increased, 63 ,, of Land, 11 Van Beek, Mynheer J., 56 Van der Linden, Lieutenant, 74 Van Essen, Mynheer, 48, 63 Van Hoek, Mynheer J. S., 4 Van Ryn, Dr., 4 Van Schaik, Mynheer, 54, 67 Van Slotterdycic, Mynheer W. A. 75 Vassern, 63 Ventilation, Lack of, 25 Veterinary Examination in Ger- many, 21, 51 Views of Egg Merchants, 62 Vinkenhof, 39 Vitality, Reduction of, g8 Vlaardingen, 42 Volendam, sg Voorneputen, Disease in, 100 Voorthuizen, 38 Want of Practical Teaching, 88 Water Courses, 55 ,, for Ducks, 58 Waterfowl, 37 Waterways, Arteries of Com- munication, 9 Weights of Eggs, 48, 83 Weir, Mr. Harrison, 33 Whence Supplies obtained, 78, 79 White and Brown Eggs, 63 ,, Drente Fowl, 34 ,, Leghorn Fowls, 43 ,, Wyandotte Fowl, 36, 43 Winter Layers, 35 Wyandotte Fowl, 36 Yarding of Fowls, 30 Zeeland. 16 Zuider Zee, Reclamation of, 6 Zwolle, 63 ,, Exporter, A, 51 Il8 ADVERTISEMENTS SPRATT'S The Foods that mak( Spratt's "Meat-Fibrine" CHICKEN MEAL A "Meat-Fibrine" Biscuit Meal. Its great value lies in its high percentage of albuminoids, carbo-hydrates, fats and salts, promoting rapid growth, quick feathering and general vital condition. Spratt's "CHIKKO" (No. 1 Dry Feed) Consists of sound grains and seeds of the highest quality with a valuable proportion of dried flies, ants' eggs and other insect food perfectly blended. " Chikko " builds up reserves of vitality : as an evening feed it sustains the chick through the night. Spratt's "Meat-Fibrine" POULTRY MEAL The early morning feed for pullets and older poultry. Being a cooked food it is made ready for use by mixing with hot water to a crumbly (not sloppy) moist consistency. It is entirely digestible and furnishes all the elements neces- sary for perfect plumage and lasting vitality. For sixty years Spratt's Poultry Meal has been used to prepare birds for exhibition, to fatten for Table, and to assist through the moult. Spratt's "PULTO" (No. 2 Dry Feed) A grain and seed mixture specially prepared for chicks from six or eight weeks onwards which continues the building-up process commenced by Spratt's " Chikko." Spratt's "LAYMOR" A scientific preparation, which, without harmful forciilg action, compels egg production by building up the hen's general vitality, toning up the organs specifically engaged in the production of eggs, and by supplying absolutely every element necessary for conversion into eggs. Used on the plan recommended in the previous pages it guarantees a profitable maximum egg yield. Gox*x*esi>ond.eno ADVERTISEMENTS ng OULTRY FOODS Poultry Farmiivg pay Spratt's "MEBO" (Meat and Bone) A substitute for grub and insect food: added to the morning soft food it has special value for the laying hen. Use as suggested in previous pages on egg production. Spratt's BONE MEAL Valuable as an adjunct to the soft food diet for either chickens or older poultry in consequence of its lime-phos- phates. Spratt's Bone Meal will remain fresh for months. Spratt's GRANULATED CHARCOAL is a powerful preventative of bowel troubles and other ailments which are responsible for so much mortality among chickens and poultry. It is a purifier and absorber of impure gases and effectively checks diarrhoea and similar ailments. A dessertspoonful for every dozen birds should be added occasionally to the meal. Spratt's "HENNO" "Henno"is a " Standardised " Grain, Cereal and Meat Mixture of selected ingredients in correct proportions for the purpose of providing proteids and carbo-hydrates, the two essentials for profitable and healthy Stock Rearing. To be given as the last feed of the day. Spratt's "BANTO" Bantams do not require a food rich in albuminoids, yet many breeders persist in giving ordinary poultry food. Spratt's " Banto " is prepared in the same way as Spratt's Chicken Meal (so famous as a chick-rearer), but with the exact proportions of albuminoids and otber salts requisite for complete Bantam nourishment. Spratt's "CRISSEL" The food with the highest possible nutriment per- centage, and especially valuable for its " fortifying " influence on young chicks. In cold damp weather it should be added to the chicks' soft food in proportion of one part "CEISSEL" to ten parts of meal. ^vited. 120 ADVERTISEMENTS HEARSON'S CHAMPION I N CUBATOR — Sitprenie in Efficiency, Reliabilitv, Adaptability and Durability^ HEARSON'S Incubators are guaranteed to hatch every fertile egg. Whatever the external temperature, in any climate, and at any altitude the Hearson's must maintain perfectly uniform tem- perature and ventilation, and the right degree of humidit}'. Without variation during the whole process of incubation it provides the ideal conditions which ensure that ever^' chick comes from the shell strong, healthy and rearable. The Hearson's is supreme. Hearson's Incubators can be operated by Gas, Oil or Electricity. Each model is built to render from twenty to twenty-five years of ioc% hatching service. Each type involves the absolute minimum of operating cost. Here we state our claims for the Hearson's. The new edition of THE PROBLEM SOLVED, a handsomely illustrated treatise, provides Proof. TO GET YOUR COPY SEND A POST CARD NOW. ADVERTISEMENTS 121 H EARSO N S COAL=BURNINQ BROODER THE SUPREME INDOOR REARER THE HEARSON COAL-BURNING BROODER revolu- tionises Chick-Rearing Methods and creates new standards of efficiency. ^ Halves the cost of equipment and operation. ^ Enables any poultry keeper to rear 1,000 chicks with no more trouble than it formerly took to rear 100. ^ Provides a constant, correct temperature, a constant supply of pure fresh air, plenty of exercise, and no possibility of crowding — all essential to the chicks' welfare — with such automatic regularity that all the common disadvantages of other brooders are eliminated. ^ Burns either Anthracite or Broken Coke at the cost of a few pence only a day. ^ Requires no more attention than is required for one oil lamp. Absolutely the only attention it requires is to be filled with coal once a day and the ashes shaken down twice a day. ^ Can be operated in any room and in any temperature. ^ Will care for the chicks from the time they leave the incubator until they are ready for the laying house, and whether with one hundred, five hundred, or a thousand chicks, will give the same unvarying satisfaction. ^ Is absolutely self -regulating in every detail ; requires less attention than any other brooder of its capacity ever designed and is so simple in its action that it cannot go wrong. Spratt 's Write NOW toy Copy (Free) |K\ limited of " A Revolution in Chick jlr^ (Sol' Proprietors), Rearing " to— ^^i^^^^Sw -4-25, Fenchurch St., LOXDON. E.C.3 S'atent 122 ADVERTISEMENTS l«Wll|nii)ninn iprrn I iil""««liMi"i[ll HI 1 I in II 111 III iiii niiiiiilliiiill|iii|iiniiiiil3 Agents Required 'X'HE "Briton" Incubator with its " Hyper- sensitive" Capsule Tliermostat maintains perfect hatching conditions in every climate and atmosphere. THE 'BRITON' INCUBATOR Company desire to appoint reliable and energetic agents in all territory where not now represented. ^— — Correspondence will be welcomed. — — ^ The "Briton Incubator" Company, 28, CHAPEL STREET, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND. ADVERTISEMENTS jj. Honesty s Hall-Mark, THE NATIONAL ■t W U JU 1 Jtv Y Official Organ of the JOURNAL National Utility Poultry Society and its affiliated organisations. TS published in the direct interests of the Poultry Industry. It numbers amongst readers, contributors and cor- respondents, all the most influential and progressive Poultry Keepers of Britain. For the protection of its readers, it has steadfastly refused all undesirable advertisements from the outset. Having the absolute confidence of such a public, it follows naturally that as an advertising medium for the GENUINE GOODS of GENUINE FIRMS THE NATIONAL POULTRY JOURNAL is Unrivalled. 5 ■; For particulars of rates, &c.. Apply :-- PRICE The Advertisement Manager, TWOPENCE i 3 yincent Square, WEEKLY. London, S.W. L 124 ADVERTISEMENTS The International Poultry Journal. 2d. 1 "POULTRY OI all : ; Enterprising: : Newrsagents ; , EVERY I FHIDAY. I W l^tiL&^l^ I Bookstalls. WORLD" THE "POULTRY WORLD" is universally recognised as the brightest and most up-to-date poultry journal published. Supplying the latest news of interest to poultry keepers, it also keeps its readers fully acquainted, week by week, with all modern developments and improvements in housing, feeding, general management, &o. Its contributors include the greatest experts of the day. Being a practical paper, it appeals to the novice as well as the expert. As an AdYertising Medium "PoultFy World" stands alone. It is the recognized market for buying, selling, or exchanging anything and everything appertaining to poultry and poultry farming. Judged by actual results, it is the best and cheapest medium for advertisers, both large and small. Subscription Rates: British Isles and Canada, 13/- per annum, post free; Other Countries, IS/- per annum, post free. A Selection of "Poultry World's" PRACTICAL BOOKS for POULTRY KEEPERS. The Rhode Island Red. By Geoboe Scott. Practical Poultry Culture. By Will Hoolky. New Edition now ready. Thoroughly revised The most coraplefe and instructive treatise on and brought up-to-date by the author, the Modern Poultry Culture ever published. The Hon. Secretary of the British Rhode Island author gives in his usual thorough manner the Club. Dejils with Origin and History, Shape, fundamental principles which poultry-keepera, Colour, Mating, and General Management of adapting them to their own particular con- the breed, from both utility and fancy stand- ditions, Tiust follow to ensure success. A few pomt^ Illustrated. Price 2b., post free 2s. 2d. of the subjects dealt with : Laying the Foun- Crossbreds. By Will Hoolet. A highly prao- dation, On Housing and Appliances, Foods and tical treatise for the utility poultry-keeper. Feeding, Exhibition Birds, Mating a Breeding Gives the secrets of breeding virile high-fecund Pen, Geeie Fattening, Table Poultry, The stock. Dealswiththishighlyimportantbranch Marketing of Produce, Cross-Breeding, The of poultry-keeping for both egg-production Moult, Ducks and Duck-Farming, Turkeys, and table poultry. Illustrated. Price 2s., Cloth 3b., by post 3s. lOd. post free 2s. 2d. _, . _ Th. u^ji,^ s„.».„ .» e.i..4.i.- Tj w . 'he A.B.C. of Poultry Breeding. TreaU the Mn?r /v T.7i!'t »'. Selection. By W. A. „t of breeding in a most comprehensive man- Sif w; Ji Llil^S f r i ^Tr'l '^■'""" °" : "^'^'^ ™"h Ei^hibition Stoik, Management ^n^Huf„.= HpfS"* 'm* '"^"P'^'' t," European of Laying Stock, Structure of the Kgi, Egg ^^^fi=lT ^^ '^^ '"'"«',■:•,. He te Is in plain. Records, and Breedii.g Table Poultry. PriM consise language how utility poultry-keepers ,. gri Uq,* f„„ ,„ oS u-uu,. m^ can, by using this system, select their layers * ° •' P""" '"° "" ™- by handling, build up a laying strain without How to Fatten Fowls and Prepare them for a trap-nest, and put their undertaking on a Market. With a Chapter on Drawing and highly profltable basis in the shortest possible Trussing. Covers the treatment of Chickens, time. Profusely illustrated by many diagrams. Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys. 3y J. W Hcrst Price 2s., post paid 2a. 3d. Is. 6d., post fiee Is. 8d. How to Feed Hens for Egg Production. Deals !?« i_.„i„xi._ -d , „ „ with all the leading questions of the hour.— *"?» Inciibation. By J. M Blackwood. An The Finished Product ; Grains and their Value • invaluable work dealing with Incubation in all Animal and Green Foods: Summer and Winter iJf„Sl,T^-H > ?, ''P "" ''^^t™"^'",™ : "'e Feeding; Wet and Dry Mashes: Feeding on Bnibryoand its Development ; Natural I ncuba- the Intensive System; Lessons from the t'On ; the Advantages of Artilicial Incubation ; Laying Competitions. Price Is. 6d., post free f-noosmg an Incubator and Operating. An iB. 8d. 1 r = enquirewitlun for both amateur and profes- Buccess in Mt Incubation. By S. H. Frencb. "°°*'- ^"" '/"• »"'' ^'^^ *'^ Describes the real secret of success in egg- Money from Ducks. By J. A. Watson. Anew inoubation-a startling thesis, setting out the up-to-date manual on the imporcant andhiglilT !;*!i'v^°l ''"';2,'? ''•«",■" "iPPled chicks, and profltable subject of Duck Culture. It deals bad hatches This book is the result of over with the housing, feeding, breeding rearing three years experience. Price Is. 6d., post &c., of utility ducks on present-day lines, free Is. 8d. Price 9d., post free lOJd. Complete Catalogue cost tree on application to the Publisher, LINK HOUSE, 54-55, Fetter Lane, London, E.G. 4 RETAIL BOOKSHOP: 151, Fleet Street, London, E.C. ADVERTISEMKNTS r 125 ^ The Winchix Incubator The Intensive Hatching Machine By its automatic accuracy and simplicity of operation, hatches every fertile egg, and with a degree of consistency and reliability not equalled by the hen. Write for a copy of the beautiful Winchix Booklet, " The EcHpse of the Broody." Sole Proprietors : INVENTIONS LIMITED 29, ROOD LANE, LONDON, E.G. 3. 12.6 ADVERTISEMENTS ' '.^^Hl^' ' '''^H^^^' EGG DUCKS Prom Recorded Stock. 300 EQQ STRAIN 280 FLOCK AVERAGE TAYLOR = Xlie lDuc]xmaoxi't Fox>^et We are in a position to supply ihe following from time to time, and on receipt of full particulars of your requirements we will quote or send our latest lists. I*oul-try White Leghorns, Black Leghorns, Brown Leghorns, Anconas, White Wyandottes, Rosecomb and Singlecomb Rhode Island Reds, and Barred Rocks. 2Lppli£i>nces Incubators, Brooders, Dry Mash Hoppers, Corn Bins, &c. Stock Birds always on Sale. EGGS for Hatching and Day old Chicks from January to end of August. We send any stock on approval, and are confident that we can give entire, satisfaction. Write us when you are considering the purchase of live stock. Your enquiries shall have our best attention. SMITH RIDDIOUGH, Poultry and Dairy Farmers, Co-wlin^, Kei^hley, ITopks. Telephone-PURLEY 1285. For Pedigree Stock in i Aylesbury Ducks White Leghorns White Wyandottes Black La Bresse Light Sussex Fantail, Archangel and Maltese Hen Pigeons R. CHARLES HALL, The Wend Farm, COULSDON. SURREY. T. LOCKWOOD, Specialist in Laced Wyandottes Nearly 40 Years BIRDS & EGGS. Winner "Royal "1919 and Leading Shows, AND Poultry Medicines Roup Pills Roup Powder Liver Pills Condition Pills Antiseptic Ointment, &c. Chemist (Est. 1833). Pateley Bridge, YORKS. 132 ADVERTISEMENTS n IS THE ONLY PAPER THAT MATTERS TO THE POULTRY-KEEPER. "POULTRY" tells you week by week what to do and how to do It. "POULTRY" ^ ^ ^^^B " POULTRY " is the 1^^ ^^m^ j^^^-W ^^ ^®*^ Searchlight ^^ ^^"^ "^Siil^^lija and re-read, tellsVou ^ '^^^ «^"^ low^ to make I ^°^ of the W Poultry If ] Industry. ^\ youp fowls y reference. k PAY ^^r "POULTRY" is the one - word 11 Every title paper — " POULTRY." .^^P^ Friday. Ask Your Newsagent for "POULTRY." SPECIMEN COPY will be sent FREE on application to Manager, " POULTRY " OFFICES, HOOD HODSE, 71, FLEET STREET, LONDON, E.G. 4. ADVERTISEMENTS 133 Increase your egg supply naturally, that is, without recourse to spices or other harmful condiments. You can do this by feeding to your hens a food which is aU food ; one which supplies all the materials necessary for egg-production and the energy to lay as well. Such a food is OLD CALABAR LAON' the food which fills basket. th e egg Quotations supplied immediately for Fish Meal, Eone Heal, Cockle Shell, Flint Grit, Clover Meal, and all other poultry sundries, carriage paid, to your nearest station. OLD CALABAR LTD., Chapel Street, Liverpool. Kindly note I have only one address in Great Brhaii), and have no connection with anyone of the same name whatever. THOMAS ABBOT, The Norfolk Live Stoak and Poultry Farm, WYMONDHAM, NORFOLK. The largest Exhibitor and Breeder of Pure Bred Prize Poultry in the Eastera Counties. BIRDS FOR EXHIBITION OR FOR THE BREEDING PENS always ready, and satisfaction guaranteed. All birds sent on four clear days' approval. EARLY HATCHED COCKERELS & PULLETS, bred from the most prolific laying strains in England. Eggs in season from the following varieties : Buff, Black and White Orpingtons ; Bitrred White and Buff Plymouth Rocks ; White and Black Minorcas, Andalusians ; White, Brown, Black and Buff Leghoms; Gold, Silver, White, Black and Partridge Wyandottes ; Indian Game ; Dark and Silver Grey Dorkings ; Modern Lang- sbans ; Houdans ; Buff, Black, White and Part- ridge Cochins ; Light and Dark Brahmas, and nearly all varieties of Bantams ; also Aylesbury, Rouen, Pekin, Cayugas', Indian Runners and Decoy Ducks, Ducks, Emhden and Toulouse Geese ; and CHAMPION AMERICAN MAMMOTH BRONZE TURKEYS, Winners of Cups, Medals, Specials, and First at Dairy, Crystal Palace, Birmingham, York, Leeds, Royal Show (Norwich), Paris and Utrecht. Export Orders a Speciality, and at my Sole i?/s^. G. B. Metcalfe CLAYDON FARM, LECHLADE, ENGLAND 6 FIRST PRIZES 4 SECOND PRIZES WITH "White Leghorns, White Wyandottes, Rhode Island Reds, Black Leghorns, Anconas At the Open English Laying Tests. LISTS ON APPLICATION. 134 ADVERTISEMENTS B^W"'' LEGHO RNS lue ^^=^ I am the undisputed Champion Breeder of this Variety. In 1920 I only Exhibited at Six Shows, and here is my record ; — Blue Leghorn Club Show (HancheBter). Coclierel Cup (won outright, third time). Challenge Trophy for-best Blue Leghorn; Poultry Club Cup and Silver Pendant ; first Cocks ; first Hens; first, second, reserve and v.h.c. Cockerels. No Pullets Exhibited. Leghorn, Plymouth Rock and AndaluBian Club Show (Norwich). First, second and third Cockerels; first, second and third Pullet.s. ' Leghorn Club Show (Stockport). First and second Cockerels. No Pullets shown. Whitchurch (Salop). First and second Cockerels ; first Pullets. Royal of England (Darlington). First Hens ; second Cocks. Dairy Show (London). Second and third Cockerels. Supplied Winning Pullet. For four years have supplied Novice class winners at Club Show, and at last five Club Shows have never failed to secure premier honours myself. Eggs £3 3s. per dozen. Birds from £3 3s. each. Mated trios from £6 6s. EXPORTER TO ALL. PARTS OP THE WORLD. Mr. S. X. ASHXON, ciub judge, BLUE YARDS, GLOSSOP, ENGLAND. ■Phone: 67 GLOSSOP. THOMAS TWYFORD Bedcap Specialist and Judge. Hon. Sec. Redcap Club. Breeder, Extiibitor and Exporter of High Class REDCAPS. Exhibition and Breeding Stock always on sale. This famous strain has been consist- ently successful for over 20 years, winning hundreds of prizes in keenest competition. His Champion Challenge Cup and Dairy Winning Strain has no equal. Guaranteed Eggs 21/- per dozen. Harthill Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire, England. The Misses RANSFORD Perseverance Poultry Farm PENSPORD, Nr. BRISTOL. WHITE LEGHORN STUD FARM. All birds trapnested and kept on free range. High - Class Stock supplied at moderate charges. Breeders and owners of the world's record White Leghorn "LADY BOUNTIFUL II." record 687 in 3 years, dam " Lady Bountiful I." record ■ 541 in 2 years. ILLUSTRATED LIST IN SEASON. ADVERTISEMENTS 135 STANLEY STREET - PORTER, Goveney Manor, ELY, Gambs. SPECIALIST BREEDER <& EXPORTER. Own Strains of Pedigree Trap-nested Poultry and Ducks, &c. Brown, Black and White Leghorns, Light Sussex, White Wyandottes, Anconas. Aylesbury, Buff Orpington, Kaki-Campbell and Indian Runner Ducks (Fawn and White, and White). Roman and Toulouse Geese, Rabbits, &c. Large Black Pigs. All Stock Pedigreed when hatched and Trap-nested. My strains combine STAMINA 8L LAYING POWER Quotations and Pedigree on application. Name and Strain have stood the test of years. FREE To All Poultry Keepers. " Profitable Poultry." By E. Bostock Smith. EVERYONE interested in Poultry should have a copy of this Cata- logue Price List. 36 4to. pages, . profusely illustrated. Describes various breeds, methods of feeding, hints on incubation, together with -working plans for building houses, &o., ani explains HOW TO MAKE POULTRY PAY. Post free on request. rR nsrocfc5m j| 'Heaselands," Hay ward's Heath, SUSSEX. G. JONES, 107, Bute Road, CARDIFF. Breeder and Exhibitor of RHODE ISLAND REDS, both Combs, COLUMBIAN WYANDOTTES, ANCONAS €r GOLDEN CAMPINES also imported AUSTRALIAN BLACK ORPINGTONS AND WHITE LEGHORNS. Exhibition and Stock Birds Exported CORRESPONDBNCB INVITED. 136 ADVERTISEMENTS miss HARRISON BELI-'S— Birds are noted for Hardiness and Stamina and Laying Capacity. They have acres of range-, and no fowl is allowed to live if not perfectly healthy and sound. She is famous for her pedigree, high^fecund White Leghorns, Light Sussex, Bnff Rocks, White Runner DucIjs. White Runners roaming round; Miss HARRISON BELL, S.P.B.A., Wdwyn, Herts, England. You ought to read her handy little poultry book — "What's Wanted," 2/6. Arthur White, Specialist Breeder of tlie higliest class bred^to-lay strains of WHITE WYANDOTTES, BLACK LEGHORNS, LIGHT SUSSEX & R; I. REDS Breeder of the Famous Pen 65 (White Wyandottes) Championship Winners at Harper Adams' College, 1918-1919. Four Gold and Silver Medals awarded in open Egg laying trials CATALOGUE FREE. ARTHUR WHITE, HILLSIDE POULTRY FARM. Bickerton, Malpas, Cheshire. CHAMPION BUFF COCHINS. DARK DORKINGS. WHITE, BUFF. AND BLACK ORPINGTONS. BUFF AND BLACK PEKIN BANTAMS. Bred and Exhibited by — Qeo. H. Procter, Flass House, DURHAM, England. John Bale, Sons and Danielsson, Ltd., 83-91, Great Titchfield Street, London, W.i,