Hatt College of Agriculture Sit Cornell ®ntbers(ttj> Stftaca, ia. g. Hifirarp The National Ponltry OrgaBization Society, Lti REPORT ON The Poultry Industry IN Germany. BT EDWABD BROWN, F.L.S., Bon. Sec. of the National Poultry Organization Society;! PouUify Expert to the Agricultural Organization Someiy. aUTHOB OF " RepoH on the JPouIliry Indugjtry in America,"" '^' " Report on- tlie Poultry Industry in Denmark and Swedeiij''^" "Report on tlie Poultry Industi:y in BeIgiHni,'J^— "Poultry-Keeping as an Industry for Farmers and Cotti^eiB," "Races of Domestic Poultry," "Poultry Fattening," &c., &c. Xonaon: . NATfONAL POULTRY ORGANIZATION SOCIETY, LIMITED, 52, QUEEN ANNE'? cttAMBBBS, WBSTMINSTEE, S^W. ONS SHH.LIN0 NET. WORKS ON POliLTRY K EEPING. ' V , ; [SMmtiry.S.eoretaryofitfikN.I'.O.S.). Reporl oti the Poiiltt^ Iftdusifi^ in '■- . iAmef lea, :.:;;..'„.,'•''-. : f ff'^\ D^nmark'-:'and 3wede^^ ^ :-- ', '"-;"'' Fourth I'fiapice3^ij^ in Belgi univ , Wfth/lS^jIUiste'aSoKfe.-^ilsrnetj;;^^ ' ,, , P6u1try='keeping as an Industry for Farmers and Cottagers . -SixtH'rBditioii. Fully IllusVateja.; CroV&>4^^^ net; Post Free, 6a. Bd^; Foreign and' OeloniaJ, &34. ,■■'':' ' Races of Dorri^Stic Poultry. 'New Work just 'gilkisli,ed'. 'Fully Illustrated. Cirown ito, 6s. n6t ; . Post , Ft§e, 63. 6d. ; Foreign and Colonial, 6s. 9d.\ ''..-.' industrial Poultry^teeping. '.Fully lEustratedv '^BapelBoard^^ Is.; Post Free la. 3d. Poultry Fattening. \ Ist.ef^^ and Eeyised Bdiwori. /FuUy filiistrated. Is.; Post Free, Is. 8d. Edited toy EPTBTARP :^R01HriSr, J'-X.-S. Official Report of the Second National Poultry Conference, Reading, July, Boyal Syo; 382 pp.; iiandspmely bound in oloth, ■with four illusttationa, 4b. Post 'Free. ; ... ^ '.''', • ; ', ^ The abo-P^e works can be dbtaiiled from all booksellers, pr firom THE HAHONAL POULTRY ORGANIZATIOH SOCIETY, LIMITEDi No, 53, QUEEN ANNE'^S CHAlVlBERS, • DEAN FARRAR STREET, UDNDONj S.W. PROVIDES FOR ONE PENNY A WEEK An accurate, faithful summary of the week's happenings in poultrydom. Detailed, reliable Reports of all the principal Poultry Shows. Topical Hints and Practical Articles by the foremost experts on Fancy and Utility Poultry of every description. Advice on Ailments and Matters of Difficulty, lucidly and helpfully expressed by a most popular authority on poultry management and diseases. Photographic Portraits of Prize-winning Poultry, also Poultry Farms and Sketches by Leading Artists. Frequent issues of lovely Coloured Plates and Artistic Supplements, Novelties, &c. The Current Prices of Market Poultry are given each week ; the Amateur Poultry Keeper is specially catered for. A splendid assortment of Advertisements of Poultry for Sale or Wanted, Poultry Farms ditto. Situations Vacant and Wanted, Poultry for Exchange, Poultry Appliances, Remedies, Books, &c. ; in fact, every want of the poultrykeeper. WE CLAIM FOR THE POULTRY WORLD THAT it is an offshoot of the oldest poultry journal in the British Isles. It is a fearless advocate for honesty and straightforwardness in poultry dealing and exhibiting. It is a certain medium for sales, wants, and exchanges. The Poultry Press, Ltd., 154, Fleet Street, London. HEiLRSON'S CHiLMPION INGUBJLTORS WILL LAST A GENERATION. BEST IN THE WORLD. TESTIMONIAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, READING. Dear Sir,— As a result of my previous experience, and the experi- ments and observations in Artilieial Incubation made dnrin^ the last tltree years at the OoUege Poultry Farm, Theale, I cannot speak too highly of Hearson's Champion Incubator. It has given in each year the highest average pereentage of hatching, whilst from its simplicity in operation, its absolute reliability of temperature, and the excellence of its construction, it is undoubtedly the best Incubator on the market. Yours faithfully, (Signed) EDWARD BROWN. ^i#' HEARSON'S CHAMPION TESTING LANTERN. EYDROTHERMIC FOSTER . . In the Champion Lan- tern a globe of water is introduced between the flame and the egg ; this effects the double purpose of concentrat- uig the light and stop- ping the heat rays of low refrangibility. The result is that the con- tents are seen to great advantage, and can be I examined leisurely. For Rearing in Winter ii Summer. 'V' ' SHOW ROOMS: 233. REGENT STREET. W. Write for ILLUSTRATED PRICE LIST to PROPRIETORS— Spratt's Patent, Ltd., 24/25, Fenchurch Street, LOisrx)oiNr, E!,o. EEPOET 01 THE POULTEY INDUSTEY II CxEEMAl^Y. Bights of Translation and Beproduction are reserved. The National Ponltry Organization Society, Ltd. REPORT ON The Poultry Industry IN Germany. ED-WABD BROWN, F.L.S., Ron. Sec. of the National Poultry Organization Society Poultry Esspert to the Agricultural Organization Society. AUTHOE OF "Report on the Poultry Indnstry in America," "Report on the Poultry Industry in Denmark and Sweden," "Report on the Poultry Industry in Belgium," "Poultry-Keeping as an Industry for Farmers and Cottagers," "Races of Domestic Ponltry," "Poultry Fattening," &c., &c. l.on&on : NATIONAL POULTRY ORGANIZATION SOCIETY, LIMITED, 52, QUEEN ANNE'S OHAMBEES, WE8TMINSTEB, S.W. 1912. National Poultry Organization Society, LIMITED. S2, Queen Anne's Chambers, Dean Farrar Street, Westminster, London, S.W. ©tCalOent— The marchioness of SALISBURY. Bxecutive Committee — H.R.H. PRINCESS CHRISTIAN OF SOHLESWIG-HOLSTBIN. SiB C. THOS. DYKE AOLAND, Babt. Majok O. C. GLYN, D.S.O. BOBT. ARMITAGB, Eacj., M.P. HARRY HOPE, BSQ., M.P. The Lord BLYTH. B. W. HORNB, Esq, 0. B. BROOKE, Esq. {Pasi MasUr FovXters Misa SMITH-DORRIBN. „ "T^J^ilt^lrr.^r, Thb DUOHBSS OF SOMERSET. MI33 GBORGIANA BULLEB. „ , „ . rrriTi .^t t..,tt™c ,^ -,, -o Sir FRANCIS A. CHANNING, B.kt., M.P. «. L. VAUGHAN-DAVIES, Esq., M.P. GARY COLES, Bae. ^- '^^ VERNEY, BaQ. B. T. S. DUGDALB, Bad. Col- VICTOR VAN DB WBYER. W. FITZHERBBRT-BROCKHOLES, Esq., D.L. The Hos. Mes. WILMOT. Hon. 3'reasiirer— Col. R. WILLIAMS, M.P. Hm. Secretary— Ub. EDWARD BROWN, F.L.S. Assistant Seeretary— Mr. F. A. HAZLEWOOD. The objects for the promotion of which the Society is estabUshed are : (a) The organ- ization and development of the Poultry Industry as a most important branch of British __._-,_„ Agriculture ; (6) the improvement of the quality and the increase of the quantity of eggs, poultry, &c., produced in the United Kingdom ; (c) the maintenance of regularity and uniformity of supply ; {d) the provision of facilities for rapid transit ; and (e) the bringing of the producers and retailers into closer touch, in order that the best available market may be obtained at a minimum cost. The National Poultry Organization Society, Limited, endeavours to make more widely known the opportunities presenting themselves to farmers ; affords practical information as _„_„_ -„ to the class of poultry-keeping most suited to each district, having regard to Ol^MTIONS *^® ^°^ ^^^ ^^^ markets available ; indicates the breeds which give the ■ best results ; renders assistance in obtaining on the best terms appliances of a right kind ; disseminates leaflets providing reliable information bearing upon the various aspects of poultry culture; registers and supplies names of traders willing to take the produce; keeps a register of poultry men and women desiring situations; and, generally, assists the Branches and Depots, and through them individual breeders, in every manner possible. Branches of the Society are formed wherever the requisite local co-operation can be obtained. Many such branches have already been established, and are doing satisfactory BRINCTIBS AND work in their respective districts, of which alist wUl be forwarded COLLECTING DEPOTS °^ application to the Secretary. Where Collecting Depots are formed, eggs are collected frequently, carefully tested, and such as are strictly fresh, branded with the Society's Trade Mark, packed and forwarded to selected traders as rapidly as possiblei By these means the quality is guaranteed, smd home produce placed in the front rank, yielding adequate returns to poultry-keepers. In suitable districts it is intended to encourage the improvement of Table Poultry, the quality of which in many parts of the country is very deficient. By so doing it is hoped that enhanced returns will be secured by breeders and raisers of poultry. All subscribers to the National Poultry Organization Society, Limited, either direct or through any of its Branches, are Members of the Society, and entitled to its privileges. Sub- HBMBER8HIP ^''"''^'^^ °^ One Guinea and upwards are registered as Members of Council ' in accordance with the Rules, which can be obtained on application. Subscribers of not less than Five Shillings per annum and upwards receive the Journal gratis. Oopiet of Leafleti for diatribution, Forma of AppUcaUon for Membemhip, and information reepeeting the work of the Society can be had from The National Poultry Organization Society, Limited, 52, Queen Anne's Chambers, Dean Farrar Street. Westminster, London, S.W. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Inteoddction— Objects of Inquiry Eange of Observation Eesults Acknowledgments I. MoDEBN Developments The German Empire States and Provinces Varied Conditions German Poultry Production Eeasons for Neglect of Poultry Resultant Changes ... Opportunities in Germany . . . Census of Poultry A Woman's Pursuit Low Averages Fancy Poultry Poultry Districts Poultry Farms Value of Produce Probable Developments II. Gebmany's Influence on British Supplies Increased Consumption of Eggs and Poultry Local Supplies Growth of German Imports Import Duties Eestrictions on Imports Sources of Supply Advanced Prices Berlin Page Paragraph 1 — 2 — 3 — 3 — 5 — 5 1 6 2 6 3 7 4 8 5 9 6 10 7 11 8 12 9 12 10 13 11 14 12 15 13 15 14 16 15 17 — 17 16 18 17 19 18 22 19 23 20 25 21 26 22 26 23 VI. Table of Contents Gebmany's Influence on Bbitish Supplies — continued Hamburg Hanover Dresden Ghevanitz Leipzig Nuremburg Munich Stuttgart Frankfort Meat Values Quality of Produce . . . Standard of Life Eising A Permanent Change Competition for Supplies British Imports Prices of Imported Eggs III. Methods op Poultby Keeping Agriculture in Germany Special Conditions ... Changes in Outlook ... Farmers and Poultry... Housing Hatching and Eearing A Suggestive Observation Eeminiscences Feeding IV. General Peoduction Eelative Demand Increase of Egg Supply Impelling Influences . . . Lines of Extension . . . Italian Layers Table Poultry Fattening at Florsheim Turkeys not in Demand Ducks Milk Chickens Page Paragraph 27 24 28 25 29 26 30 27 31 28 32 29 33 30 34 31 34 32 36 33 36 34 38 35 39 36 40 37 41 38 42 39 44 — 44 40 44 41 45 42 46 43 46 44 47 45 48 46 49 47 49 48 50 — 50 49 50 50 51 51 51 52 52 53 53 54 54 55 54 56 55 57 55 58 Table of Contents General Peoddction — continued Production of Milk Chickens Breeds of Fowls used Rearing and Feeding Marketing Milk Chickens Observations . Goose Bbeeding and Consumption Goose Flesh Declining Production Breeds of Geese Goose Fattening Plants The Goose Sheds Other Departments ... Magerviehhof Market, Berlin Goose Trains ... Quarantine Sale of Geese ... Class of Geese Imported Fattening Goose Livers Fattening the Geese ... Methods of Production Feeding the Geese Final Stages YI. Eacbs op Poultry in Gbbmany Native Breeds... Effects of Ideals Influence of Alien Eaces Utility Poultry New Breeds Productiveness The Danish Example VII. Marketing the Pboducb Methods of Sale ... Notable Differences ... Co-operation Societies in Hanover... vu. Page Paragraph 56 59 57 60 57 61 58 62 59 63 60 — 60 64 61 65 62 66 62 67 63 68 63 69 64 70 64 71 65 72 66 78 66 74 67 75 67 76 68 77 69 78 69 79 70 80 71 — 71 81 71 82 72 83 78 84 74 85 75 86 75 87 77 — 77 88 77 89 78 90 79 91 viii. Table of Contents Makketing the Peoduoe — continued Guarantees Working of Societies Combination of Societies VIII. How THE POULTEY InDUSTBY IS ADVANCED Eecent Developments Chambers of Agriculture ... Distribution of Pure-bred Poultry ... Breeding Stations Model Parms and Breeding Centres Teaching Centres CroUwitz ... Eudesheim Erlangen Principles of State Support ... Practical Instructors Premiums for Poultry Yards Local Societies Eesearoh and Experimental Work ... Gefliigelhof Hubertus, Huls Plant at Huls Eesults at Huls ... Poultry Diseases IX. Exhibitions, Utility and Otherwise The Influence of Shows Two Classes of Shows German Poultry Club Show at Cassel Judging Utility Poultry Prizes for Appliances X. Summary and Conclusions Influence of German Developments How Great Britain is Affected Dangers of Inflated Prices ... Future Probabil'ties Conclusions What Should be Done Page Paragraph 80 92 81 93 81 94 83 — 83 95 84 96 84 97 85 98 87 99 88 100 89 101 90 102 92 103 94 104 94 105 95 106 96 107 97 108 98 109 99 110 100 111 101 112 102 — 102 113 103 114 104 115 105 116 105 117 107 118 108 — 108 119 109 120 109 121 110 122 111 123 115 124 Illustrations JX» ILLUSTRATIONS. Plate I. Bboodbr House at Eudeshbim frontispiece „ II. Opbn-fbont House fob Layers, Huls ... facing page 4:8 III. Chicken Fattening Pen, Winsen IV. Duck Fattening Pens, Winsen V. Goose Fattening Sheds, Winsen VI. Gbnebal View, Magebviehhop Maekbt, Beblin VII. Arrival of Goose Train, Berlin VIII. General Buildings, Ceollwitz Breeding Centre IX. View op Pens at Crollwitz Breeding Centre X. General View, Centre Eelanqen Breeding XI. Winter Poultry House, Brlangen Breeding Centre XII. Lecture and Incubator House, Eudes- hbim Brebding Centre XIII. Cement Slab Poultry House, Eudbsheim Breeding Centre XIV. Interior Incubator and Brooder House, Huls XV. Duck Houses and Pond, Huls 49 60 61 64 65 80 81 88 89 96 97 102 103 STOCK BIRDS DAY OLD CHICKS HATCHING EGGS Fvom Buff Orpingtons Black „ White „ Light Sussex Red „ White Wyandottes Black IMinoPcas Saimon Favenoiies Black „ White „ Danish Brown Leghorns „ White „ White Rocks Silver Campines Combattant de Bruges (WHITE FLESHED GAME). Aylesbury Ducks Egyptian Geese CHICK FOODS POULTRY MBALS THBRMOMBTERS CAPSUL.BS HYGROMETERS MEDICINES OINTMENTS Wood, Wire and Cardboard Egg Boxes in all sizes and lOOl Accessories for the Poultry Keeper. Write for our fully illustrated 56-page Catalogue, sent post free. MORGANS, Finchampstead, Berks. Correspondanoe en Fran9ais, Allemand, Danois, Espagnol. tu CO B a o P3 W P3 |£| a o o B pq I ON THE Poultry Indastry in Germany. To THE Central Executive Committee of the National Poultry Organization Sogibtt. Ladies and Gentlemen, — Hitherto a very limited amount of attention has been paid to Germany, in so far as its connection with and influence upon poultry production are concerned, by reason of the fact that it has not made the same progress as have several other countries of Europe. A new phase, however, has presented itself, namely, that growing consumption of eggs and poultry, as a result of rapidly increasing population, of greatly augmented pur- chasing power and of marked changes in the standards of life, has profoundly affected supplies to the United Kingdom from several nations upon whom our markets have largely depended in the past. Acting, therefore, upon your instructions, I have prepared the following report, the results of personal inquiry and observa- tions made during the last twelve months, which I beg respectfully to submit, and hope that, as the fourth in the series begun in 1906, it may help forward the industry which it is your and my purpose to serve. Objects oe Inquiry. — As already indicated the primary motive for this inquiry was to discover as far as possible : (1) How far the rapidly advancing consumption of eggs and poultry, the former especially, in Germany, is Hkely to continue, or whether it is temporary in its nature, the result of high prices of other food products, or is indicative of a change in the mode of living, such as has been met with elsewhere ; (2) whether prices which were formerly low, but which have advanced considerably of late, are likely to rise still further, and thus continue the deviation of sup- plies to Germany, that have found their most profitable market 1 2 The Poultry Industry in Germany in Great Britain ; and (3) to discern whether efforts are being put forth within the various States comprising the German Empire that may result in making the country independent of extraneous suppHes. The observations made during my first journey in November, 1910, were so pressingly important that it was decided to issue an Interim Eeport, published in the January (1911) Journal of the National Poultry Organization Society. The facts therein given and the conclusions arrived at have had a marked effect upon public opinion at home and abroad, and will, I trust, be an incentive to those concerned in the development of the resources of our own country. That Interim Eeport forms part of the present record, with the addition of later observations. The scope has, however, been extended to show (4) the present conditions in respect to production throughout Germany ; and (5) the efforts which are being put forth by Central and Provincial authorities and societies, educationally and otherwise, for improve- ment of the class of poultry kept and of the methods of production. Eange op Observations. — Although I have been familiar with portions of Germany for many years, such knowledge was to some extent superficial, as it did not enable me to form any judgment as to rural conditions, or to the trend of developments in the great centres of population. I, therefore, have made two special journeys, the first in November, 1910, and the second in June and July, 1911, during which nearly 3,500 miles were travelled, extending from Hamburg in the North almost to the Austrian and Swiss frontiers in the South, to Stuttgart in the South- west, and eastward to the Province of Brandenburg, inclusive of important sections of Central Germany. These, together, with previous observations, have enabled me to present what may be regarded as a fairly complete view of the country at large. The only sections which were not visited are the Baltic provinces and those on the Eussian frontier. The former of these I had traversed on a former occasion, and the evidence obtained at Berlin was that there production is backward, so that it was not necessary to devote further time which would be involved in extending my journeys. As will be seen by the Eeport visits were paid to breeding stations and educational centres, to various farms, and interviews with traders formed an important part of the work. The Poultry Industry in Germany 3 Eesxjlts. — Upon the general question of poultry breeding and production it is evident that there is little to be learnt. Germany in respect to the poultry industry occupies a similar position to that held by the United Kingdom twenty-five years ago. For the last generation attention has been mainly devoted to the development of her industrial and commercial resources, in which directions the progress made has been indeed remarkable. The great increase of population has not alone been absorbed in these directions, and there has been a large drain upon the rural population, as in Britain. The effect of this is seen in the rapid growth of cities and manufacturing centres, in which the question of food supplies other than local is of supreme importance. Thus the factors are such as were experienced in Britain, and the problems presenting themselves for solution are largely our own, with certain differences which are noted in the Eeport. And, further, it is evident that the influences which have made for changes in the nature of food consumed, due to altered conditions of life and to a rapidly advanc- ing demand for eggs and poultry, are being reduplicated in Ger- many. Such explain why consumption is growing at so great a pace, and why prices have advanced, deviating supplies upon which at one time we depended in so large a measure. As shown by the figures quoted Germany is now the greatest importer of eggs and poultry in the world. The effect of this altered aspect of affairs is that the importance of increasing production within the United Kingdom becomes a more serious question than ever before, as emphasized in the conclusions arrived at. Acknowledgments. — Without the cordial co-operation and assistance rendered to me I could not have accomphshed the pur- pose in view. The kindnesses and courtesies extended on all sides were many and great. These must be, in the main, acknowledged in general terms. There are, however, not a few which require special mention. I beg to express my great indebtedness to His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who not only, as on previous occasions, provided me with official letters of introduc- tion, but in advance of my visits communicated to British Consuls and Vice-Consuls at various centres the points upon which informa- tion was desired, and instructed them to afford me all the aid in their power. The help of these gentlemen greatly facilitated my 4 The Poultry Industry in Germany inquiries, and by their assistance I was able to get into immediate touch with traders and others. To the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture at Berlin, to those connected with various societies and organizations, and to experts of the respective State and provincial departments my sincere thanks are due, and also to the German Consul-General in London. To the Continental Traffic Manager of the Great Eastern Eailway Company for facilitating and making comfortable my journeys across the North Sea by the splendid service from Harwich to the Hook-of-Holland, I desire to express my grateful thanks. And to my son, Mr. Will Brown, of the West of Scotland Agricultural College Poultry Farm, Kilmarnock, who has rendered me invaluable service, in that he has made the many translations required, which as a result of my inability to read German were beyond my personal reach. I hope that the Report which is now presented may reward the above and many others who have freely and generously afforded their assistance. Inter- change of knowledge and experience cannot fail to help forward the poultry industry. I have the honour to remain, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, 38, Queen Anne's Chambers, Edward Bbown. Westminster, S.W. November, 1911. ON THE Poultry Industry in Germany. .1— MODBEN DEVELOPMENTS. ERRATA. Page 19. Values, 1909, should read £7,827,950. ,, 55, par. 58, line 4, for poissons read pouasins. \J1. \J\J KJLl-i V L Y O Ui. t> D\7JIIX-tl C in the north-east, to the Lake of Constance in the south-west, a distance of upwards of a thousand miles, all the German speaking peoples are not included. Language, however, is not everything. Different races may use the same tongue, yet be totally distinctive in ideals. One writer^ has said that " Germany implies not one people, but many peoples of different culture, different political and social institutions, diversity of intellectual and economic life. When the average Englishman speaks of Germany he really means Prussia, and, consciously or not, he ignores the fact that in but few things can Prussia be regarded as typical of the whole Empire." Though this may be true in considering such a question as that now submitted, it is necessary and convenient to accept the political divisions as we find them. And it is a suggestive fact ' " The Evolution of Modern Q-ermany." London: Fisher Unwin. 4 The Poultry Industry in Germany inquiries, and by their assistance I was able to get into immediate touch with traders and others. To the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture at Berlin, to those connected with various societies and organizations, and to experts of the respective State and provincial departments my sincere thanks are due, and also to the German Consul-General in London. To the Continental Traffic Manager of the Great Eastern Eailway Company for facilitating and making comfortable my journeys across the North Sea by the splendid service from Harwich to the Hook-of-Holland, I desire to express my grateful thanks. And to my son, Mr. Will Brown, of the West November, 1911. ON THE Poultry Industry in Germany. I.— MODEEN DEVELOPMENTS. (1) The German Empire, — In no one of the States which comprise so-called national entities in Europe are the frontiers strictly coterminous with racial divisions or even with the lan- guages spoken. On the one hand we may have a country like Denmark or Greece, in which practically one tongue is commonly employed, but outside these are large areas where the same lan- guage prevails. Or on the other hand is a country like Austria, in which it is stated that seventeen distinct languages and dialects are spoken. Germany tends to the former rather than the latter. It is true that French and Polish are general in the western and eastern border districts respectively. As against that German speech is used in Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. Great though the extent of country stretching from Eydtkuhnen, the frontier station in the north-east, to the Lake of Constance in the south-west, a distance of upwards of a thousand miles, all the German speaking peoples are not included. Language, however, is not everything. Different races may use the same tongue, yet be totally distinctive in ideals. One writer^ has said that " Germany implies not one people, but many peoples of different culture, different political and social institutions, diversity of intellectual and economic life. When the average Englishman speaks of Germany he really means Prussia, and, consciously or not, he ignores the fact that in but few things can Prussia be regarded as typical of the whole Empire." Though this may be true in considering such a question as that now submitted, it is necessary and convenient to accept the political divisions as we find them. And it is a suggestive fact ^ " The Evolution of Modern Germany." London: Fister Unwin. 6 The Poultry Industry in Germany that to a large extent industrial and commercial developments have disregarded boundaries of the respective States v^hich form the German Empire as we know it. (2) States anb Peovincbs. — No fewer than twenty-six States comprise what we now call Germany. Some of these are com- paratively small, but others are large, notably Baden, Bavaria, Saxony and Wurtemberg, as distinct from Prussia, which is greatest in extent and population. Prussia is divided into thirteen provinces, and its population represents 61'88 per cent, of the entire country, embracing nearly the whole of Northern Germany and the Ehine Provinces. The area and number of inhabitants of the leading States and of the Empire as shown in the Census of 1910 are as follows : — Square miles English Population Prussia 134,558 40,163,333 Bavaria ... Wurtemburg Baden Saxony ... German Empire 29,849 7,534 5,888 5,856 211,168 6,876,497 2,435,611 2,141,832 4,802,485 64,903,423 "Whilst the fiscal policy of the Empire is generally uniform, there are reservations in the larger States which are important. I may, however, for present purposes regard Germany as one country. For administrative purposes there are divisions, as in the United Kingdom, and each of the larger States adopts methods in conformity with its own requirements or opinions. (3) Vaeied Conditions. — Taking the wide extent of country within the limits of the German Empire, great variations are met with in respect to the natural conditions, and, therefore, of the people. In Britain probably there are greater changes met with than in any other land, due to the highly diversified conformation of the country and the admixture of races. Save in language, the Northumbrian and the Westmorlander, the Cheshireman and the border Welsh, the Cornishman and the Devonian, the Highlander and the Lowlander Scot differ greatly. Each to some extent is the result of his special environment, plus racial influences effected in long past centuries. In Germany, however, the distribution is wider owing to the greater areas. The great plains of Northern Germany from the Netherlands to the Eussian frontiers occupy a large part of the territory, with a few elevations, and have Modern Developments 7 profoundly modified the inhabitants. Southward in the Ehine Provinces, in Mid and Southern Germany, are hilly and mountain- ous regions, with their valley lands, which in their turn have influenced the thought and energies as they have the physique of their respective denizens. There are greater differences between the conditions in Oldenburg, and those in Saxony and Bavaria and Wurtemburg, than between Highland and Lowland Scotland. A German writer has said that " there are more abrupt contrasts between Germans and Germans than between Germans and Indians. Nay, the contradistinctions within Germany are greater than those between Germans and the units of any other foreign nation whatever." I am led to make these observations because, although the poultry industry has developed, with one or two exceptions, on very similar lines, it is probable that in the future we shall see, as breeding increases a tendency to specialization in districts such as is characteristic of England, Belgium and France. Natural influences have, and should have, play in these directions. That time, however, has not yet arrived. It is enough to say that the beginnings are evident. The Hanoverian and the Saxon, the Mecklenburger and the Bavarian have different ideals and vary considerably in nature and temperament. As is usually the case, those who reside in the bleaker north and on the Highlands are usually more enterprising and less conservative than the southerners. (4) German Poultry Production. — Among leading European nations the one which apparently has made least progress in the poultry industry during recent years is Germany, with, perhaps, a solitary exception in the case of France. The latter, however, has for centuries held a high position equally as to the distribution of poultry of all grades throughout its rural districts, the volume of eggs and poultry annually produced, and the high quality of such products. As a consequence the French people, when a generation ago the importance of making poultry a recognized part of live stock, in order to meet the changes taking place in agriculture and the rapidly increasing demand for finer articles of food, was realized, occupied a satisfactory place as compared with others, affording an example to be copied rather than needing extensive develop- ment. It may also be tbat the absence of a rapidly advancing 8 The Poultry Industry in Germany pressure of life due to great increase of population, explains why Erance has not made greater progress. To some extent, though not to the same degree, that was also true in Belgium, as was pointed out in my report on the poultry industry^ of that country, published a year ago.' The advances made elsewhere throughout the civilized world, as seen in the United Kingdom, the Nether- lands, Scandinavia, Italy, Austria -Hungary, the Balkan States, and Eussia in Europe ; in Canada and the United States ; in our Australian Colonies ; and, to a lesser degree, in many other sections of the globe, were not met with in Germany, save in one or two special directions. It has stood aloof from what is almost a world- wide movement. Within the last decade some steps have been taken, but, as was expressed to me by one of the leading of&cials at Berlin, the poultry industry in that country is only in its initial stages. The problem, as a whole, has yet to be solved. (5) Ebasons foe. Neglect of Poultry. — We have not far to seek for an explanation why Germany has lagged behind nearly all other countries in her development of the poultry industry. Eirst and foremost is the fact that until recently eggs and poultry, with the exception of geese, entered to a comparatively limited extent into the food of the great bulk of the German people. Geese have always been consumed very largely, but eggs, chickens, and ducklings were practically unknown to, or seldom eaten by, the major portion of Germans, and even the wealthier classes used them much less than was the case in other western European nations. My first visit was paid to Germany forty-two years ago, since which time I have frequently noted the marked difference in food between that country and Belgium, Erance, and Switzerland, though this has been much less in evidence within recent years, and, as I show below, a great change is taking place. Second, as a consequence of limited local demand, prices were comparatively low, of which some evidences are given later, together with such information as is obtainable, -indicative of various causes leading to a considerable enhancement in values within the last five to ten years. So long as returns were in- adequate there was little encouragement to increased production. 1 " Eeport on the Poultry Industry in Belgium." By Edward Brown, F.L.S. London : The National Poultry Organization Society, 1910. Modern Developments 9 Third, the geographical position of Germany, whose frontiers touch such countries as Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Russia, and is within comparatively short distances from Italy and the Balkan States, in all of which poultry are kept largely and cost of production is small, due to social and economic conditions. She had within reach a large and increasing supply both of eggs and poultry, generally speaking at prices which prevented her farmers regarding this branch of live-stock as worthy of attention. From what is stated later it will be seen that, whilst the geography of the country remains the same, other changes have taken place which alter the whole aspect of affairs. Fourth, during the last generation the industrial and commercial development of Germany has been enormous. Those who, like myself, have been accustomed to visit it from time to time have noted the wondrous changes which have come over the land. Upon that aspect of the question it is unnecessary to dwell. Facts and figures have been published in abundance showing the vast increase in both these directions. Some hundreds of years ago, ere the way to the East by the Cape of Good Hope had been discovered, ere Spain had founded an American empire, ere Britain had realized the value of her coal measures, the German cities we»e great trade marts, so that modern days see but a reversion to former conditions. As a result the attention of her people has been largely devoted to pursuits other than food production. It is stated that 46 per cent, of the population of Germany now live within urban areas, dependent almost entirely upon others for supplies of food. (6) Resultant Changes. — What has just been stated therefore explains why so little attention has been paid to the production of eggs and poultry in Germany. The thoughts of the people have been turned towards pursuits which promised greater opportunities in securing a better standard of life than agriculture. There is, however, another factor of considerable importance — namely, the increase of population. During the last thirty years the inhabitants of the Fatherland have advanced in numbers by nearly 45 per cent., a large proportion of which increase is found in cities, towns, and manufacturing districts. In 1880 the total population was 45,000,000 ; in 1910 it was close upon 65,000,000, and is growing at the rate of about 900,000 per annum. This, in itself, indicates 10 The Poultry Industry in Germany that the demand for food-stuffs must have advanced largely. We see that the same forces are at work across the North Sea as V7ere evident in Great Britain at an earlier period — namely, an increasing number of the people living under conditions where they are depen- dent for supply of food upon others, and that greater means and purchasing power have led them to a higher standard of living, with corresponding changes in the nature and quantity of food consumed. In fact, what is taking place in Germany at the present time is merely reproducing on a somewhat larger scale that which has profoundly influenced the trend of things in Great Britain and, to some extent, the United States of America. She is now where we were twenty-five years ago. (7) Opportunities in Germany. — It must not be assumed that either the soil or climatic conditions met with in Germany are unfavourable to poultry breeding, or that there are natural reasons for the slower developments already referred to, for such is not the case, any more than was true in the United Kingdom until half a generation ago. It is generally admitted that our climate is more favourable than that found on any part of the Continent of Europe to the production of high-class poultry, due to the amount of moisture and absence of extremes in temperature. During my visit in November, 1910, I found nearly all Germany buried in snow, or enveloped in fog, and returned to England where there was none of the former and little of the latter, and it is well known that we do not, as a rule, experience the intense heat of the summer months usually met with in Germany. A moist atmos- phere, without, in spite of vagaries of temperature, great extremes, is an important factor in our favour. This raises an interesting point. At one time the almost universal opinion held was that a reason for greater attention paid to poultry in France and other countries than in Britain was to be found in a better climate. It was not until the advent of Denmark and Eussia as dominating countries in our egg supply that this erroneous notion was aban- doned. Men are nearly always prone to blame their conditions rather than themselves. In this direction the Germans are right. We have a marked advantage, at the same time there are vast tracts of country in Germany capable of maintaining a much greater poultry population than now found. Taking the area of Modern Developments 11 land available, Germany could increase her production by several hundreds per cent., without displacement of any other stock or crop. She is only at the beginning of her development in this'direction. (8) Census of Poultet. — The last Census was taken on December 1, 1907, which is a time of year when the record reveals most completely the normal poultry population, as the number of young birds for killing, except in the case of geese, is at the lowest point, and those enumerated are mainly for stock or laying purposes. The figures given are as follows : — Fowls Ducks Geese Turkeys Total ... 66,904,894 2,819,164 6,901,187 477,800 77,303,045 or an increase over 1900 of 12,529,803, equal to 16'2 per cent. It will be seen that ducks and turkeys are very few indeed, and that geese, whilst more numerous, are fewer than the total imports from Eussia. The number of poultry in the leading States are : — state or Province Prussia Total Number of Poultry ... 46,864,971 Average per square mile 348 Bavaria ... 10,581,100 358 Wurtembiirg ... 8,053,709 405 Saxony ... 2,965,884 507 Alsace-Lorraine ... 2,690,455 481 Baden ... 2,472,943 420 Hesse .. 1,604,771 541 Meoklenburg-Sohwerin .. 1,289,947 251 Oldenburg .. 1,263,141 509 e Provinces in Prussia the returns arc > : — state or Province Hanover Total Number of Poultry .. 5,603,282 Average per square mile 377 Ehineland ... 5,367,681 514 Brandenburg .. 4,844,451 315 Prussian Saxony ... .. 4,749,120 487 Silesia .. 4,571,581 293 Westphalia .. 4,111,534 527 East Prussia .. 3,559,400 249 Posen .. 3,428,811 306 Pomerania .. 2,956,351 254 Sohleswig-Holstein .. 2,640,977 360 West Prussia .. 2,570,287 260 Hesse-Nassau .. 2,333,046 885 HohenzoUern 130,500 ... 297 12 The Poultry Industry in Germany The above figures show the variations, but are not comparable with our own, as the real test is the extent of land under cultiva- tion, not the total area. It will be seen that among the States, Hesse, Oldenburg and Saxony stand highest, and in the Prussian Provinces, Westphalia and Ehineland show the greatest average. (9) A Woman's Pursuit. — In a previous paragraph (4) it has been noted that among nearly all European countries, Germany has been the last to recognize the value of, and possibilities in, the poultry industry. I have endeavoured also (5) to show some of the reasons for this neglect. There are others, though probably the trend of population from agricultural pursuits to commerce and industries has had the greatest influence. As is usual in nearly all countries the women-folk have been mainly concerned in the poultry on farms. The hen-money has been their perquisite all over the civilized world. Up to a point that is a useful arrange- ment, but it does not make for progression. Farmers' wives are not disposed to launch out, to extend their operations. They are engaged in household and other duties. A few fowls may be fitted in. They have not the time to attend to larger flocks, especially if these have to be scattered over the fields. Under such cir- cumstances poultry are and remain a minor issue. It is not until either the farmer himself escapes from his prejudices and conserva- tive ideas and abandons his indisposition to adopt new methods, or there is some member of his family who can devote time to the fowls, that there is any real advance made. Increasing demand and advancing prices are, however, compelling attention. At the same time there are few districts visited by me, even where the opportunities around are great, where local production is to be depended upon for meeting the immediate trade. So far as I could learn the manurial value of poultry has not yet been realized in Germany. (10) Low Averages. — The figures which have already been presented (par. 8) show that, in respect to number of poultry kept in Germany, it does not compare very favourably with other countries. It is difficult to obtain reliable data for comparisons, as the methods of enumeration vary in different countries. Eoughly, however, it would appear, on the figures issued, there Modern Developments 13 are 365 poultry of all kinds per square mile in Grermany, as against 766 in Ireland, 855 in Denmark, and 422 in the Netherlands. As the last figures for Britain were in 1885, for France in 1892, and Belgium in 1866, it would be unfair to quote these. That the number of poultry kept in Germany is pro rata small is evident as the country is traversed, and it is dif&cult to see where they all are. Such is the case nearly everywhere. The few around each home- stead are seldom seen. One flock of a score of geese will make itself more apparent than a thousand scattered hens. The former are gregarious, the latter individualistic. It is when fowls are placed in portable houses distributed over the land that they are recognized. Whilst, therefore, the total number as represented in statistics is large, in respect to the area of land open to them it is small. So far as can be told the average is now about half a fowl per acre, which is nearly the same as in Britain twenty-six years ago. In this connection one very important point was brought under my attention by Dr. Attinger, Animal Inspector (Landes- zuchtinspector) to the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at Munich, namely, that the average production is comparatively low. So far as eggs are concerned he estimated that throughout the country the average does not exceed 70 eggs per hen per annum. Dr. Attinger said that if this could be increased to 140 eggs per annum, Germany would be inde- pendent of foreign supplies, which statement would appear to be justified if the census quoted is correct. He further suggests that too much attention has been paid to breeding for fancy points, to the neglect of profitable qualities. (11.) Fancy Poultet. — Under another Chapter (IX.) I deal with exhibitions and their influence, but it may here be mentioned that the evolution of the Poultry Industry in Germany has followed the same process as in the United Kingdom, with one exception, namely, it does not appear that cock-fighting was ever so popular there as it was with us prior to the middle of the nineteenth cen- tury. That pursuit leading to breeding on scientific lines for the pit, as also the more frequent and direct intercommunication between Britain and other countries as a result of our earlier shipping activities, explains why we gave earlier attention to fancy poultry. When cock-fighting was made an illegal sport, many of 14 The Poultry Industry in Germany the old breeders turned their attention to bloodless competition in the show room. Thus the exhibition system found its rise. In other directions Germans were far ahead of us, notably in pigeons, in which species they have been and still are to some extent, in the van. And in a few of the minor races of fowls, notably bantams, they have shown a prowess in the ^production of beautifully hued and quaint breeds, which are wonderful indeed. The spirit of the genus fancier is very powerful. Commercialism has entered into that side to a much less extent than with us, and I have been reminded of the type of fanciers more common in Britain thirty years ago than now. It is not surprising, therefore, that when exhibitions became popular in Britain German fanciers copied our example. In fact I found a general idea prevalent that we are all fanciers over here. The breeding of fancy poultry has grown enormously of late years, one of the results of increasing means of artisans in manu- facturing and commercial areas. There are to-day in Germany about 150 specialist poultry clubs, and nearly 2,000 local poultry societies, whilst the number of shows has increased very rapidly. These are almost entirely supported by fanciers. The effect has been, as was the case in Britain, to enhance the attention given to this pursuit, and by leading to more scientific breeding improve the class of fowls kept. To that extent it cannot fail to be highly beneficial. The signs are, however, that a reaction is taking place, and that in the future much more attention will be given than in the past ;to economic qualities. The pressure of meeting require- ments for food supplies is exerting a widespread influence, more especially in view of increasing cost of produce. (12.) Poultry Districts. — As in all other countries where specialization has taken place, the tendency is for earlier develop- ments to group themselves within certain areas. Thus we find that fancy breeding is mainly found in Mid-Germany, inclusive of Saxony and the Prussian Provinces of Nassau, of which latter Frankfort-on- the-Main is the principal city, in the Rhine districts, in Westphalia, around the city of Hamburg, and in Schleswig-Holstein. Probably the greater number of fanciers are met with in Saxony. Around Leipzig and Chemnitz we find reproduced similar conditions to those met with in Lancashire and Yorkshire. In Hanover and Oldenburg there is a greater equality between fancy and utility poultry breeding Modern Developments 15 than elsewhere, for, as shown later, the latter has made marked pro- gress. Over the rest of the country, both North and South, develop- ments have been more upon practical lines. For some reason as yet unexplained, comparatively less attention is paid to poultry, excepting geese, in the eastern sections of the country. There are very few professional breeders in any district. The work is carried out either as a sport — that is, for exhibition — or as a minor means of income. The prizes offered in the shows are small in value, and could not form a reliable means of living, whilst prices for stock are much less than with us. Sale of eggs for hatching and of day-old chicks has not yet grown to the dimensions met with here or in America. In no way has intensification taken place to the extent seen in Belgium and France. (13.) PoTTLTBY Farms. — With the exception of the breeding stations described later, there are very few poultry farms in Ger- many. A White Leghorn farm, and following American lines, on a large scale has been started at Gemen, near Boeken, but reports as to its success are not very favourable. At Tritton, near Ham- burg, is a duck farm, at which 50,000 birds are said to be reared annually, and another at Herchen-y-sieg, on a little smaller scale. Here and there private breeding establishments are to be seen, usually upon a modest scale. Two of my former students have places of that kind. Various attempts have been made in this direction mainly for market production, but without success. The combination of high prices for produce and good demand for breed- ing stock is not present, and the experience on both sides of the Atlantic is that without these forms of sale poultry farms have small chance of success. So far as I was able to learn there is not any evidence of a desire to solve the problem by producing on a wholesale scale at great poultry farms, that is, for food purposes. When at Stuttgart I learnt that Herr Kaufmann (par. 31) has established a poultry farm at Esslingen (Gefliigelanstalt), but I had not the opportunity of visiting it. There he keeps in view the productive qualities, and has an excellent outlet for eggs and chickens in his shops. There are a few other places where similar experiments are being made. (14.) Value of Peoducb. — I was unable to obtain any figures as to the estimated value of the eggs and poultry produced in 16 The Poultry Industry in Germany Germany. It is always very difficult to secure reliable data in this direction. The ordinary markets do not help us materially, for in native supplies these touch but a small part of the trade. More- over, prices vary to so great an extent, and there is so much that is never recorded, being either consumed in the households or sold to neighbours, that whatever may be suggested is based largely upon rough estimates in accordance with the recorded number of fowls in the country, although here again the time of enumeration is important, so as to know how many are adults and how many are young stock. Taking the figures already quoted (para. 8) as a basis, and accepting Dr. Attinger's estimate as to average produc- tion, also allowing for males and non-productive fowls, it would appear that the home production in Germany must annually be at least £15,000,000 sterling in value, and may be nearer £18,000,000. In making this calculation I have allowed for chickens, &c., bred. Thus it will be seen that the poultry industry is of considerable importance, small though that is in comparison with what it might be. (15.) Probable Developments. — From what has already been stated and reiterated below, it is evident that consumption of eggs and poultry in Germany has grown much more rapidly of late years than the population, great though the increases of the latter have been, and much in excess of any advance there may have been in home production. The reasons for such growth are evident. Although efforts are being put forth, as shown in later chapters to meet this altered condition of affairs, the effect of these is as yet scarcely manifest. Up to the present time the advancing trade has depended upon imports of eggs, chickens and geese alike. Had it not been for available extraneous supplies the story told would have assumed a different phase. Attention is, however, being aroused to the importance of the question, that is, of poultry in relation to the national food supply. Such being so, it may be that the near future will mark changes of which there are no evidences at present. Germany appears to be passing through the same stages of evolu- tion as has the United Kingdom, and I was interested to learn that some of those concerned recognize that solution of the problem will be reached through the farmers of the country, and these alone. In Hanover and Oldenburg something has been accomplished which would indicate the line of further developments. Germany's Influence on British Supplies 17 II.— GBEMANY'S INFLUENCE ON BEITISH SUPPLIES. (16) Increased Consumption of Eggs and Poultet. — Experience has shown that changes in environment and habits of life lead, apart from other impelling circumstances, to corresponding alterations in the class of food consumed. This is abundantly evident on every side v^ith man and animal alike in all climates. So long as the people live mainly upon the land, working in the open air and exercising their muscles and organs by hard manual labour, they are able to enjoy and assimilate the coarser, heavier foods. But when their days are to be passed in great cities, expending their energies in factory, or mine, or office, or working with brain rather than muscle, nature craves and demands food of a very different class, food that is high in nutritive values but with a small amount of fibre, easily digested, and appetising. We have here, apart from other reasons, one explanation of the enormous increase in the consumption of what might be termed lighter articles of food, such as eggs and poultry. It is unnecessary for me to do more than mention this fact, save to emphasize that its recognition leads to the conclusion that the change is permanent and not transitory. Such being the case, any tendencies to be noted may be regarded as likely to increase rather than decrease. During my inquiry I found almost everywhere — and my observa- tions extended over the greater part of the country — evidence that there has been a very great advance in demand for eggs especially, and to a lesser extent for chickens, though comparatively few Germans eat chickens, and that the sale of geese has grown with the population. Traders told me that their business in eggs has multiplied manifold, in spite of advancing prices, and that these are sold in districts where at one time there was scarcely any demand. Considering the extent to which Germany is dependent upon external supplies, it is not difficult to measure how consump- tion and trade have developed of late years. One fact, however, must not be omitted, specially brought before my notice at Dresden — namely, that there are many manufactures in which eggs are largely used, and that these to some extent afford an explanation of increased importation. This is a factor, but of lesser importance than demand for food. 2 18 The Poultry Industry in Germany (17) Local Supplies. — The aim should be, in all countries, to provide for the food of the population in any district or area, as far as possible, by production within its own sphere of influence, and to supplement such supply by goods brought over longer distances. Where that is true, what are regarded as perishable products can be best produced in the nearer areas, for, in regard to quality, tranship- ment means loss of value. With non-perishable food-stuffs, local producers have to meet a competition which determines prices that is unknown in the former, or should be unknown. But, to take advantage of immediate markets, it is essential that there shall be production on a sufficient scale to insure a regular supply, and adoption of methods which will secure the full benefit to producers. Again and again I was met with the statement that local production is a negligible quantity. It is not always wise to rely entirely upon the statements of traders specially concerned in imported goods, for they frequently do not know what is taking place as to local supplies. Therefore I made special inquiries in many of the centres visited, such as Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig, Munich, and Frankfort, and in the manufacturing districts of Saxony and Ehenish Prussia, but with the same result — namely, that there is very little trade done by retailers in home eggs. In a few of the smaller towns I found that a moderate amount of sale direct to consumers takes place, in some cases at much better prices than the normal, but, with two exceptions, everywhere the same record was given, that home production has a relatively small place in meeting present-day demand. The exceptions are in the Provinces of Hanover and Oldenburg, where there has been of late years a great increase in the attention given to poultry-keeping, both production of eggs and table poultry, and that co-operation has done much to provide a profitable outlet and afford the stimulus needed for attempting to meet a rapidly-advancing demand. As to the conditions there met with, more information is given in other sections. Such exception, however, but emphasizes the general con- dition of affairs. A statement was made that Germany does not more than provide 10 per cent, of the eggs and poultry consumed in the country. I am hardly prepared to accept this estimate without evidence, which is not forthcoming. Such may be true in a few of the more densely-populated provinces, as, for instance, at Chemnitz, Saxony, but it appears to me very much below the actual facts of Germany' s Influence on British Supplies 19 the case over the entire country. Even if my view be correct, it is unquestionable that local production is small as compared with consumption. So far as table poultry is concerned, save in the case of geese, the quantities imported are about equal to British extraneous supplies, but I am unable to discover that these have had, or are likely to have, any serious effect on prices, as the United Kingdom can, if necessary, easily and rapidly meet its own require- ments in table poultry. (18) Growth of German Imports. — Eecognizing what appears to be a fact — that a large proportion of eggs and poultry consumed in Germany is imported — we are able to that extent to note the growth of this trade. The following figures are taken from official statistics : — Total Impobts of Eggs into Gbbmant, 1898 to 1909. Year Quantities in tons Values Approjdmate value per 120 & ri. d. 1898 105,836 4,258,350 6 8J 1899 112,579 4,815,450 ... 7 IJ 1900 118,170 5,161,350 7 3i 1901 116,487 5,238,650 7 6 1902 128,154 5,753,550 ... 7 51 1903 124,777 5,418,850 7 2f 1904 129,392 5,732,550 ... 7 4J 1905 130,737 6,067,500 ... 7 li 1906 125,385 6,102,250 ... 8 li 1907 149,455 7,485,350 ... 8 il 1908 139.293 6,849,500 8 24 1909 137,010 6,827,950 9 6i 1910 150,871 7,959,290 ... 8 4i With some variations the volume of eggs has steadily advanced, reaching the maximum in 1910. The increase in quantities from 1898 to 1910 was 42'55 per cent., whereas the total values increased in the same period by 86"90 per cent. It was not until 1906 that the great advance in prices took place, the period when con- sumption, as a result of other influences recorded below, became pressing. I understand that the above values include the import duties. The increase in prices from 1898 to 1909 was equal to 2s. lOd. per 120, or 42'37 per cent. In making the above calculations I have taken 120 long hundreds to the ton, thus allowing 44 lb. per case for wood and packing material. 20 The Poultry Industry in Germany Impobts op Eggs into Gbbmahy feom various ConNTBiES.* 1898 1909 Country Average Average Tons Values in £ value per ton Tons Values in £ value per ton £ S. £ s. Russia 47,122 1,792,550 38 62,447 3,528,250 54 18 Austria-Hungary . . . 45,824 1,855,850 40 10 53,924 3,100,650 57 10 Italy 8,033 409,650 50 2 4,592 298,500 65 Netherlands 2,507 112,700 40 19 5,431 298,750 58 10 Roumania 2,697 111,950 1902 41 10 2,884 165,850 1909 57 10 Bulgaria 3,049 141,700 46 9 4,370 244,750 56 European Turkey. . . 492 19,300 45 1,180 64,900 55 Servia 1,485 69,050 46 10 996 57,250 57 9 I also give in tabular form imports in tons and declared values from several of the supplying countries, but have not vporked out the prices per great hundred, as my object is to show the changes in the volume of trade and the advance in values per ton in com- parison. As the weights include cases the values shown are relative and not actual. Bulgaria, European Turkey, and Servia were not separately enumerated until 1902, and for those countries I have been compelled to use the last-named year. Italy and Servia alone have decreased the quantities of eggs sent to Germany, but all other countries have made great increases, in some cases to an enormous extent. The advances in average values per ton are equally important. The meanings of these figures are dealt with in later paragraphs. Imports of Live Gbbsb into Germany, 1898-1909. Total Imports From Bussia Quantities Values Quantities Values Tons £ Tons £ 1898 20,312 Number 886,300 16,148 Number 686,300 1899 6,875,810 978,350 5,786,362 810,100 1900 6,220,055 874,400 5,083,510 711,700 1901 6,431,247 935,200 5,314,476 770,600 1902 7,254,145 .. 1,169,900 5,894,108 943,050 1903 7,814,723 .. 1,331,350 6,613,870 .. 1,124,350 1904 6,719,972 949,900 5,597,741 650,700 1905 8,343,863 .. 1,379,950 7,175,664 .. 1,166,050 1906 8,983,845 ... 1,485,050 7,787,325 ... 1,265,950 1907 7,207,373 ... 1,142,700 6,124,016 949,250 1908 7,517,981 ... 1,177,550 6,391,195 958,700 1909 7,784,725 .. 1,859,700 6,681,723 ... 1,135,900 1910 8,337,708 .. 1,504,846 7,110,148 ... 1,220,134 * The detaUs are not yet available for 1910. Germany's Influence on British Supplies 21 The above table shows that whilst there have been considerable fluctuations both as to quantities and values, these were almost entirely in supplies from Eussia. The year 1910 did not reach the maximum total of 1906, but indicates increases over 1899 as follows: Quantities, general, 1,451,898 geese; Eussian, 1,323,786 geese ; values, general, £526,496 ; Eussian, £410,034. The percent- age increases are : Quantities, general, 21-12 per cent. ; Eussian, 22-87 per cent. ; values, general (7|d. per bird), 22^74 per cent. ; Eussian (7^d. per bird), 21-66 per cent. With respect to other classes of poultry it is not requisite to enter into the same detail, and the variations are not so great. The following table states the growth from 1898 to 1909 : — Class Qdamtities (in tons) Valtjes (in £) 1898 1909 Increases 1898 1909 Increases Live chickens Other live birds . . Dead poultry 8,364 2,252 4,119 10,645 2,738 7,238 2,281 486 3,119 474,850 158,450 258,300 669,900 206,950 524,750 195,050 48,500 266,450 These increases indicate growth of consumption, but also of values to a much greater extent, more especially in dead poultry, the last-named of which is due to the imports from Belgium. The percentage advances are as follows : Live chickens, quantities 27-27 per cent., values 41-07 per cent. ; other live birds, quantities 21-58 per cent., values 30-6 per cent. ; dead poultry, quantities 75'8 per cent., values 103-15 per cent. The figures for 1910 are as follows : Live chickens, 12,062 tons, values £784,575 ; other live birds, 2,630 tons, values £200,656 ; dead poultry, 8,601 tons, values £610,534. With the exception of other live birds in which there is a slight decrease as compared with 1909, there is a consider- able advance, the net increase in values of 1910 over 1909 being £196,165, or 14-02 per cent. From Dr. Trubenbach, of Chemnitz, I learn that 28,658 more geese were imported in the first six months of 1911 than in the same period of 1910, that the increase of fowls is about 118 tons, and that the total import value is 218,000 marks (about £105,000) above 1910 ; that in the first six months of the current year eggs imported have increased in quantity by more than 4,200 tons, and the increased value is about £250,000 over the same period of 22 The Poultry Industry in Oerma/ny 1910. Austria-Hungary shows the largest increase ; Italy, Bulgaria, Eoumania and Denmark smaller increases, whilst Eussia has decreased considerably. The total exports have decreased. Exports. — German exports of poultry produce are small. In 1898, 545 tons of eggs, of the value of £24,750, were exported ; in 1909 there were 491 tons, valued at £28,200, which indicate the advance in price. Of all classes of poultry, dead and alive, the quantity sent abroad in 1898 was 531 tons, of the value of £48,850 ; in 1909 the quantities were 40,387 geese, and 333 tons of other poultry, valued at £44,150. The total values of German imports and exports of eggs and poultry for 1898 and 1909 respectively are shown below : — Imports Exports 1898 1909 Increase 1898 1909 Increase Eggs ... Poultry 4,258,350 1,777,900 £ 7,827,950 2,759,300 £ 3,569,600 981,400 £ 24,750 48,850 £ 28,200 44,150 £ 3,450 Decrease 4,700 Totals 6,036,250 10,587,250 4,551,000 73,600 72,350 1,250 (net decrease) After deducting exports, the net increase in values of eggs and poultry imported by Germany from 1898 to 1909 was £4,549,750, or 76"34 per cent. During the same period the advance in values of imports into the United Kingdom, less the exports, and allowing for game, which formerly were included with poultry, was £3,204,469, or 65-45 per cent., of which £2,778,185 represented eggs, and £426,284 poultry. German net imports in 1909 exceeded those brought into the United Kingdom in value by £2,488,172, or 80'72 per cent., and she is to that extent the largest importer of eggs and poultry in the world. (19) Impoet Duties. — Prior to 1902 the import tax upon eggs was 2 marks per 100 kilos, equal to 20s. per ton, which would work out at 2d. per great hundred. In the year named a new law was adopted, in which two scales were imposed — namely (1) what is termed ordinary, for countries with which reciprocal conventions have not been made ; and (2) special, that is, upon im- ports from countries with which trade conventions are entered into. The latter includes what we know as the "most-favoured-nation Germany's Influence on British Supplies 23 clause." The following are the tariffs as now imposed, and I have also worked out the figures in English equivalents : — Eggs. Ordinary Scale SpbciaIj Scale Per 100 kilos. Per gt. hd. Per 100 kilos. Per gt. hd. Eggs in shell . . 6 marks . . 6d. .. 2 marks . . 2d. Per ton Per ton Liquid yolks' . . 8 ,, 80s. 2 „ .. 20a. „ whites .. free .. free POULTBY. Ordinae'b Special Per 100 kilos. Per ton Per 100 kilos. Per ton Live geese'' 24 marks . £12 .. free chickens ,, ducks ) 6 J) £3 .. 4 marks . . £2 Dead poultry . . 30 >» • ' £15 .. 14 „ .. £7 „ ,, fatted, or otherwise prepared 30 )» £15 .. 20 „ .. £10 Dead poultry trussed for table 75 »j £37 10s. 75 „ .. £37 10s. In the application of the above tariff under the ordinary scale the tax on live geese^ would be about Is. per bird, special scale free ; chickens and ducks, ordinary nearly l^d. per bird, special a fraction over |d. per bird ; dead poultry (by which is meant those in ordinary condition), taking an average of 4 lb. per bird, ordinary 6^d. each, special 3d. each ; dead fatted poultry at an average weight of 6 lb., ordinary nearly 9f d. each, special nearly 6|d. each ; at an average of 8 lb. weight, such as the birds imported in large quantities from Belgium, ordinary nearly 13d. each, special 8^d. each ; trussed poultry, practically restricted to sale in frontier districts, at an average of 5 lb. the tax is the same — namely. Is. 8d. each, and thus prohibitive. The countries with which conventions are in operation, and therefore come under the special scale, embrace practically the whole of Europe, and consequently the ordinary scale does not apply to imports of eggs and poultry. (20) Ebsteiotions on Imports. — The German Empire has for many years adopted the policy of restricting imports by duties and regulations in the interests of home producers. The following communication has reached me from a gentleman in Germany, ' For certain manufacturing purposes admitted free. ^ For single birds a tax of 70 Pfg. (8Jd.) is imposed. ' In lean condition to be sold for fattening. 24 The Poultry Industry in Germany which I give without assuming any responsibiHty as to the state- ments made, and without making any comment thereon : — " On October 1 of this year (1911) new regulations with regard to the importation of poultry will be in force. Veterinary exami- nations will be made at all the land frontiers, by means of which the importation of geese, fowls, &c., will be prohibited. Provision- ally these will only apply to land traffic, and not to that by sea. In a short space of time it is probable that this may seriously affect supphes of live poultry throughout the entire country. " It is true that in some foreign country diseases of poultry are prevalent, and that the interests of the German poultry industry demand prevention of danger from contagion in respect to chicken cholera and other infectious diseases. But the existing regulations are sufficient if the same arrangements are made as at the general abattoirs. Otherwise the importation of live poultry will become impossible. " When it is considered that poultry are rapidly becoming a necessary part of the German food supply, and especially for invalids and children, as that is the only class of meat they can eat, the influence of a stoppage of poultry importation will be apparent. The inquiry is indicated by the following figures, taken from the monthly returns of the Prussian Statistical Bureau." Live Geese (in Numbers). June, 1910 January, 1911 June, 1911 Total Imports (numbers) 589,162 617,820 381,887 Value in Marks . . . . 2,174,000 2,280,000 1,409,000 Prom Italy (numbers) 87,172 86,585 12,515 ,, Netherlands „ 49,152 48,795 2,486 ,, Austria-Hungary „ 139,153 126,011 67,981 ,, Eussia in Europe ,, 301,944 351,659 298,812 Live Fowls (in 100 kilos, 2 owts.). June, 1910 January, 1911 June, 1911 Total Imports (weigbts) 47,407 46,078 9,303 Prom Italy „ 4,406 4,263 1,375 ,, Netherlands ,, 7,570 7,796 1,899 ,, Austria-Hungary ,, 12,621 11,879 2,341 ,, Eussia in Europe ,, 22,092 21,464 3,520 Live Duoks (in numbers). Total Imports (numbers) 5,301 5,284 2,192 From Italy ,, 1,815 2,408 560 „ Austria-Hungary ,, 1,388 1,303 566 „ Eussia in Europe ,, 2,020 1,500 1,038 Germany's Influence on British Supplies 25 " To housekeepers this question is of considerable importance. If poultry becomes scarcer and dearer the price of meat will also be increased. Owing to these veterinary regulations the housewife will have to choose between dear meat and dear poultry." On the other hand, the Bavarian Minister of Commerce, in which State the tariff arrangements are to some extent independent, has provided that : — " With the object of increasing the importation of the more important foods, until June 30, 1912, supplies in wagon loads from the right and left of the Ehine will be subject to an exceptional tariff, amounting to an abatement of one-half the regular scale." It would appear that the above regulations do not apply to dead poultry, which may mean that imports of live birds will cease, or to eggs. In that case we may have much larger shipments of the last named to Britain than of late years. (21) SouECBS OP Supply. — The tables given in paragraph 18 indicate the countries whence eggs and poultry are received, from which it will be observed that in the case of eggs nearly 45 per cent, of the total imports are obtained from Eussia, and 40 per cent, from Austria-Hungary, the remaining 15 per cent, being con- tributed in varying degrees by more than a dozen other countries, some of which merely sell for consumption in districts bordering their respective frontiers. In respect to poultry, the great bulk of live geese are obtained from Eussia, further particulars of which are given later. Live chickens are also imported from Eussia and from many of the neighbouring countries, more especially those on the southern and eastern borders. Personal observations in Eussia and Austria-Hungary have shown that large quantities of dead geese are exported annually to Germany, but the effect of the discriminatory import tax on these is in favour of the live birds. As recorded in my " Eeport on the Poultry Industry in Belgium," there is an already large rapidly-growing trade in the highly-fatted Malines fowls, which meet with a considerable demand in Berlin and other wealthy centres of population. In this connec- tion geographical position influences to a considerable extent the countries whence supplies are received, though this does not appear to materially affect eggs from Eussia, which I found everywhere from Hamburg to Dresden. In Frankfort-on-Main and the 26 The Poultry Industry in Germany Bhine districts Italian eggs are consumed to a large extent, and by reason of their good quality are increasingly in demand; whereas in Dresden, Leipzig, and the districts of Saxony, as also in Bavaria, Galician, Hungarian, and Bussian are chiefly used. Such is to be expected, for cost of transit is a very important factor. As to table poultry, this branch requires special consideration. (22) Advanced Pbicbs. — On every hand evidence of officials, traders, and consumers is to the effect that there has been a con- siderable rise in the price of eggs and poultry within the last few years, save in the case of chickens and ducks, which have not advanced to the same extent as eggs and geese. This fact is impor- tant for reasons which are afterwards dealt with more fully — that is, in respect to its influence upon British markets. The following notes will give particulars in detail. For the figures published I am indebted to the invaluable assistance of British consuls, traders, and private individuals at the various points visited, without whose aid I could not have made so exhaustive a survey. (23) Berlin. — With the great increase of population at the capital, and the rapid growth in the number of wealthy people, prices have advanced very largely. Berliners, as expressed to me by one gentleman, are great goose eaters, and the sale of these birds in that city is enormous. I have something to say later as to how their needs are supplied. So far as I could learn, con- sumption does not appear to have increased beyond the growth of population, but prices are about 20 per cent, above those prevailing a few years ago. The trade in Malines fowls from Belgium is now due to demand for higher quality, and therefore comparisons cannot be made. So far as eggs are concerned it is evident, as might be expected in a capital city, rates were never so low as in some sections of the country, and prices have advanced within the last decade by 20 to 30 per cent., much less than in some other cities, part of which, however, is due to the sale of better quality produce. The following Berlin prices, which are wholesale rates, are taken from Gefliigel Borse of Leipzig, to the Editor of which paper I am greatly indebted, and refer to what are called Landeier, that is, country eggs : — Germany's Influence on British Supplies 27 Ordinary Large February 26, 1910 . 7s. Od. to 83. oa. per 120. 9s. per 120 April 2, ,j . 6s. oa. „ 7s. 3d. „ 7s. Qdi. to 83, oa. „ May 14, )) . 5s. 7d. „ 6s. Od. „ 6s. 8d. „ 7s. Od. „ June 25, ,, . 6s. 5d. „ 7s. 3d. „ 8s. oa. „ 10s. Od. „ August 27, ,, . 6s. Od. „ 7s. oa. „ 7s. ea. „ 8s. oa. „ October 8, ,» . 8s. oa. „ 9s. Od. „ lOs. oa. „ 12s. oa. November 19, ,, . 9s. 5d. ,, . . 123. oa. „ 143. oa. December 10, ,, . 9s. 5d. ,, 12s. oa. „ 14s. oa. The larger size would in some respects compare with the better qualities of English new-laid eggs, and it will be seen from the above that the prices in Berlin range nearly 25 per cent, below those obtainable in our best markets. (24) Hamburg. — In this district I had the opportunity of meeting both producers and traders, who stated that the demand for eggs and poultry had grown enormously of late years, far beyond the increase of population, and that there is a rapidly advancing demand for better qualities, due to greater purchasing power. Sir William Ward, British Consul at this great port, called attention to the influence of hotels and restaurants upon domestic cookery, as they have led the way to adoption of finer and better foods as part of the regular diet. He has known Germany inti- mately for forty years, and bears testimony to the remarkable changes which have taken place. Herr F. Eover, a large egg and poultry merchant, of Hamburg, stated that eggs are nearly 100 per cent, higher in price than was the case twenty years ago, together with a considerable advance in the quality due to supplies from Hanover and Oldenburg, from which provinces the best are obtained. At the time of my visit (November) these native eggs were selling wholesale in Hamburg at 13 Pfg. each (about 15s. 6d. per great hd.). In spring they come down to 6 Pfg. each (7s. 3d. per 120). Twopence is regarded as an extreme price for an egg. During the winter season, however, as to a lesser degree in Great Britain, local supplies are totally inadequate, and traders are almost entirely dependent upon imports. So far as poultry is concerned consump- tion has increased, but not equally with eggs, yet these are much dearer, more especially within the last three or four years. When visiting retail shops I found the chickens poor in quality, many of them frozen, but saw some very fine geese. A few turkeys were displayed which were large but had not been properly fed off. These were, with one exception, the only turkeys seen 28 The Poultry Industry in Germany during my tour. One important fact which places Hamburg in a different position from inland centres is the great development of her shipping. As at Liverpool, the requirements of steamers which sail regularly, more especially the great liners, with their multitud- inous passengers, demanding in these days food not only in abund- ance but of the best quality, provide an outlet for vast quantities of foodstuffs. Some of the Cunarders start their voyages with 25,000 eggs and 4,000 to 5,000 chickens, and the vessels of the North German Lloyd and other great companies have to store on an equally liberal scale. That will explain why prices have increased at Hamburg beyond almost any other part of the country. The following figures for individual weeks are also taken from Geflilgel Borse : Wholesale Peices in Hamburg Mabkbt. Per 120. Date. 1910 Hanover eggs Galieian Russian Feb. 26. 9s. 7Jcl. . 7s. 5d. to 7s. lOd. . — April 2. 7s. 2Jd. to 7s. 6d. . 5s. 9d. ,, 6s. lOd. . — May 14. 6s. lid. „ 7s. 2id. . 5s. 9d. „ 6s. lOd. . 5s. 9d. to 6s. lOd. . . June 25. 7s. lOd. — 6s. Od. „ 6s. 5d. Aug. 27. 89. 9Jd. to 9s. Od. . 6s. 6d. to 8s. Id. . 6s 7d. „ 7s. 2Jd. . . Oct. 8. 9s. lid. ,, 10s. 6d. .. 8s. 6d. „ lOs. 5d. . 8s. Nov. 19. 12s. 74d. „ 13s. 2Jd. .. 8s. 5d. ,, lis. Od. . 7s. 2Jd.* Deo. 10. 13s. lOd. . 7s. lid. to 83. lOd.. * Preserved eggs. 7s. 6d. (25) Hanovbe. — Reference has already been made (para. 17), to the great interest of poultry keeping in the Province of Hanover stimulated by the adoption of co-operative methods for sale of the produce. I was interested to learn that from this district consider- able quantities of eggs have of late been exported to England, either via Hamburg, or, in the case of areas near to the Dutch border, via Holland. Local societies sell direct to retailers in the cities, but when forwarded to Berlin or Hamburg, at which latter place, as previously mentioned, Hanoverian eggs are regarded with marked favour by reason of their quality. The demand for best quality eggs in Hanover and other cities has grown rapidly either for local or more distant consumption, and is much greater than the supply. As a consequence prices have advanced, and last year increased by something like 1^ Pfg. each, which is equal to nearly 2s. per great hundred, due in some measure to the demand from Germany's Influence on British Supplies 29 Berlin and Hamburg, to which cities large quantities are forwarded. At the time of my visit (June) larger Trinkeier were selling in the best shops at 12 for 1 mark (Id. each), and smaller at 14 for 1 mark. They were new-laid in the truest sense, clean and well formed in shell, and equal to any of our best English, having come direct from co-operative egg societies in the district. Trickery in trade is by no means unknown. In another shop eggs were marked Trinkeier at 18 for 1 mark, good in size, but undoubtedly foreign, and they were not worthy the designation. In the same store Landeier (country) eggs were on sale at 16 for 1 mark, and fresh eggs, which simply meant non-preserved, at 16 to 20 for 1 mark. Designations are sometimes misleading. I had the opportunity of an interview with Herr Carl Bauermann, a large egg and butter merchant who has about twenty retail shops in Hanover and its environs. He deals only in eggs from the province, and stated that he had not found any great increase in demand, attributing that to the steady increases in price, which have checked con- sumption of the better qualities. His experience was not the same as that of other retailers. The table poultry in this district is poor, as might be expected where egg production is the main object, and nothing appears to have been done in the direction of improvement. To meet the demand for better quality chicken traders depend upon supplies from Belgium and Prance. (26) Dresden. — The capital of the kingdom of Saxony has shared in the industrial developments already referred to, but it occupies a special position owing to the fact that it is near to the Austrian frontier, and on the direct route from the Danube to Central and Northern Germany. Very large quantities of Eussian eggs are brought into this district, a proportion of which are used for manufacturing purposes. There has been a considerable rise in price due to increased demand. Comparatively few chickens and ducks are eaten, some of which come from Bohemia, but geese are consumed more than ever. By the courtesy of Herr C. W. Palmie, British Consul at Dresden, I was able to obtain returns as to prices, both immediate and comparative. Eggs in Germany are, as a rule, sold wholesale by the schock — that is, sixty, or half a long hundred — and retail per 15 ; but for facility of comparison I have used our English standard : — 30 The Poultry Industry in Germany Impobtees' Wholesale Pbioes for Egos (mainly Russian), Dresden, 1910. 1910 s. d. April 6 6 per 120 (gt. hd.) May 6 2i June 6 2J August 6 7 September 7 2i October . . 8 7 November 9 5 It will be seen that these prices nearly approximate to what the same supplies would obtain in Britain, with less cost for transportation. At the time of my visit in November, Landeier (local eggs) were about 40 per cent, higher in price than imported eggs. AVEBAQE BeTAIL PRICES OP OODNTBY EgGS AND POULTRY FOB THE Yeabs 1899 TO 1909, at Dbbsdbn. Eggs per 120 Geese per kilo* Daoks per bird Chickens per bird Fowls per a. d. rf. d. s. d. s. d. s. d 1899 8 7i . 14 3 3 1 7 2 2 1900 9 13 3 3 1 6i . 2 2 1901 9 14 3 i 1 7 2 8 1902 8 1 14 3 6 1 7 2 3 1903 8 5 14 3 9 1 8 2 4 1904 8 10 15 3 8 1 8 2 5 1905 9 9 . 1 5i .. 3 9 1 ^ . 2 6 1906 9 4 16 3 114 • 1 9i . 2 9 1907 9 i . 1 6i .. 4 IJ . 1 lOJ . 2 11 1908 9 9 1 6i .. 3 11 1 11 2 11 1909 10 4 18 4 2 1 llj ■ 2 11 • Kilo equals 2-24 lb. The point of these figures which applies is that in ten years eggs have advanced by Is. 8id. per 120, or 20 per cent. ; geese by 4d. per kilo, or 25 per cent. ; ducks by lid. each, or 28 per cent. ; chickens by 4id. each, or nearly 10 per cent. ; and fowls by 9d. each, or 35 per cent. Eggs are lowest in April and highest in December, the range being only 1 to 1^, as against 1 to 2^ in Britain ; geese maintain an equitable price during their shorter season ; ducks are highest in March and lowest in August ; chickens are highest in February and lowest in August; and fowls are highest in March and lowest in February. The variations in the two last named are very small. (27) Chemnitz. — What is met with in the larger and more wealthy cities does not always apply where the population is chiefly artisan. I took the opportunity, therefore, of visiting Chemnitz, the chief manufacturing town of Saxony, centre of the cotton industry. Germany's Influence on British Supplies 31 This town of nearly 300,000 inhabitants, in the midst of a congeries of activities, may be accepted as a fair example. As was the case in Britain, the industrial classes are last to be influenced by changes in food, at least in the direction of finer qualities, in spite of increasing wages, which seldom advance at first as rapidly as the cost of food. As prices rise they are at first thrown back upon coarser and cheaper foods. Consequently it was not surprising to learn from Herr Wilhelm Siegel, one of the leading wholesale egg merchants of Chemnitz, that although the sale has grown consider- ably he does not think it has increased pro rata beyond the popula- tion. He imports largely eggs from Galicia and Eussia, and the latter are landed in six to eight days. The grades are fresh and pre- served. This term " fresh " merely means that they have not been pickled. He informed me that local supplies are very small, and that production is totally insufficient. That is probably true, and such as are obtainable in the district are sold direct to consumers, and not through the trade. It is evident, however, that the great bulk of the people are not accustomed to eat eggs. When they change in that direction the demand will rapidly advance. During the spring months imported eggs sell wholesale at T^d. to 9d. per dozen, local at lOd. to ll^d. per dozen ; in winter imported eggs realize lOd. to lljd. per dozen, and local Is. 2d. to Is. 5d. per dozen : so that the differences are not so great as in Britain between local and imported supplies. At the time of my visit I found the retail prices in shops to be as follows : Preserved Eussian eggs, 9d. per dozen; fresh imported eggs, lid. per dozen; and new-laid (called Trinkeier) Is. 2d. per dozen. The last-named are said to be not more than three or four days old, and people suck or drink them out of the shell, or beaten up in glasses. It is evident, therefore, that at this centre prices are much below those obtainable in Britain, although they are said to have advanced 20 per cent, during the last five years. (28) Leipzig. — Here conditions are very similar to those recorded at Dresden (para. 26), and I found the same at Halle. Much depends upon the price of meat. There is, however, a limit. When that has been reached many of the ordinary people cease to buy. In the best trade this would be 10 Pfg. (l^d.) per egg, but the bulk of the population will not give more than Id. for an egg. As prices. 32 The Poultry Industry in Germany have advanced considerably there has been to some extent a check to consumption, which, however, is scarcely evident because of the rapidly increasing population. (29) NuBBMBBRG. — This renowned South German city is not alone marked by its quaint beauties and picturesque buildings, which yet remain within the walls, but for the great development of its industries and its rapidly increasing population. In earlier centuries it was one of the great commercial centres, having a vast trade by way of Venice and the Danube with the Orient. There- fore its recent developments are but reversals to the former con- dition. On all sides are the evidences of prosperity. Although in the midst of a district with vast possibilities in respect to produc- tion, only a minority of the eggs consumed are local. I learnt that in these there is at times a great scarcity, as a consequence of which prices have advanced considerably. At the time of my visit (June) the best native eggs were 7 Pfg. each (8s. 4d. per great hundred). In winter they advance to 12 and 14 Pfg. each (14s. 4d. to 16s. 9d. per 120), which are considerably above former rates. By the courtesy of Herr S. Bhrenbacher, British Consul, I was enabled to learn that Bavarian production is very small indeed in comparison with the demand, and to meet the deficiency supplies are received from Eussia, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Eoumania, the greater quantity being imported from Eussia. During 1910, 350 to 400 truck loads, that is about eighteen to twenty million eggs, have been received on this market, in value from ^6150,000 to £170,000. I also learnt that there is a fair amount of egg production around Straubing in Lower Bavaria, about 80 miles south-east of Nuremberg, beyond Eatisbon. Here is a Herr Hans Ketterl, who buys up about two-thirds of the eggs offered, which he preserves by means of paraffin for export to England. That is the only instance I came across in South Germany, and probably the consumption will soon become local by reason of increasing demand. There are other districts where ■dealers buy up for sale in Nuremberg, notably at Eatisbon, Passon and Nordlingen. Herr Klebes, who is one of the largest retailers in this city, sells very little Bavarian poultry, and both his eggs and poultry are from Hungary and Italy. In fact, he stated that nearly all the fowls sold in Bavaria are imported. Germany's Influence on British Supplies 33 Herr A. Scheuerle supplied through the British Consul the average wholesale price of eggs in Nuremberg for the first six months of the current year, which I give in English equivalents : — Date Bavarian Roumanian Bulgarian Hungarian Galician Bussian 1911 s. d. s. d. =. d. ». d. s. d. s. d. ». d. ». a. Per Jan. 9 10 to 10 6| — — 8 6J 8 3* — — 120 Feb. 9 4 „ 9 11, — — 8 3i 8 OJ — — March 6 7J„ 7 2 6 2 6 44 6 14 6 3 — — April 6 3 „ 6 10 6 2 6 4| 6 IJ 6 OJ 6 7J to 6 Hi May 6 8i„ 7 3: 6 6 6 8| 6 3 5 11* 6 8|„7 2J June 7 1 „ 7 5J 6 6 6 lOJ 6 7i 6 44 6 lOi „ 7 2i It will be seen from the above that supplies from Eoumania and Bulgaria were not received in January and February, and from Russia in January to March. Also that whilst native eggs com- mand a better price than imported the differences are small, from which we may assume that, except those sold direct by producers to hotels or private households, the better class trade has to be created. Very few eggs were displayed in the shops, and those evidently foreign. Further, in one of the streets a woman dressed in country garb was selling eggs from a basket. They were foreign. The same method is by no means unknown with us. (30) Munich. — A previous visit to the capital of Bavaria was in the month of September, when the markets were stocked with vast quantities of game from the great forests found in the southern and eastern sections of this kingdom. Where game are thus abundant the competition with poultry is very great, but I was interested to learn that poultry, more especially chickens, are increasing greatly in public estimation. It is generally admitted that Munich is one of the best markets for poultry in Germany, and there was a better display on this occasion than I had seen elsewhere. Quite a number of fatted chickens were on sale, said to have been imported from Bohemia. There was also an excellent supply of geese of the medium sized birds so prevalent in South Germany and Austria. The prices (June) were as follows : Geese, 5s. to 6s. each, (these were drawn and the giblets, consisting of head, neck, feet and gizzard, tied up and sold separately at Is. 2^d. a set) ; goose Hvers, 4|d. each ; small chickens (about 8 to 10 oz.) Is. 4id. to Is. 74d., larger chickens (1 to 1| lb.) 2s. 2id. to 2s. Q^d. each ; fowls were about 2s. each. A great number of foreign eggs were offered for sale, the smaller of which were priced at 20 for 1 mark (Is.), ranging up to 15 for 1 mark. In a shop I saw some 3 34 The Poultry Industry in Germany Trinkeier, good sized and fresh looking, at 12 for 1 mark, but these were the exception. During the last five years the values of eggs have increased by 40 per cent., and the prices are very much the same as recorded for Nuremberg. All food products have advanced in price, and the pressure as a consequence is very considerable. I was told that there was great unrest among the artizans as a result, for wages have not increased to the same extent, and the professional classes are finding many difficulties, in that expenditure is expanding more rapidly than income, so that they are compelled to curtail their purchases. My own im- pression is that the increased consumption of eggs and poultry is less evident in Munich than at most of the other centres visited. (31) Stuttgart. — The Poultry Census already quoted (par 8) would suggest that Wurtemburg stands high in the number of its poultry. If that be so, the evidences are wanting. Again and again 1 was assured that this kingdom produces very little in either direction, and that it is almost entirely dependent upon extraneous supplies. The consumption is considerable, and prices have ad- vanced as in other sections of the country. There is a large well- to-do population, and all the signs are of material prosperity. Chickens come mainly from France, Italy, Austria, and Eussia, and eggs from the three last-named countries. Geese are drawn from Bavaria, and ducks from Italy. There are very few turkeys sold here or in any part of Germany, which, I was informed on several occasions, is not regarded as a suitable country for that species. Of what I saw, the geese were fair, and chickens poor. Eggs are high here, as in June they were priced at from 5^ to 8 pfg. for imported, and Trinkeier at more than penny each. As shown later, very little has been done for the promotion of pro- duction in Wurtemburg. (32) Fkankfort. — This city is in the midst of a great manu- facturing district, extending over a wide radius, with a rapidly increasing population and abundant evidence of greater means. From Herr Strauss, of the Frankfurter Eier-Grosshandel, a company doing a very large business, I learnt that there has been a vast increase in the demand for and consumption of eggs, nearly the whole of which are imported, and that local supplies are comparatively small. Prices have advanced during recent years by 20 to 25 per Germany's Influence on British Supplies 35 cent., not so much, however, for the cheaper grades as in those from Italy, which come largely on this market, as they can be brought from Lombardy in a couple of days. Eggs are here sold per thousand. I saw some excellent Italians the wholesale price of which was nearly 15s. 6d. per 120 ; Hungarian fresh eggs were 9s. Id. per 120 ; and cold storage eggs were 7s. 7d. per 120. I learnt that the Italians are increasing in demand very rapidly by reason of their quality. Mr. Francis Thelwall, British Vice-Consul at Frankfort, has kindly supplemented the information I was able to obtain by forwarding further particulars. He states that the advance in consumption of eggs is certainly greater than that of poultry, owing to the increase in the prices within the last three years. Bavaria supplies German eggs from January to mid-summer, and to a lesser degree the Grand Duchy of Hesse. The chief sources of foreign eggs are Galicia, Hungary, Eoumania, Eussia, and Italy. At one time during the spring good eggs could be pur- chased for 7d. per dozen, now they are Is. per dozen ; in winter Is. per dozen was formerly a top price, now Is. 9d. has to be paid, and they are very scarce at that. At the same time it was pointed out that the number of purchasers of new-laid native eggs is very few, and is mainly restricted to a small number of wealthy people and first-class hotels. Herr Strauss mentioned that eggs have advanced nearly Is. per 120 in four years, which is about the same as the increase in Great Britain. The following are prices given in Geflilgel Borse : — AvEEAaE Values of Eggs at Peankfobt-on-Mainb. Date, Italian Bavarian Roumanian Bulgarian Hungarian Galician 1910 s. d. s. d., s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Feb. 26 .. 9 llj . 7 11 .78. .79. . 7 10 . 7 2J per 120. April 2 . . 7 11 . 6 ii .60. . 6 4i . . 6 4i . 6 IJ „ May 14 .. 8 2 . 6 9 . 6 IJ . . 6 7J . . 6 7J . 6 7i „ June 25 .. 8 5 . 7 1 . 6 4J . .66. — 6 3 Aug. 27 .. — . 7 10 . 6 lOJ . .71. — 6 9 By the courtesy of Mr. Francis Thelwall, British Vice-Consul, I am also able to give average prices for poultry at Frankfort for the last three years :- Ducks Geese Capons Young chickens Fowls per bird per Icilo per bird per bird per bird 1908 3s. 7d. Is. 7id. is. lid. 2s. 5Jd. 2s. ^i. 1909 3s. lid. Is. lid. 2s. Od. 2s. 5d. 2s. 7d. 1910 4s. Id. 2s. Od. 2s. 4d. 2s. 4d. 29. 8d. Increase or decrease 6d. inc. 4Jd. inc. 5d. inc. IJd. dec. 3Jd. inc. During my visits to Mainz, Wiesbaden and other centres on 36 The Poultry Industry in Germany the Ehine, and also Crefeld, I found that the consumption is every- where far greater than the local supply, and that demand and prices have advanced for eggs by at least 50 per cent, within the last decade. It is unnecessary, however, to repeat what has been said previously as to other districts. (33) Meat Values. — Everywhere it was recognized that an impelling force towards the greater consumption of eggs especially has been a great advance in the price of meat, which is pressing considerably upon the middle classes with fixed incomes and the artizan section of the community. This advance, especially in the case of pork, which forms so large a part of the national food, has accentuated the tendency to consumption of other articles of food. In the Annual Report for 1909-10 by Consul-General Sir Francis Oppenheimer, of Frankfort, recently published (Cd. 4962-182), it is stated that from 1905 to 1909 prices have advanced as follows : Beef, nearly 5 per cent. ; pork, 14 per cent. ; mutton, nearly 28 per cent. ; and eggs nearly 18 per cent. ; whilst in ten years bread has advanced 12 to 15 per cent., potatoes 18 per cent., and vegetables 40 to 50 per cent. As a result, the consumption of meat has declined. In the report 1 find that "the consumption of pork was in 1909 1'5 kilos below that of 1908, and nearly 2 kilos below that of 1907. This is important, as pork is still the meat of the masses." Upon the question here raised it is unnecessary to enlarge. The influence of enhancement of price in one class of food tends to increased consumption of other kinds. It may be accepted without question that the advance in the cost of meat has led to a greater consumption of eggs. What we have to attempt is a realization of the effect this will have upon British supplies, for it is unquestion- able, apart from abnormal advance in prices beyond the purchasing power of people, when once such change has taken place they do not return to the former class of food. When eggs have begun to form a regular part of the diet, meat of a coarser and heavier class loses much of its attraction and is consumed in decreasing quantities. (34) Quality op Produce.— With the exception of geese, some of which are very fine indeed, more especially those bred in Germany, whether the larger specimens met with in Hanover, Oldenburg, and Pomerania, or the smaller birds produced in Bavaria and the Germany's Influence on British Supplies 37 Southern States, and the Malines fowls imported from Belgium, already referred to, the quality of poultry compares unfavourably with what is to be seen in several western European countries. Until a demand has been created for a better class of bird than exists at present, resultant from increased consumption, and it is realized that a fleshier bird, even though it costs more, is cheaper in relative food value, it is improbable that any great change will manifest itself. Doubtless in course of time this will follow. As previously stated, such growth need not concern us, for the value of poultry imported into Great Britain is small as compared with the total consumption. The egg question is of much greater importance. Speaking generally, the average value of eggs in Germany is distinctly lower than in Great Britain, though the difference is much less than was the case until recently. This arises from the fact that the greater part of the eggs consumed are imported, and are in respect to quality comparable with the cheaper grades found upon our markets. The figures already given bear out what is here stated. So long as the country is mainly dependent upon imported eggs will that continue. Until German production has been stimu- lated by better prices the average quality will be proportionately low. So long, therefore, as native supplies bear a comparatively small relationship to the total consumption, as is the case at present, advance in this direction will be slow, and quality remain inferior. But there are signs that a change is taking place. In Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfort especially, and the same applies to a lesser extent elsewhere, better quality eggs are being increas- ingly sold at correspondingly enhanced prices, though the latter are much below those readily paid in Britain, save in a very few instances. What we know as the new-laid egg is, as yet, rare in Germany, by reason of the fact that the public taste has not been educated to realization of its greater value. Until that stage is reached the enhancement of price necessary to repay the cost of more rapid marketing will not be secured, and the supplies of that grade will not be forthcoming. There are signs, however, that be- fore long a great change will take place. One of these is the sale of Trinkeier, previously mentioned. Another is the large and rapidly increasing demand at Hamburg for eggs from the Provinces of 38 The Poultry Industry in Germany Hanover and Oldenburg, and at Frankfort for eggs from Northern Italy and Holland. At the time of my visit to that city Italian eggs were selling there at a shilling per 120 above what they would have commanded the same week in London, simply because they were better and fresher, due to the lesser time occupied in transit. It is therefore more profitable to send there, as the carriage costs less. I was told in one or two places that eggs can be sold in limited numbers at high prices, almost equal to our own. In this connec- tion it may be mentioned that boiled eggs are not eaten to the same extent in Germany for breakfast purposes as with us, but large numbers are used hard-boiled. In the latter the need for absolute freshness is not so evident as in the former, more especially as they are usually served with sauce, or meat, or vegetables. I was interested, however, to note at hotels in Bavaria and Wurtemburg, that the practice of having boiled eggs for breakfast, either in the shells, or on the American plan of putting into glasses, is becoming more common. Doubtless this is due in some measure to the example of English and American residents and visitors. The British Consul at Stuttgart informed me that this custom is also spreading among private families. It may be found elsewhere, but I did not see or hear it. Should that addition to the morning meal become general it will give a great impetus to consumption, and enormously increase demand for the better qualities of eggs, thus affording a stimulus to home production. One important fact must not be overlooked — namely, that the supply of better quality produce enhances demand. That is seen in all countries. It explains why in those lands which at one time set themselves to supply our markets there has been an enormous increase of home consumption. It is, however, a factor which may have a serious effect upon the extraneous supplies on which we have had to depend so largely. I was informed by several traders that every improve- ment in respect to quality had led to a great increase in the sale. Such has been our experience in Great Britain. (35) Standaed op Life Eising. — Eeference may again be permitted to a question which has an important bearing upon the effect of advancing consumption of eggs and poultry in Germany — namely, the generally acknowledged improvement in the standard of life which is taking place. As a rule, what influences one section Germany's Influence on British Supplies 39 or class affects all. The wealthy few provide an outlet for expen- sive luxuries, but only touch producers to a limited extent, and if they alone benefited from enrichment of a nation the general effect would be very small. With such industrial and commercial de- velopment as has marked the last thirty years in Germany, the number of the great middle class has enormously increased, and their means have grown correspondingly. Consequently their standard of life is steadily improving. Such is true to a lesser degree of the working people. Everywhere this was impressed upon me. The power to purchase usually implies willingness to buy. Ability to secure finer articles stimulates the desire for them. Again and again traders told me that what was accepted at one time without question is now discarded in favour of better quality produce, at one period scarcely ever seen. The main complaint made is that the latter is insufficient to meet requirements. As a result prices must advance, and I anticipate that before long German eggs and poultry will be equal in value to the rates obtainable in England. What that will involve is discussed in later paragraphs. (36) A Pbemanent Change. — Whilst a temporary advance in the price of one commodity may lead to increased consumption of another, as indicated above, when as a result the taste for finer articles of food is thus acquired, the change made is never retraced. Therefore, as increased price of meat has undoubtedly stimulated a demand for eggs and poultry, were the rates for pork and mutton to go back to their old figures, which at present appears unlikely, there would still remain a much larger sale of the products which have come into use, one that would steadily advance. But there is a wider and deeper influence at work in the desire, together with ability to satisfy that desire, for a finer and better class of food. Therefore, it is not surprising to record that the universal testimony obtained is that the change in habits of life, and in the class of food consumed, is permanent. There will be, apart from great national disasters and universal impoverishment, no return to the old condition of things. It has been pointed out that Germany does not export eggs and poultry, except to a very small extent, and these are not, with the limited exception mentioned above (par. 25), her own produce, but imported. She is now the greatest importer in the world, both as to quantities and values, the last 40 The Poultry Industry in Germany named reaching more than ten and a half million pounds sterling annually. And the signs are that with her rapidly increasing population and their greater purchasing power, such importations will grow to a large extent, if supplies are forthcoming. How far the countries of Eastern and Southern Europe are capable of much larger production remains to be proved. That some of these could do much more I have no doubt whatever, but whether sufficiently to meet German needs in addition to supplying their own require- ments, and continuing to provide for the British market as at present, is doubtful indeed. It was pointed out to me in Berlin that consumption of eggs and poultry in Italy and Austria-Hungary is rapidly increasing, with which fact I was already acquainted, but the statement was also made that a corresponding increase is taking place in Bussia, thus presenting a new aspect of the case. One reason, I was assured, why the German agricultural authorities have been led to put forth endeavours to increase poultry-keeping in that country is that there is every probability of imported supplies decreasing to a marked extent within the next few years, and it is important, therefore, that reliance should be to a greater extent upon home resources. The fact that such view is held firmly by those who are able to form a reasonable judgment, is one of the strongest proofs that increasing consumption of these two products in Germany is a factor to be faced in the near future, as that the change is permanent and not transitory. When her people eat as many eggs as we do in Britain, pi'o rata to her population — and we are below the French average — she will need three times as many as she now imports, and could absorb all our foreign supplies without reaching the British average. The question, therefore, demands consideration. (37) Competition fos Supplies. — My observations in Germany have revealed that the margin between prices there and in our English markets is fast reaching the vanishing point in the larger cities. In one case, Italy, as already shown, the pendulum has swung to the other side, which partly explains our reducing imports from that country. The tariff on imports imposed is more than counterbalanced by the shorter distances, with no sea transhipment charges to meet, which supplies have to cover, so that the eggs are fresher and of greater value in Frankfort than they ever could be in London. Dutch eggs are also being deviated to Germany, though Germany's Influence on British Supplies 41 with these the advantages are not so great as against us. But when we take Austria-Hungary, the Balkan States, and Bussia, whence we have heretofore received the bulk of foreign supplies, our geographical position in relation to those countries is such that as soon as German prices increase a little more, she will dominate the trade. So fine is the difference now that an advance of a shilling per great hundred during the greater part of the year, with a little more in the winter season, and every shipper's interest and profit would be to supply Germany instead of Great Britain. There is no sentiment in the business. It is entirely a question of money. Briefly stated, there is probably only one country in Europe — Denmark — whose supplies are not in danger of being tapped in this way, and it is by no means certain that these are for all time assured to us. In spite of Danish preferences for the English trade, if that with Germany yielded the greater returns the eggs would go there. And I am bound to confess that if such deviation took place there does not appear to be any country capable of meeting our needs. This is a natural com- mercial development which we must be prepared to meet, and the sooner that is realized the better it will be, for, if the signs are read aright, we are within measurable reach of a very serious condition in respect to our foreign supplies, which can only be met by increased home production. (38) British Imports. — As showing the effect of greater consumption in Germany and other countries upon the supply of eggs to Great Britain, and also the influence upon prices, it is necessary to consider the question in detail. The high-water mark so far as quantities of eggs are concerned was reached in 1904, since which time there has been a steady decline, undoubtedly due to growing demand in the German Empire. The following figures, taken from the Trade and Navigation Eeturns, afford comparisons between 1904 and 1910 :— Total Imposts of Eggs into the United Kingdom. Quantities Values 1904 .. 19,942,591 .. £6,730,574 1910 .. 18,344,137 .. £7,296,145 Thus in the latter year, whilst the quantity of eggs received was 1,598,457 great hds. (191,814,840 eggs)— that is, practically 13,320 tons — fewer than in 1894, we paid for the lesser number £565,571 42 The Poultry Industry in Germany more than for the greater quantity. That in itself is a most significant fact. In order to show the trend of supplies from the different countries, for reasons which are explained later, I have taken out the quantities received since 1899 : — Quantities of Imposts of Eggs INTO THE United Kingdom FBOM THE Leading Countbibs. Russia. Denmark. France. Italyi Austria-HuDgai Gt. ids. Gb. hds. Gt. hds. Gt. hds. Gt. hds. 1899 . 4,318,601 2,266,030 2,288 558 1900 . 4,024,712 2,438,858 2,276,850 1901 . 4,492,110 3,019,414 1,805,196 1902 . 5,339,045 3,518,252 1,680,438 1903 . 6,802,773 3,851,557 1,601,940 1904 . 7,032,906 3,602,326 1,698,614 1905 . 7,622,393 3,858,135 1,565,572 , , 1906 . 7,132,928 3,823,942 1,491,269 1907 . 7,178,941 3,665,290 1,232,107 1,462,125 2,229,529 1908 . 7,238,483 3,787,670 1,225,338 1.316,362 1,987,671 1909 . 8,154,635 3,428,200 1,047,860 875,758 1,300,246 1910 . 9,217,586 3,647,139 907,599 746,841 1,370,121 It will be seen, therefore, that except in the case of Russia there has been a marked decline in quantities during the last five or six years. The large growth in Eussian supplies in 1910 is due more to changes in the enumeration than to actual advance in quantities. A striking fact is that the imports credited to Germany, which are largely Eussian, in 1907 were 1,466,083 gt. hds., and had fallen by 1910 to 507,599 gt. hds., a decline of 65-27 per cent. The reduction in supplies from Italy and Austria-Hungary within the last four years is enormous, and reveals in a marked manner the serious deviation of supplies which would otherwise have come to Great Britain, due to increasing consumption and advancing prices in Germany. But for Eussian eggs shipped to this country the decline would have been much greater. I find that, after deducting those credited to Eussia, we received in 1910, 2,262,399 great hds., or practically 18,850 tons, from all other countries fewer than in 1907. This total reduction represents 271,500,000 eggs. (39) Prices of Impobted Eggs. — It now remains to be shown what has been the influence upon prices of imported eggs during the last twelve years, though the growth of demand is a factor of equal importance, met to some extent by increased production in ' Until 1907 supplies from Italy and Austria-Hungary were not separately enumerated. Germany's Influence on British Supplies 43 Great Britain and Ireland. Had it not been for this increase of home supplies the question would have assumed a much more serious phase, as prices must have advanced to a much greater extent. It is generally recognized that the average values of British and Irish eggs have increased since 1903 by Is. 6d. to 2s. per great hd., rather more than the increase in values of foreign supplies. The following table gives the general average values and those of the principal countries whence our imports are derived : — AvBEAGB Values of Impobted Eggs (pee Gtt. Hd.). Year General average all countries Russia Denmark France Italyl Austria- Hungary s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. a. d. .. d. 1899 .. 6 2| .. 5 35 . 6 Of . . 7 7 — — 1900 .. 6 5* .. 5 6 . 7 6J . . 7 n ■■ — — 1901 .. 6 5J . 5 ii . 7 8^ • . 7 Si .. — — 1902 .. 6 n . 5 n . 7 9 . 8 64 .. — — 1903 .. 6 8 . 6 H . 8 68 . . 8 4J .. — — 1904 .. 6 9 . 5 9i . 8 H ■ . 8 4i .. — — 1905 .. 7 2| . 6 ^l . 8 54 . . 8 5J .. — — 1906 .. 7 6J . 6 6i . 8 lOi . . 8 4i •■ — — 1907 .. 7 8J . 6 n . 9 ii ■ . 8 9S .. 8 94 7 7 1908 . . 7 104 • . 7 14 • . 9 3f . . 8 6J .. 9 7 6f 1909 .. 8 2 . 7 2 . 9 6| . . 9 Of .. 9 If . 8 42 1910 .. 8 . 7 . 1 14 • 9J . . 9 . 3 9i . 81 . . 9 . 1 2J .. 71 Inc. 'i 4 yrs 9 5 8 li Increase) , 12 years J n ■ |o" n 61 In the case of Denmark, and to a lesser extent France, the advance in values is partially accounted for by the improvement of quality due to improved methods of marketing, but that does not equally apply to Russia and other distant countries. We can, therefore, assume that with these last named the cause is to be sought for in greater demand and reduction of supply. In view of the fact that this tendency in both directions will assuredly become greater, the position is one which should command immediate attention and determined effort. ' For reasons already stated average values cannot be given prior to 1907. 44 The Poultry Industry in Germany III.— METHODS OF POULTEY-KEBPING. (40) Agriculture in Germany. — In a country so large in extent, with such diversified conditions as are met with in Germany, the methods of farming adopted vary very considerably, as do the areas occupied. We find in some districts larger farms up to a thousand acres, but in others the occupations are small. As a rule, with the exception of the wine-growing districts in Rhineland, we do not find intensification to the degree met with in France and Belgium, in parts of Northern Italy and Hungary. Nor is dairying conducted on the lines which have proved so successful in Denmark. Taking the total area of land and population already recorded (par. 2), we find that the average population per square mile is 307, as against 367 in the United Kingdom, and 636 in Belgium. Con- siderable tracts are not capable of cultivation, notably the moun- tainous and forest regions in Mid and South Germany. It is stated that 48'6 per cent, of the total area is under cultivation, of which 16 per cent, consists of meadows and pastures, and there is 26 per cent, of forest land. These facts require to be kept in view when endeavouring to estimate opportunities and possible developments. It is not my purpose to deal at length with general agricultural conditions, but simply to refer to these in so far as they may in- fluence the Poultry Industry. The point to be here emphasized is that with one or two exceptions noted later, the breeding of poultry is in association with general farming, in respect to which, however, it is as yet a very minor issue. The value of this class of live stock as a source of profit, and for the manurial elements produced by them, has not been appreciated. That again reproduces the position of affairs in Britain twenty to thirty years ago. (41) Special Conditions. — In this connection there are several points which have to be regarded, and which doubtless explain why poultry-keeping has been and is backward in Germany. One of these has already been referred to (par. 5), namely, the drain from rural districts to the cities and manufacturing centres. One estimate is made that 326 per cent. of the people are supported by agriculture. At one time emigration provided an outlet for what might be regarded as surplus population. That is now comparatively small. In 1881, 220,902 emigrants were recorded, but in 1909 the number had fallen to 24,921. A second factor is that in many sections of the country, the farm houses are not Methods of Poultry-keeping 45 on the land, but in the villages adjacent thereto. Where that is the case the number of poultry which may be profitably super- vised is small, more especially in the larger farm areas. Fowls cannot be left to themselves as can cattle or sheep and must be attended to daily. It is generally admitted that pro rata a much greater number of poultry may be kept on smaller farms, as there the necessary attention can be given, than where the occupations are larger. A third point brought before my notice in several continental countries is the loss due to wild animals and birds, which prey upon poultry to a greater extent than with us. That explains the necessity for keeping the fowls near to the homestead, and must have a deterrent influence and retard extension on our lines. Further the question of climate cannot be ignored. I have referred to this in Section I (par. 7). That it is as great a hindrance as some suppose I cannot admit, but in many districts methods would require to be modified during the seasons of extreme heat and cold. (42) Changes in Outlook. — One of the results of increasing attention to industrial and mercantile pursuit as seen in other countries, is a tendency at first to withdraw from agriculture in all its forms the more progressive and enterprising men and women. Happily in process of time a reaction takes place as is evident in the United Kingdom and America, when the pressure of competition in urban districts equally in respect to physical and mental strain as to income and expenditure is realized. Such will doubtless follow in Germany when it is found that the greatly enhanced cost of living more than compensates for higher earning power, so far as the great mass of workers are concerned, and when the rise of prices offers fuller rewards to food producers. It is, however, scarcely apparent as yet. Meanwhile, that is having another effect. I was informed in several sections of the country that the wives and servants are less disposed to undertake duties and labours which formerly they accepted without demur. They object to the hard laborious work in fields, to dairying and poultry- keeping. With increased means they prefer to restrict their efforts to the household. That will ultimately be a gain, both as to greater home comforts and by transferring the labour of production to the man, who can take wider views and conduct operations on a larger scale. 46 The Poultry Industry in Germany (43) Fabmbes and Poultry.— Herr Oskar Knispel, of the German Agricultural Society, author of a valuable record of the work done by that Society in promotion of the Poultry Industry {" Die Massnahmen zur Forderung der Nutzgeflugelzucht in Deutschland," 1907) called attention to the fact already noted (par. 9), and his evidence was supported by others, that farmers in Germany have not heretofore paid much attention to poultry, but have been content to leave these to the women folk, as a con- sequence of which fowls are at present a very minor issue, managed upon crude and non-practical lines, except in a few sections such as where geese are bred. He attributes this to natural conservatism and indisposition to change, to the comparatively small value of the produce, to the low prices formerly obtainable. Advancing prices for eggs especially are causing a change in ideas, which will in process of time lead to great developments, equally as to average productiveness by selection of stock, to greater numbers being kept, to better methods of management, and to improved systems of marketing. The essentially practical German temperament should lead farmers to rise to the occasion. (44) Housing. — As a rule throughout Germany the flocks of fowls are kept around the homesteads. Under these conditions the numbers upon each farm must necessarily be limited, owing to the dangers arising from tainted soil. As yet the German Agricul- turist has not learnt the importance of scattering his birds over the land, even where the conditions are favourable. The birds are accommodated in one of the ordinary buildings, and such as I had an opportunity of inspecting were primitive in the extreme, and lacking in efficient ventilation. Upon the whole cleanliness in the houses was fairly well observed, as is the case in Denmark. Germans and Danes alike are cleanly in habit which is always a great factor. It would be surprising if people whose dwellings are lacking in this respect kept the cowsheds and poultry houses in a better condition than their own houses. In travelling through the country very few portable houses are seen, and I journeyed some hundreds of miles without noting one of these structures. Nor has the Colony system received the attention it deserves. I was assured, however, that the value of portable houses is receiving recognition, and in some districts they are being adopted by a few of the more progressive farmers, whose example cannot fail to be Methods of Poultry -keeping 47 followed. There can be little doubt but that portable houses either individually, or on the Colony system, would be most valuable, as affording an opportunity of extending the industry as a branch of agriculture. Such as I saw did not strike me as very practical, tending towards elaboration in detail, to excessive weight, which would make removal less easy, and involve additional cost. It may be pointed out that the simple form of portable houses met with in Britain has conduced to the extension of this system, and to the large number now in use. Whatever enhances the cost and makes a greater demand for undue capital expenditure should be avoided. I was interested to note at one or two of the breeding stations that examples of the open front house were to be found. These follow the American type rather than our own, for which something is to be said as a result of climatic conditions. (45) Hatching and Bearing. — Whilst what are regarded as natural methods are mainly adopted throughout the country, and comparatively little attempt is made to control the time when hatching takes place, the adoption of artificial methods of hatching and rearing has increased to a considerable extent, and the use of these appliances is advancing with a fair amount of rapidity. One reason for the great use of hens may be found in the class of common fowl in many districts, of which further particulars are given later. It is, however, a fact that in no country with which I am familiar are natural hatching and rearing alone able to meet industrial conditions, or provide supplies in sufficient quantities and at the best paying seasons. These must be supplemented by the use of incubators and brooders. That experience is repeating itself in Germany. Makers of these machines are increasing in number, and a good many English and American machines have been intro- duced. I was assured that the demand for them, even among ordinary farmers, is growing rapidly. The earlier incubators were modifications either of the Hearson or French makes, but lately American types such as the Cyphers have been added. The ten- dency, however, appears to be in favour of the tank or hot-water machine. As might be expected the mechanics of incubators and brooders are very attractive to Germans. At all the breeding stations and demonstration centres these occupy a prominent place. There is nothing new as to detail or method to report, save in one 48 The Poultry Industry in Germany direction, namely, that Messrs. Sartorius and Son, of Gottingen, have introduced an incubator in which, by a simple lever arrange- ment, the whole of the upper part of the machine is raised, and the eggs are exposed for turning and cooling without removal from the egg chamber. Whether in practice it is of any advantage I am unable to say. The interesting point is that it follows Nature, in that the source of heat is removed from the eggs, as when a hen leaves the nest, and not the reverse action. (46) A Suggestive Observation.— In this connection may be mentioned an experiment brought to my notice by Herr Sweers, of Huls, near Crefeld, an account of whose farm is given in Chap- ter Vin., namely, the effect upon eggs undergoing the process of incubation, and upon chickens after hatching, of the material of which an incubator is constructed. That gentleman has frequently found that in almost every new incubator purchased he obtained excellent results in the first hatch, perhaps 80 to 90 per cent., but that in successive hatches the tendency was to lower averages. Nor is he alone in this experience, for many other operators have found that it is difficult to maintain the first averages, though in some machines it is less evident than in others. This peculiar result has been attributed to various causes, one of which is that often a new machine is given greater attention than would be the case afterwards. Herr Sweers, after prolonged and careful obser- vations, came to the conclusion that these lessened results were due to changes in the wood of the machines, which, from the continued heat, loses its humidity, and becomes absorbent of moisture from the egg during the embryonic stage, and from the chick after hatching. It is a well-known fact, hitherto without explanation, that evaporation is greater to an appreciable degree in eggs within a machine than those under hens. Herr Sweers sug- gests that this increased evaporation explains death in shell and mortality in chickens, and his experiments have shown that the fault is in the incubator. In order to test his theory, the sides, bottom and tray, in fact all wood inside the egg chamber, were covered with linoleum, which effectively prevents the wood absorb- ing moisture, and he states that doing so has effectively and continuously checked the evaporation from eggs and prevented the lowering of average hatching. Further, he has had tests made at five centres in North, East and South Germany, at all of which the same result was achieved. If confirmed by experience elsewhere o O I El K f^ o E-i Methods of Poultry-keeping 49 this is a valuable discovery, as it will solve what has hitherto been one of the great problems of artificial incubation. Probably a better way would be to coat the interior woodwork with enamel paint. (47) Ebminiscbnces. — Continuous and individual brooders of the usual type, some of which are heated by " briquettes " and others by oil lamps, are employed. Here again there does not appear to be any new form. Twenty years ago (March, 1891) I paid a visit to Schloss Walmunster, near Teterchen, about twenty miles from Metz, in Lorraine, in order to see the plant of Herr Gruenhaldt, who was attempting to rear chickens on shelf brooders erected in the rooms of that old mansion. His enterprise was not a success, and soon came to an end. That was the first time I had seen the system at work. As mentioned in my " Eeport on the Poultry Industry in America" (para. 67, p. 67), and " Eeport on the Poultry Industry in Belgium " (para. 6, p. 10), attempts have been made since that time on similar lines, and more recently in England. All have failed by reason of the mortality during the second and third weeks. Had such a plan been successful a great impetus would have been given to the production of table chickens. It is, however, an extremely unnatural method, and has to combat the instinctive activity of chickens, who pine under such conditions. So far as I learnt no attempts are now being made in this direction save at Crollwitz, where shelf cages are used to a limited extent, into which the chickens are placed when six days old. It is said to be successful, but is upon a small scale, and I obtained no evidence as to cost. If my memory is correct Professor Beeck was the originator of the system tried at Teterchen. It may be satisfactory for the production of milk chickens (para. 59), but does not appear to have been a commercial success for older birds. I did not hear of fireless brooders being used. (48) Feeding. — There is very little to be said under this head- ing. Fanciers and well-to-do amateurs use prepared foods, but the ordinary run of farmers employ whatever is at hand, mainly that which is grown at home. Where the number of birds kept is small the birds find a large portion of their nutriment. Maize and buck- wheat are the staple foods supplied, and the last named is regarded as conducive to egg production. 4 50 The Poultry Industry in Germany IV.— GENBEAL PEODUCTIGN. (49) Eelativb Demand. — As is usually the case the demand of eggs for consumption bulks most largely in respect to poultry products. That is so in every country whether supplies be local or imported. In order to show how this works out I give records by index numbers for several countries, some of which are taken from a paper which I submitted at the Second National Poultry Conference in 1907. Denmark is not included, because her exports of poultry were nil. Country Exports or Imports Year Eggs Poultry United Kingdom Imports 1910 100 11-11 Ireland Exports 1910 100 33-76 Germany- Imports 1909 100 35-25 Austria Exports 1906 100 16-5 Hungary ,, 1906 100 86-95 France ,, 1906 100 . 107-0 Italy . . ,» 1905 100 24-28 Russia „ 1906 100 5-34 It will be seen, therefore, that in the years named, with the exception of France, the values of eggs were always in excess of those of table poultry, in some cases to an enormous extent. Probably in Great Britain the production of fowls, &c., more nearly approximates to that of eggs, though I do not think it is equal. Should such be the fact it will explain the relatively high propor- tion of eggs in the annual British imports. It is evident, however, that eggs are usually in greater demand, which is especially the case where industrial developments have created an enhanced consumption, as in Britain, Germany and America. (50) Increase of Egg Supply. — Under these circumstances it is entirely in accord with previous experience that the side of poultry-keeping to first receive attention on the part of producers and central authorities, has been that of egg production. Erom such evidence as I have obtained it is apparent that there has been a measure of increase in this direction over the whole of Germany, though not to any great extent as yet, except in a few districts some of which are noted later. The degree of this increase I was unable to discover. Again and again traders said that, as mentioned in Chapter II, local supplies are a negligible quantity. General Production 51 In this connection we may assume that these occupy a more important place than the traders know, by reason of the fact that in residential and industrial districts the bulk of local produce is disposed of direct to consumers. At Frankfort I was told that the Members of the Vereinigten Geflugelzucht (par. 107) find an outlet for the eggs obtained at Oberrad without the intervention of retailers. It may be assumed that this will continue to be the case to an even greater extent in the future, especially if smaller poultry-keepers become more numerous. That the greater demand for eggs which has marked the last few years has been mainly met by imports, and that the growth in production has been small in comparison, is freely admitted by everyone. The figures given in para. 18, tell that in eleven years German imports of eggs had advanced by more than 83 per cent. No one suggests that the home production has progressed to the same extent. (51) Impelling Influences. — More than thirty years ago when I first shared in the task of endeavouring to make poultry an essential and important branch of live stock, it early became evident that we must be content to wait until a new generation had arisen, and work by educating the younger men and women to the possibilities of poultry-keeping on industrial lines. A new generation that "knew not Joseph" had to arise ere the oppor- tunities in this direction could be realized. Such is generally the way of progression. New ideas and new methods are seldom acceptable to and adopted by the elder people, who are wedded to their old ways. The same is found in Germany. It will, therefore, be some years before changes take place adequate to modern requirements, though probably not so many as were needed in what may be regarded as the pioneer countries. A contributory factor is the advance of prices already referred to. Whilst these were low the promise of satisfactory returns did not appear and farmers continued to regard poultry as a non-economic form of live stock. That is no longer the case. Considering the cost and labour of producing eggs the margin is sufficient to make the pursuit worthy of attention. There is a further reason for egg production being made the chief object, namely, that the egg is a finished product, in demand just as it is without any further effort, and thus the labour involved is brought to its lowest limit. 52 The Poultry Industry in Germany (52) Lines of Extension. — As already indicated (para. 44), the methods at present in operation are not conducive to rapid extension of the poultry industry. Any increase in numbers of fowls kept on individual farms without modification of methods and distribution over a wider area, may result in heavy loss through disease. That lesson has had to be learnt wherever the poultry in- dustry has been developed. Soil taint is the Mte noire of the poultry keeper of every denomination. He has to learn that there must be, as in larger stock, a balance maintain.ed between animal and plant life. It will not be, therefore, until German farmers come to under- stand and adopt distribution over the land, either in isolated port- able houses or on the colony system, that any very great advance will be made. When that time comes, when breeding is better understood, and when selection on economic lines has been adopted, we may expect a marked advance in egg production throughout the Fatherland. That this fact is being realized cannot be questioned. (53) Italian Layees. — Twelve to fifteen years ago, when the poultry industry was advancing rapidly in Belgium, a large and important trade arose in three-months-old chickens imported from Italy and sold to Belgian farmers. In 1897 I made an inquiry into the subject, visiting several of the importers in Brussels and elsewhere. At that time it was estimated that three to four hundred thousand chickens were imported annually from Italy. These came over in crates each holding thirty birds, twenty-eight pullets and two cockerels, and were sold as received. They were almost en- tirely of the Leghorn type. The buyers found these pullets excellent layers, as is usually the case when brought from south to north. They kept them for one year when they were sold and a fresh supply obtained, which could be purchased at about two francs (Is. 8d.) each. Unfortunately, owing to the prevalence of disease in Italy and its introduction by birds imported, the trade has almost entirely died down. I found during my Belgian inquiry in 1909, that a great amount of loss had arisen from this cause, and that the Italian birds were no longer imported in many sections. The system has much to recommend it in thickly populated countries and districts. I was very interested, therefore, when visiting, upon the recommendation of the British Consul-General at Frankfort, the establishment of Esportazione Uova Bernardinelli General Prodtiction 53 Guardini and Co., at Mainz, to find that they are doing a consider- able trade in these chickens. That is an Italian firm settled in the Ehine City. On its premises were to be seen great stacks of newly arrived crates, and buyers were coming all the time taking away two or three lots each. So far as apparent there were no signs of disease, and I was assured that this is much less prevalent than formerly, although in Lorraine (par. 112) disease has been intro- duced by this means. The fact as stated is a sign of progress. (54) Table Poultey. — Generally speaking the table poultry seen through Germany is poor in quality. Exceptions are to be met with in a few places. These are, however, principally im- ported birds in the case of chickens (pars. 21, 30 and 31). Geese occupy a distinct position and are of so much importance that a separate section is devoted to them. The reason for the inferiority of fowls and ducks is apparent. Germans have not hitherto been large consumers of these birds, in which respect they differ from French and Belgians. Consequently until recent years there was no demand that was worth catering for, and such as was met with found its supplies in neighbouring countries. A chicken is a luxury in Germany as in Britain, an expensive article of food. Moreover, there the taste has been for bird flesh stronger in flavour. It is still true in many parts of the country that few chickens or ducks are eaten save by the wealthy section of the community, by those who frequent hotels and the better class of restaurants, the influence of which in modifying the class of food consumed (para. 24) has already been mentioned. In fact, I could not but feel from what managers of hotels and otbers told me that these public resorts are contributing greatly to changed ideas in respect to diet. Chickens are to be seen in local markets, but of a poor quality, except m the the great and wealthy cities, where the desire is manifestly for richer and more expensive foods, especially those not generally eaten under ordinary conditions. A man at home eats to live. When a restaurant is visited the reverse is often true. Further, a lean chicken is always costly in point of nutrition. So long as these alone are to be found, with expensive imported birds as an alterna- tive, we cannot expect any rapid increase in production, because such consumption as there is finds satisfaction in foreign supplies. A contributory cause of inferior chickens is the type of fowl generally 54 The Poultry Industry in Germany kept throughout the country, small, poor in flesh, and more of the egg type, incapable of ever making first-rate table fowls. There has not yet been time for the new breeds introduced to permeate the country. (55) Fattening at Floesheim. — The Italian firm already re- ferred to (para. 53) imports great quantities of chickens which are sold to fatteners in the Hockheim district, a few miles across the Rhine. At one time these came mainly from Italy, but that is no longer the case, as prices have gone up owing to greater home consumption, and perhaps as a result of losses by disease. They are, therefore, too dear. Chickens are imported from Hungary, Servia and Bussia, and geese from Bohemia, Italy and Russia. Messrs. Bernardinelli Guardini and Co. do not fatten themselves, but sell to the men undertaking that work. In their sheds are great stacks of cages in which the birds are kept until sold. At Florsheim, which I visited, are several fatteners. At that time (June) geese and ducks were more in evidence than chickens, and possibly that is so all the time. From what I saw it is evident either that the principles and methods of fattening are not under- stood, or that the returns are insufficient to warrant the adoption of a better system. That followed is crude in the extreme, and com- pares most unfavourably with what is to be found in Belgium, England and France. It is true that the birds do not form good material to work upon, and would never make first-class flesh, but they are not made the best of. Three and four stacks of cages, closely packed together in a polluted atmosphere will never accom- plish the purpose in view. These reminded me of a huge plant visited some years ago in Hungary, and of some American fattening stations, better in detail, but equally wrong in method. That is not fattening. In Florsheim and at Frankfort-on-the-Main, where is a big concern for which permission to visit could not be obtained, the chickens are only kept up for four to six days to soften the flesh a little, not to add much to the weight. Buckwheat is the chief food, but no milk is given. I was glad to see that at one or two of the breeding stations, more especially at Erlangen (Bavaria), a better way was being taught. Even there the value of fresh air in fattening does not appear to be realized. (56) TuBKBYS NOT IN DEMAND. — The popularity of the turkey in Great Britain is of comparatively recent growth, Although for General Production 55 three and a half centuries a dish for the wealthy, only within the last thirty to forty years has it taken the place formerly held by the goose in middle and working-class households. For festive seasons the turkey is growing in favour, and will do so still more if supplies are forthcoming at reasonable prices. That is not the case in Germany, where the goose holds the premier position. Very few turkeys are kept. The census returns given already (para. 8) tell that of the total poultry in Germany turkeys only represented 0"62 per cent. Nor is this deficiency made up by imports, for these are very small indeed. Although Austria-Hungary, Italy, Servia, and Kussia are all much nearer to Germany than England, these countries send their turkeys to Britain simply by reason of the fact that the Germans do not want them. My first journey on this inquiry was in November, 1910, when turkeys should have been in evidence, but I saw scarcely any. (57) Ducks. — Ducks are only kept in moderate numbers, pro- bably about the same average as in several other countries. The census figures (para. 8) show that ducks are 3'64 per cent, of the total poultry. There are generally a few on each farm, nothing more, and so far as my observations have gone, I only heard of one section of the country (para. 13) where duck-rearing is specialized as in several parts of England, Belgium, France, and America. That a demand is arising is apparent from what I saw at Winsen (para. 69), Elorsheim, and elsewhere. The two types usually met with are Pekins and Eouens. A fair number are imported for fattening. (58) Milk Chickens. — In certain portions of North Germany is to be found a specialized industry in the production of what are termed milk chickens (Belgium, Poulets de lait ; France, petits poissons ; America, Squab broilers). Some account of how these birds are produced have been given in previous reports, to which references may be made.' Also in an article of my own published in the Journal of the Board of Agriculture,^ at one time the main supplies of these birds upon the British markets were imported ' " Beport on the Poultry Industry in America," p. 80, and " Report on the Poultry Industry in Belgium," p. 41. = Vol. xvi.. No. 4, July, 1909, p. 283. 56 The Poultry Industry in Germany from France, but within recent years these have been displaced by what are called Hamburg chickens, shipped from that port, and produced in the provinces of Oldenburg, Hanover, Schleswig- Holstein, and around Lubeck, near the Dummer Sea. It is one of the few specialized branches of poultry production in Germany, and has increased considerably as a result of growing demand. These Hamburg chickens have taken the place upon our markets of the French, because of lower prices, but they are smaller in size, weighing 6 to 8 oz., whereas the French and Belgians run from 8 to 12 oz. Formerly the wholesale prices were Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. each, but now the range is from Is. 2d. to Is. lOd. each, as a con- sequence of which Paris and other cities on the continent secure supplies which at one period came to London. These birds are an expensive luxury, the demand for which is limited, mainly during what is known as " the season," but the trade is a fairly large and growing one. An estimate has been made that in the Winsen district, which I visited, 300,000 to 400,000 are produced annually, so that adding the other areas of production, the total must be considerably greater. (59) Production of Milk Chickens. — What may not be pro- fitable at great establishments conducted on a commercial basis, of which several attempts have been made as I have already described (para. 47), is possible when carried out on a limited scale by those whose standard of life is easily satisfied, and who have not heavy expenses to meet for labour, &c. Such appears to be the case with the production of these milk chickens. I found in the Winsen (Hanover) district that each small holder breeds and rears from 100 to 800 per annum. Larger operations are discouraged in order to avoid all risk of disease. The industry, therefore, has the great advantage of distribution and of contributing to the returns of a considerable number of farmers, who thus make an important addition to their incomes. That is a healthy condition of affairs, and is preferable to concentration in a few hands. We find here an explanation of the continued success of the fattening industry in South-eastern England. The season of demand for milk chickens extends from October to June, and, therefore, hatching is neces- sarily very prolonged. Incubators and brooders are coming into general use, and have done much to extend the industry. In fact. General Production 57 without these appliances it could not have attained the present dimensions, as hens would not have been available in sufficient numbers for hatching the earlier broods. It is customary for the farmers to sell all the young birds hatched during the autumn and winter, but in the spring a proportion of the pullets are retained to replace the breeding stock as required. One interesting result is that very few eggs are sold from the milk chicken areas, as it is more profitable to use them for hatching. (60) Breeds of Fowls Used. — What may be termed the barn-door fowl of the district referred to is the Eamelsloher, of which some particulars are given in a later section. That is a. quick growing fowl, rapidly reaching the first stage at which the birds are in fleshy condition, as with Leghorns, Campines, &c., which are of a similar type, the only period when it has any meat quality, as later development is mainly in the direction of egg production. This is a more important point than may at first appear. The races of poultry which are, when more fully grown, the finest in flesh properties are not usually so good for milk chickens as the laying breeds, which will not afterwards be of much value for the meat they carry. It is all, however, a question of size. If the specimens sold are to be a little larger than already named, other breeds not quite so quick in growth are introduced. I learnt that for this purpose Orpingtons, Dorkings, FaveroUes and Wyandottes are employed, the first and last named largely owing to the breeding stations which have been established by the Chamber of Agriculture under the scheme of the provincial department, of which there are seven in the Winsen area. The objects have been to introduce breeds that will improve the quality of chickens, and to prevent degeneracy as a result of in-breeding by a regular infusion of fresh blood, specially required to give that vigour necessary to enable the birds to bear the measure of forcing that is adopted. The claim is made that the introduction of new breeds, more especially Orpingtons and Wyandottes, has enabled the chickens to be sold for the same money four or five days earlier than was previously the case. It is somewhat surprising that other and lighter bodied breeds have not been tried. For reasons already given the larger races are not the best. In the Lubeck and Schleswig-Holstein districts the Eamelsloher is chiefly kept. 58 The Poultry Industry in Germany (61) Ebaeing and Feeding. — After hatching is completed, and the chickens are dried off, if hatched under hens they are removed in a basket, and placed near a fire or a hot oven. With the greater use of incubators, foster-mothers or brooders are finding favour. These have the advantage of keeping the dwellings clear of the birds. It is of interest to note how ubiquitous some customs are. In our ducking districts it has been a common sight to see the cottages crowded with these birds. In Belgium boarded- in spaces near the fire-place in the living rooms are usual. With the adoption of better methods, and the introduction of reliable appliances, the homes may be freed from what cannot be regarded as desirable inmates. Warmth can be provided in other ways, It is, however, a question of cost. With advance in prices, producers will more readily adopt new systems, and I was glad to see such was the case in the German milk chicken districts. The cleanly habits of Germans will accentuate this progression. The first food consists of groats and milk, continued for two or three days, after which, when the birds are put into cages or kept within very restricted enclosures, they are fed on barley meal mixed with soured skim milk, varied by dried groats and buckwheat. Many feeders from the second week use cooked river fish minced and mixed with the meal, and it is claimed that this is favourable to rapid growth, whilst, as the fish is used fresh, it does not adversely influence the flesh in flavour. It is of interest to note that Winsen is the centre of a grain, potato and beet district, and that there is not a great extent of meadow or pasture land. (62) Marketing Milk Chickens. — The period occupied in rearing is five to seven weeks, determined by the breed and, to some extent, by the season of the year. My visit was paid in November when the birds have to be kept longer than in the spring. The point is to kill when in fleshy condition, just at a time when the sex can be distinguished in the male birds by the springing of the comb. At this stage the weights are 1 lb. to 1\ lb. the couple, sometimes a little less. The farmers do not kill, but sell to dealers who take them away alive, undertaking the final stages and finding a market. The prices paid range from 9d. to lid. each. I visited one of these places, that of Herr Heinrich Kahl, at Winsen-am-Lube, of which some particulars General Production 59 are given in the next section (par. 67), and where pluckers were at work preparing the birds. Herr Kahl told me that during the busy season they frequently handle 2,000 per day, nearly all of which are sent to merchants in Hamburg. He has tried to open direct trade with London, but the results were not satis- factory. The same story has been told me in various countries, and evidently there is some defect on this side that requires remedy. After killing the birds are cooled off, and then packed in baskets holding two or three dozen for despatch. (63) Observations. — It is evident from what is stated above, and from what I have seen elsewhere, that the production of milk chickens to be profitable must either be (1) to take off the surplus cockerels, as in Belgium and America ; or (2) be in the hands of small occupiers, who make this a part of their work, and carry it out on a modest scale, giving the personal attention required. With either of these, the former especially, the returns are sufficient to give a fair reward for the labour involved. I have not seen anywhere — and many attempts have been made — evidence to suggest that the business proves successful when conducted on intensive lines. There is, however, one factor which forms the pivot upon which this branch of the poultry industry rests, more perhaps than do others, namely, that isolated production is useless. As at Winsen, what must be is that a large number of occupiers shall join for rearing these milk chickens, each producing his moiety. Without such is the case, the supply is inadequate and irregular, than which there is nothing that depreciates values and checks demand. It is bulk that the market wants, and at special periods. Further, there must be effective organization for handling and marketing the produce, either through the medium of such a firm as that of Herr Kahl, who has several competitors in the district, or by co-operative enterprise. From what I saw at Winsen it was apparent that the business acumen of this and other firms have enormously contributed to the develop- ment of the poultry industry in the district, and, so far as I could learn, the prices paid are satisfactory. Eeaders of my " Eeport on the Poultry Industry in America," will remember how the South Shore Boaster trade in Massachusetts was evolved in a similar manner. 60 The Poultry Industry in Germany v.— GOOSE BEEEDING AND CONSUMPTION. (64) Goose Flbsh. — We have already seen (para. 23) that Berliners are " great goose eaters," and the same is true, more or less, as to Germans all over the country. " Gansefleische " is a favourite dish, and it is served in a multitude of vpays. The figures given in Section II. (para. 18) records the large importation. In 1906 nearly nine million live geese vyere imported, mainly from Eussia. In addition, must be reckoned the dead birds received. During my visits to Italy and Austria-Hungary, to Servia and Eussia, I found in the two first named large estaWishments where geese were being fattened for the German markets. At one of these (Szabadka, Hungary) at the time of my visit, 30,000 geese were in the pens. Most other countries have shown a rapid decline in the consumption of these birds. Such does not appear to be the case in Germany, although evidence obtained was that it does not, as in the case of eggs, increase much more rapidly than the population. It is not improbable that ere long the same change will be manifest as met with elsewhere. Under these conditions either there must be an increase in foreign supplies, or advancing prices will check consumption, which, as stated above, is now very large. Geese are sometimes roasted whole as with us, but, as in other countries, ordinary householders can purchase sections, these ranging in price according to the portions. The most valuable are the breasts. A favourite form is smoked goose breast, largely produced in Pomerania, where the birds are large and highly fatted for this purpose. The muscle on each side of the keel will weigh one and a half to two pounds. Mr. H. Appenrodt, of Coventry Street, London, who deals largely in German food products, informs me that this year he has con- tracted for forty thousand of these rolled and smoked goose breasts, which sell at 8s. per lb. The legs are also sold smoked, but are not so expensive. In some of the cheaper restaurants in Germany the goose skin is served fried, and is said to be a favourite dish. Sausages are also made of goose livers, those from Strasburg being very expensive. In the markets at Munich, I saw goose giblets offered for sale tied up in bundles, consisting of head, neck, feet and gizzard. The price (in July) was 1 mark 20 Pfg. (Is. 2^d). n D a Ii( a a m > <1 P^ Goose Breeding and Consumption 61 (65) Declining Production. — My attention was called to the fact again and again by those interviewed in all parts of Germany that the number of geese is declining, due to improved cultivation of the land. It is evident from the figures quoted below that this decline is relative to the population and is not true in all sections of the country. Very often mistaken views are taken. In Dresden I learnt that geese are more in demand than ever, and are very largely eaten. Here, again, there was no evidence obtainable as to whether such is in excess of the growth of population, which has been very considerable in Saxony. Prices have advanced, but not to the same degree as those of meat, which is heavily taxed, and it may be that this fact explained the large consumption of goose flesh. That in many sections of Germany the number of geese maintained is declining would appear to be indisputable. On the other hand, the total number in the Empire showed in 1907, when the last enumeration was made, an increase equal to 9.59 per cent, over 1900. The figures published with respect to the two years are : — 1900 6,239,126 1907 6,901,187 Increase . . 662,061 In the latter year geese were 8"92 per cent, of the poultry of all species. This raises an important question. In Great Britain, with the enclosures of land and improved methods of cultivation, there has been an equal decline in the number of geese bred, com- pensated in our case by a large reduction in consumption as a result of changes in demand for this class of poultry. The same is found in other countries. The fact is that these birds are only suitable for open lands on which they can find the greater part of their food, and wherever, as a consequence of better systems of farming and of increasing population, areas of the kind referred to are reduced in extent, so will the numbers of geese bred decline. That this will be the case in Germany cannot be questioned. It would not be profitable to raise these birds on food which has to be grown or purchased save in the fattening stage. In spite of the advance in prices noted (paras. 26 and 32) the cost would be too great, for geese are heavy and voracious feeders. But for the heavy import duties on dead poultry (para. 19) it is probable that the tendency would be to great increase in the foreign supplies, 62 The Poultry Industry in Germany which checks advance in price of geese, as the expenses and risks would be much less than in the case with live birds. (66) Breeds of Geese. — There are great differences between the geese met with in Northern and Southern Germany. Through- out Bavaria, Saxony and Wurtemburg, as in Austria, Hungary and Italy, they are chiefly white in plumage and small in size, ranging in the autumn from 8 to 10 lb. dead. Previous journeys through the countries named have revealed the great extent to which these birds are seen in the markets, as well as their fine quality. They are brought into fine condition either by stubble feeding or by fattening in pens. In all the countries referred to the geese are of the Italian or Eoman type, descendants of the birds which saved the Capitol. Upon the richer feeding grounds in the North and Bast geese produce much finer flesh than in the South. The smaller size of body is a distinct advantage, as the 15 to 20 lb. goose is too large for an ordinary household, and I cannot but feel that the introduction of a smaller breed into Britain, where we are not accustomed to buy in sections, would tend to restore a popularity it once possessed. In Northern Germany there are three leading breeds, namely, the Embden, found on the great plains of Hanover, Westphalia and Oldenburg, where the finest specimens are produced ; the Diepholz, which is an off-shoot of the Embden, but has been bred specially as a winter layer, coming into profit in September, and enabling goslings to be marketed in the winter and early spring ; and the Pomeranian found in the Baltic provinces, and in its markings similar to our old English Saddleback. The last named is a big bird specially bred and fed for the breast meat. Everywhere I found the same testimony, namely, that the native geese are much superior to those imported, that they fatten better, and are finer in flesh qualities but they cost more, and are totally inadequate to meet the demand. Fatteners have to pay 5s. to 6s. for goslings in the winter, and were it not for extraneous supplies the business would be unprofitable. (67) Goose Fattening Plants. — In the neighbourhood of nearly all the great centres of population are to be found places where geese are fattened. Some of these are modest in the extreme, others are on a large scale ; some are primitive in their arrange- Goose Breeding and Consumption 63 ments, others are excellently planned and maintained. I had the opportunity of seeing several places of both types. One of the best was that of Herr Heinrich Kahl (Geflugelmastanstalt), at Winsen- am-Lube in Hanover, to which reference has already been made (paras. 62 and 63). This great concern is owned by two brothers who, although I was accompanied by Herr Springer of the British Vice-Consulate at Harburg, were at first reluctant to admit me, saying that they had never permitted visitors before. Ultimately they consented and extended to me every courtesy and information. The establishment was founded in 1878, was taken over by the present proprietors in 1895, and has greatly grown in their hands. They have their own grist mills and cold storage plant, make their own electric light, which is on and in all the buildings, and every- thing is well arranged and kept sweet and clean. No less than sixty men are employed upon the place. The goose sheds are in the open fields, and a siding connects these direct with the railway. I am glad to give some photographs of this well-arranged plant. (68) The Goose Sheds. — As already stated the geese are fattened separately from the other sections. Here ranges of sub- stantial shedding have been erected, about 200 feet in length, under each of which are two rows of pens. A few are open, but the great part are under cover with unenclosed sides, so that the ventilation is perfect. All the yards and passage ways are cemented with free fall to drains, so that the work of cleaning is facilitated, and there is an abundance of water. Bail tracks are laid down to economize labour in feeding. Each of the pens holds twenty birds, and the accommodation provides for 10,000 at one time. Excellent pluck- ing, chilling and packing rooms complete a well arranged and excellent installation, and I have only seen one larger than this. The great majority of the birds at the time of my visit were white, obtained from the province, but there were a lot of grey Russians, which, however, were neither so large or so good in quality. Herr Kahl informed me that the last named never fatten so well as the local birds, but he cannot obtain a sufficient supply of the latter, and has to fill up the gaps by the imported specimens. The food chiefly employed is maize, either in the shape of meal or given whole after it is steeped. It is customary at first to give raw beef. Maize may make weight and oily fat, but it does not produce the best quality of flesh. It is, however, a cheap food. 64 The Poultry Industry in Germany (69) Other Departments. — Eeference has already been made to the trade in milk chickens. In addition large numbers of chickens and ducks are fed off. The former are enclosed in open- fronted houses like scratching sheds, and are not caged. About thirty are kept in each lot. The food is fed from troughs in front and consists of barley meal and soured skim milk. The type of fowl here is not suitable for making first-class table fowls, and they are only kept up for a few days to soften the flesh. Cram- ming is not attempted. Great ranges of yards are provided near the central buildings for fattening ducks, of which 8,000 were on the place at the time of my visit. Eows of shedding with open yards succeed each other with wide avenues between, and waggon ways are used for conveying food and litter. The latter consists of peat moss, and everything is kept scrupulously clean. The ducks are fed for three weeks, and attain weights of about 5 lb. each. Those I saw were largely Kouen in type, but there were some whites and blues. Herr Kahl thinks the whites (Pekins) best, but has to take what are obtainable. He does not breed any birds himself, but has his agents buying over a wide area. (70) Magerviehhof Market. — In the suburbs of Berhn at Friedrichsfelde, is the great market where the imported birds are received, and sold to the fatteners. I was fortunate in visiting this fine place on a day when 15,000 geese had been received. That number, however, is often exceeded, and shortly before Christmas as many as 30,000 arrive in a single day. These markets are owned by a private company, of which Herr Binner, to whose courtesy I am greatly indebted, is the Manager. The extent is very large, for cattle, pigs and other stock are sold here to an enormous extent. The railway runs right into the market, so that the trains arriving are unloaded direct. One of the illustrations gives a general view of the market, with its miles of shedding, auction rooms, offices and veterinary department. This Company is said to make its profit by sale of food to owners of the stock, as the price is ordinarily increased by 20 per cent., but when animals or birds are in quarantine, by 33^ per cent. I understand that no other charges are imposed. P3 EH H o a m J « H S D O How the Poultry Industry is Advanced 89 and but reproduces the condition which prevailed, and still does to a large extent, in the United Kingdom. The charges for tuition are low. At Waldgarten the fee for six weeks' teaching is only 26s. (101) Ceollwitz. — The oldest of these teaching centres is that at Crollwitz in Prussian Saxony, on the outskirts of the famous University town of Halle-am-Salle, with which it is connected by tram lines. This centre was founded in 1899 by the Chamber of Agriculture of the Province of Saxony, at an expenditure for equipment of 90,000 marks (£4,750). The net annual cost is about £500. The farm consists of about 16 acres of poor soil, and is very uneven, with several ponds or lakes which are utilized for ducks. It is entirely enclosed, and the ground is fully occupied. Professor Beeck, who is also connected with the University of Halle, has been Director from the commencement, and to his efforts is largely due the influence exerted by this centre, whose name is " Zentral Gefliigelzuchtanstalt." Herr Felix Albrecht is Assistant-Director. The buildings upon this establishment are excellent, and in the main well designed. If anything, they are rather too substantial, in that modifications cannot easily be made in the light of later knowledge, which is always important. That, also, to some extent is seen in the poultry houses. So far as the ground available is concerned, it is excellently laid out. It is satisfactory to note that the runs for the fowls are large, so that the risks of disease are minimized. The place is well kept and scrupulously clean. I was interested to notice that the lack of ventilation in the poultry houses, which was at one time so pre- valent in Britain, is still a feature in Germany. Whilst scratching sheds, trap nests, &c., have been introduced, the fear of cold still holds sway. But in one of the newer buildings the open-front form is partly introduced. In many respects American ideas have been adopted. That is especially evidenced in a brooder-house which has a small passage way, similar to one I saw five years ago at Storrs College, Connecticut. Heat in the brooders, which are con- tinuous, is maintained by charcoal or briquettes. The incubator house is excellent, and above ground, so that it can be freely ventilated, and a separate room for testing is provided. This and the lecture room, with its fine display of models, are excellent in every way. It may be mentioned that Professor Beeck has intro- 90 The Poultry Industry in Germany duced various appliances, inclusive of an incubator and brooder. As mentioned previously (par. 47), he has advocated the rearing of table chickens on shelves, built in tiers, where the birds are placed when six days old. The system is said to be successful here, but operations are on a modest scale, and that is no proof of the economics of this method. There are cages for geese fattening on the Strasburg plan, crammers, plucking room, and I noted a killing machine. An isolation hospital and a workshop complete the equipment. As a teaching centre it is excellent. I assume that the essential differences between such an establishment and poultry keeping on farms are made clear. That would be necessary by the absence of what may be regarded as practical and portable poultry houses of a simple type. The poultry on the farm are as follows : — Fowls : Brackel, Lincolnshire Buff, Malines, Minorca, Eamelsloh, Sussex, White Wyandotte, Crollwitz Layers and Crollwitz Table breed (par. 84). Ducks : Aylesbury, Indian Eunner, Pekin and Crollwitz. Geese : Bmbden, Crollwitz. Turkeys : Crollwitz ; the last named being formed of a cross between the Eouquieres and the German copper-coloured turkey. A considerable flock of pigeons is also kept. About 700 adult birds are on the place, and every year about 12,000 eggs for hatching and 1,000 stock birds are sold. (102) EuDESHEiM : — Near the foot of the Niederwald, on the eastern banks of the Ehine, is the Breeding Centre for the Province of Hessen-Nassau, situate in the midst of vineyards, which form so distinctive a feature in the cultivation of that section of the country. This is noteworthy in that it is the place where the Nassau varieties of fowls (par. 85) originated. The farm is on smaller lines than that at Crollwitz, consisting of six morgen, less than four acres, and, as a consequence, it is fully occupied, though by no means crowded at the time of my visit (November). Land in that district is very expensive. The soil is good and fertile. In this case the place is owned by Herr Carl Sieber, so that the figures as to cost of equipment and maintenance are not published. It was established in 1903, and is under the supervision of the provincial Landwirtschaftskammer, which makes an annual con- tribution of 2,800 marks (about £137), and assists it in other ways. I met Herr Inspector Keiser at Wiesbaden, who takes great interest How the Poultry Industry is Advanced 91 in Poultry questions, and who expressed his great admiration for the Welsh Egg Train, which example he said they intended to copy. Herr Sieber is an able and enthusiastic poultry man, and evidently constructive in his ideas. The arrangement named, how- ever, means that his time is not wholly absorbed by the poultry centre, and that it is insufficient as a means of livehhood. Hence he has a business in Eudesheim for the building and sale of houses and appliances. That may reduce the cost to the State, but has many disadvantages, as we have found. Teaching and trading should always be separate. The farm is on sharply rising ground with a depression and pond in the centre, the last named of which is used for ducks and geese. Although my visit was paid in winter, and at a time when the Ehine could not be seen for yellow fog, it was evident that the ground is well, in fact prettily, laid out. The runs are carefully arranged, and a fair number of trees afford shade to the birds. Near the entrance is the lecture room, with a goodly array of diagrams and models. Below is the incubator room, the back part of which, as shown in the illustration (Plate XII.), is below the ground level, which the front is not. Unfortunately the latter faces south and has too much glass in it, though trees planted give shade. Upon the whole the ventilation is good. The houses used are essentially modern. Several of these have open fronts with muslin curtain screens for bad weather, and plenty of floor space for scratching. One model is used equally for smaller wooden houses capable of removal and for larger fixed buildings. The last named are built of cement slabs on brick foundations, with cork-lined corrugated iron roofs. These are made double and single. Inside are raised platforms on the American plan, to increase the scratch- ing space. Brooder-houses are used, about 40 ft. by 15 ft., divided into six compartments and pipe heated, briquettes being employed as fuel. It is stated that these are safer and as regular as oil lamps. The novelty in these brooder-houses is that at front is a lean-to extension composed entirely of glass, where the chickens can go whenever they like, and obtain the benefit of whatever sunshine there may be. That plan is regarded as an advantage for early rearing. I was interested to note this provision, as chickens are largely reared under glass in the Londerzeel district of Belgium. So far as fowls are concerned only the White and Brown 92 The Poultry Industry in Germany Nassauer are kept. The Browns, pre-eminently layers, are said to produce an average of 150 eggs per annum, but some hens have exceeded 200. There are Pekin and Indian Eunner Ducks ; Emden and Diepholz Geese ; and White Turkeys. A stock of about 150 breeders are kept, and 1,500 chickens are reared annually. I was assured that poultry-keeping is increasing in Hessen-Nassau. If upon the vineyards of Ehineland the same attention was given as I have found in the wine districts of France, production would be enormously increased. (103) Brlangen. — At Erding, in Upper Bavaria, a Teaching and Breeding Centre was established in 1905, the first of its kind in that country, but which I was unable to visit. A second centre was opened in 1910 at Erlangen, about fifteen miles from Nurem- burg, where the advantage of experience gained at other centres and of recent developments have been utilized. As a consequence, it may be regarded as the latest type of Breeding Centre. It is a tribute to the receptivity of German poultrymen that they are willing to learn from anyone, and to adopt whatever is suitable tjo their special conditions. The more of that spirit the better in every country. The ground occupied, consisting of nearly 12f acres, is sandy, and was formerly entirely covered with pines, part of which have been cleared. For summer work, houses are placed among the trees, and the day my visit was paid (June) the need for shelter was very apparent, as it was intensely hot. The total cost of equipment has been 60,000 marks (nearly £2,940). Director Haas, who accorded me every facility, evidently has studied poultry questions very carefully. The administrative building contains, in addition to offices, lecture rooms and museum, incubator and egg rooms and food store. The incubator room is one-third underground and excel- lently ventilated, the air entering below the level of the machines, so that fresh air is supplied to lamps and eggs in accordance with the plan we introduced on the College Poultry Farm, Theale. Here half a dozen machines are used with a total capacity of 750 eggs. It is interesting to note that one German machine which I was informed at another centre is "no good," Director Haas declares to be the best of all. " Where doctors differ, &c." Among the models were those of poultry houses made in sections to show How the Poultry Industry is Advanced 93 construction — an excellent idea. In the egg room a tray is provided for each pen of breeders, and these are fitted with rollers for turning. Buckwheat is largely used for feeding, in addition to which Indian meal, rice and crushed bones are fed. It is impossible to devote the space which this excellent plant deserves, and I must content myself with mentioning a few of its special features. The large brooder-house is decidedly novel. The back portion is formed of glass, intended for very young birds, and fitted with brooders. Next there is a passage-way, separating that part from the front, where the birds are removed as they are older, placed in individual brooders occupying separate compartments, and connected with long runs outside. This arrangement greatly facilitates labour and control. Accommodation for sitting hens, which are used extensively as available, is provided in double houses having outside runs, so that they can come off the nests whenever they desire to do so. The breeding and laying houses are double with open fronts, in some cases with double fronts, one of which is always open no matter what the weather may be. Some of these are made of logs from the trees cut down in clearing, and are very picturesque. Trap nests of various forms are used in nearly all houses containing pullets. The litter usually consists of the fallen leaves from trees in the adjoining woods. Fattening is receiving a considerable amount of attention. The birds are put into small single cages on the French pattern, and kept up for thirty days. This, however, is the least progressive part of the entire plant, as the best principles of feeding off are evidently not understood. The ducks have abundant water in artificial ponds, and the turkeys are accommodated in very large houses and runs, the former of which have as perches cart-wheels, the birds roosting on the rims with heads inwards, so that the manure falls clear on to the ground. This plan is worth adoption for poultry generally. What is specially satisfactory is the fact that the runs are large and double, and as vacated in alternation these are planted with grain, roots or vegetables, which are afterwards used for feeding the stock. It was evident from the growing plants that heavy crops are ob- tained. Such is a very inadequate description of a well-designed and carefully conducted centre, one of the best of its kind I have seen. The stock of poultry numbers about 2,000, and the breeds 94 The Poultry Industry in Germany kept are — fowls : Plymouth Eocks (imported from America), Buff Orpingtons (stated to thrive well in this part of Bavaria), Brown and White Leghorns, of the original type, White Wyandottes ; Pekin Ducks, and Bronze Turkeys. The quality of the birds is excellent, and great attention is paid to selection for prolificacy. Some of the Leghorns have averaged 180 eggs per annum, and the White Wyandottes 160 per annum. It is of interest to note that on this soil yellow-legged birds become very pale in that respect. (104) Pbinciplbs of State Support. — The Minister of the • Interior at Munich said that Dr. Attinger " knew all about hens in Bavaria," and I learnt from him that the main object of estab- lishing breeding centres, such as Erding and Erlangen, has been in order that prolific egg-laying stock shall be distributed, and the standard of fowls in the rural districts raised, also that these shall afford instruction to students. It may be well, therefore, to summarize a portion of a booklet given to me by Dr. Attinger. This shows that the grants given : — (a) Are for the advancement of utility poultry-breeding, as a branch of agriculture. (6) Are for teaching by lectures. Breeding and Teaching Stations and Centres, Model Poultry Yards, Co-operation as applied to sale of eggs and fattening of fowls, and for Poultry Shows. Co-operative Societies can only receive such grants for equipment or extension, not as subsidies for trading ; (c) Are for Courses of Instruction in Poultry-keeping, which are provided for Veterinarians, Agricultural and Bural School Teachers, Local Managers and others ; (d) Are for Experiments in relation to practical Poultry- keeping ; and (e) Premiums of 10 to 50 Marks are offered for the best kept poultry yards, conditionally that only one breed for eggs and one for flesh are maintained, that special books be kept, that the farms shall be open at all times to inspection, that the houses and runs shall be suitable, that old birds shall be got rid of, and that the pullets shall be trapnested. (105) Practical Instructors. — Teaching Centres, as we have already seen (par. 100), touch only a very limited number of those How the Poultry Industry is Advanced 95 who require knowledge and training. The fact has been recog- nized, therefore, that it is necessary to provide instructors who will visit the different villages, as we have found in the United Kingdom, and which is responsible for much of the advance made during the last twenty years. When the " whisky money " was given to County Councils lecturers were mainly appointed. The country was hardly ready for practical instructors. Since 1902 a number of travelling poultry teachers in Germany have been employed, and many of the States and provinces have one or more of these men engaged. Apart from those engaged at breeding centres, and who devote part of that time to this work, the last returns show that there are about thirty of these travelling teachers, a number totally inadequate to deal with the great extent of country to be covered. But, as was pointed out to me, the work is recent, and a full realization of the importance and possibilities of poultry-keeping has not permeated many of those in positions of responsibility and influence, as well as the great mass of the rural population. (106) Premiums for Poultry Yards. — " Example is better than precept," is a trite saying, capable of demonstration. As the Danes and others have proved, progressive, successful poultry- keepers can profoundly modify the stock and methods of an entire district. Hence the system has been introduced of offering premiums for the best managed and maintained poultry sections of ordinary farms, keeping in view production for market. These premiums range in value from 10s. to £10, and there does not appear to be any limit to the number awarded. These are premiums, not prizes. It is not a question of ordinary competition, in which a few receive the awards and others almost as good are left out. Each farmer applying for inspection receives a premium if his place and methods are equal to the standard laid down. As a rule one half the money awarded is given in cash and the other half in stock or appliances, or must be used for extensions or improvements. In East Prussia the regulations provide that : — (a) Only occupiers of not more than 100 hectares of land (247 acres) are eligible. (b) Poultry houses on the farm must be suitable, be light, have sufficient perches and nests, and be kept clean. (c) Only utility poultry are eligible. 96 The Poultry Industry in Germany (d) The range of land given to the fowls must be sufficient. (e) Managenaent and feeding must be satisfactory : and if) Books must be kept, showing (1) the total production ; and (2) receipts and payments. In the province of Pomerania, applicants are required to give particulars as to their places, and state to what purpose the premiums, if granted, would be applied. Careful inspection is evidently made, for I note that in Prussian Saxony in one year sixty-seven applications were received and seventeen premiums were awarded. Such inspection, apart altogether from the money received, cannot fail to be of great benefit, equally as to the grading up of farms to a higher standard, and as a result of suggestions made by inspectors whose business is to criticize each place in detail. In 1908 the premiums awarded in Prussia amounted to about £400. Although not strictly coming within the designation of premiums, it may here be mentioned that in East Prussia the Landwirtschaftskammer supplies incubators and brooders free of charge to the poultry breeding stations. These must be used for hatching eggs produced on the station from April 1 to July 1 in each year, and in the following September a report has to be made to the chamber. (107) Local Societies.— Eeference has already been made (par. 11) to the large number of poultry societies in Germany, the major portion of which are formed mainly of fanciers, with whom exhibition of their stock is the leading object. There are, however, a few that keep utihty in view. One of these is the " Vereinigung der Frankfurter Gefliigelzucht-Vereine " (Union of Frankfort Societies for Poultry Breeding), to whose place at Oberrad, near Offenbach, on the outskirts of Frankfort-on-the-Main, I had the pleasure of being accompanied by the President, Herr Kreutzer. This may be regarded as an example which will probably be duplicated to a considerable extent in the near future. In the Frankfort district are three poultry societies which have formed a union the chief object of which is to combine for common purposes. It receives support from the State as well as from the municipal authorities, in the form of subsidies and prizes at its exhibitions. The total membership amounts to about 600, composed of all classes IS a I a o a a m n o o M B O How the Poultry Industry is Advanced 97 and professions, both of fancy and market breeders. With the latter the distribution of pure-bred stock is an important part of the work undertaken. For that purpose only the two varieties of the Nassauer fowl (pars. 85 and 102) are used. The members, however, keep on their own plots whatever breed they prefer. At Oberrad the Union has five morgen (3 acres) of land, upon which is a good house and permanent building, for which the Union pays an annual rental of 1,200 marks (i658 13s.). It has been in occupation about three years. The social side is evidently a strong factor, as the Club and reading rooms afford opportunities for lectures, meetings, and interchange of experience. Two incu- bators are operated for the benefit of members in one of the out- buildings. The ground is let out in plots of various sizes to members who erect their own houses and runs, and of these there are between forty and fifty. As a rule the houses are excellent and well arranged, but the majority of the enclosed yards are far too small for permanent occupation, though by laying down fresh earth many of the occupants do all in their power to keep the birds in health. In a few cases the runs were in a sad mess, but my visit was paid at the worst season (November). On the front of each pen is recorded the owner's name. I noted upwards of a dozen breeds of fowls, two of ducks and a few miserable-looking turkeys, the conditions being about the least suitable to the last-named species that can well be imagined. How far such a place can be profitable to the members, apart from the social side and the gaining of a measure of experience, is doubtful. The testing period has scarcely been reached. But it is an indication of the interest taken in poultry as manifested in a densely populated industrial district. Season tickets on the local railway from Frankfort to Oberrad are issued at 2M. 60 Pfg. (28. 6d.) per month. (108) Ebseabch and Experimental Work. — No nation has devoted so much attention to scientific research as Germany, whose influence in that direction has been very great. As yet, with a few exceptions, poultry have not been regarded as of sufficient import- ance to command the attention of skilled investigators, who have mainly devoted themselves to industrial questions or general agri- culture. As in the case of other pursuits the poultry industry has in every country to prove itself, to become a feature in the daily 7 98 The Poultry Industry in Germany work of the people, ere it can hope to be recognized as worthy of the labours of scientists. Therefore, the period of development must ever come first. That stage has still to be passed. Then German poultry men may hope for the co-operation which is so much needed. In respect to what may be designated as experi- mental work, by which is meant investigations with immediate practical results in view, a little has been done. At Crollwitz, at Eudesheim, at Erding, and other centres a few experiments have been made, and at Erlangen observations in the laying and feeding of ducklings are in progress. These are, however, on a modest scale. So far as my observations in Germany have led me, I could not but conclude that the centres established are not equipped with plant or staff for systematic experimental work, except of a very elementary character, as they are chiefly concerned with breeding and distribu- tion of improved races of poultry. (109) GBFLtTGBLHOF HuBEETUS, HuLS. — A lead in this direc- tion, however, has been given as a result of private enterprise. This is at Huls, near Crefeld, and is due to Herr P. Sweers, a Hollander who is the head of the German Van Houten Cocoa Works, and who has lived for twenty-six years in Germany. He has for many years taken a keen interest in poultry, had a farm at Dusseldorf, where he lived for eighteen years, and in 1903, founded the establishment at Huls, four miles from Crefeld, where is his summer residence. Herr Sweers is a Member of the Committee of the German Poultry Society ; is on the Poultry Committee of the German Agricultural Society, and is Director of the Poultry Section of the Eural Economic Society of the Rhine Provinces. At Huls he has a poultryman in charge of the farm who with two to four students do the work, in which Herr Sweers takes a considerable share, more especially during the summer months- The equipment is excellent in every way, well maintained, practical, and essentially the type of what a small experimental plant should be. The farm consists of 6 morgen (nearly 4 acres), partly occupied by woods. Only two pure breeds are kept here, namely, Brown Leghorns for egg production and Faverolles for flesh and winter eggs. The former stock were originally imported from America, and are exceedingly good in type. The Faverolles are also well selected, How the Poultry Industry is Advanced 99 and although bred mainly for flesh properties, the best pen of this breed have averaged 120 to 150 eggs per annum, and a few hens 180, but as the heaviest layers lose in meat properties such are not encouraged. Winter eggs and rapid growth are the main objects. A few crosses in fowls are being experimented with, as also in ducks and geese. In testing FaveroUes for growth, those which attain the heaviest weights at two months old are retained for breeding. (110) Plant at Huls. — The equipment on this farm is essen- tially modern. Whatever is introduced, and is at the same time practical, appears to be tested. There are about twenty poultry houses in all, largely of the open-fronted form, some of which are supplied with curtain screens. These are of varying sizes, in a few cases holding as many as 100 hens. Each house is provided with double runs, so that the ground may be sweetened by cultivation as they are alternately vacated. An allowance is made of 5 sq. metres for every bird, which works out at about 80 to the acre. Trap nests are freely used. Paths in the runs are formed of ashes, and fruit trees have been planted for shade. The first house erected for layers was on the range plan, in ten compart- ments with runs front and back, the latter in the woods. This is built of cement slabs. It is now used for chickens two months old and upwards. Boosting places are at the back and a scratching shed in front. The incubators and brooders are in one house, which is 100 ft. long by 18 ft. wide. Here the combination appears to work satis- factorily, by reason of the scrupulous cleanliness maintained. Generally speaking I should be doubtful as to the result, but by an efficient system of ventilation and systematic attention to hygiene the plan has here succeeded. The system adopted for heating the brooders is one designed by Herr Sweers. A heater is placed in a well at one end. Pipes pass under the floors of the brooders, which are insulated so that they are cool. Air enters from below, and passing over the pipes is warmed and ascends through a metal cone, working in a thread screw, by means of which the supply of heated air can be more or less regulated. Above is a revolving hover working on the same screw and the height can be graduated in accordance with the age of the inmates. A passage 100 The Poultry Industry in Germany way between each brooder facilitates the work. There is plenty of scratching room, and corresponding runs outside complete. It is a very well designed and fitted house, though probably too costly for ordinary purposes. Light and heating throughout and of the incubators, &c., is obtained by means of a benzine gas-making machine. (Ill) Eesdlts at Huls. — It would be impossible to give even a list of the experiments and observations made by Herr Sweers, but reference may be made to a few, the regular reports of which as published are very valuable. One of these has been referred to above (par. 46), and deserves careful consideration. A great amount of attention has been given to incubation, notably as to loss of weight during the hatching period, which is found almost without exception to be greater in a machine than under a hen. Perhaps an explanation may be found in the observation already recorded. In respect to the question as to whether a hen turns her eggs or not, it is again proved not only that the position of the eggs in a nest is always changing, but that a different surface is upper- most almost every day. Tests were made by incubators as follows : — . of eggs If turned Infertile eggs Chickens hatched 30 Not turned 6 None. 30 Turned once per diem 4 17 30 Turned twice per diem 2 22 12 Turned once per diem 2 10 12 Not turned 6 4 12 Turned once per diem 3 7 12 Not turned 6 3 12 Turned twice per day 1 8 It will be seen, therefore, that whilst a percentage of eggs not turned produced a few chickens the proportion was low. Herr Sweers has also endeavoured to solve the problem of "death in shell," and "mortality in chickens," but, as he says, research of that class requires a long period to complete, and the seven years he has been engaged in the task is not enough to form definite conclusions. In respect to the growth of chickens, these have been developed in twelve weeks to a weight of 1,055 grm. (2 lb. 6^ oz.), at a cost for food of 68 Pfg. (6d.), using mainly crushed barley and green food. Unless a chick will attain 2 lb. in twelve weeks, it is regarded as useless for table purposes. How the Poultry Industry is Advanced 101 It has been found, as I noted nearly thirty-five years ago, that eggs laid by fancy stock give a much smaller percentage of chickens in incubators than under hens, which is attributed to consanguinity. Only eggs from two-year old hens are used for hatching, the yearlings being kept as layers. To secure good males for breeding, eggs from the best hens are hatched naturally, and afterwards the hens are killed, so that there is certainty as to the parentage. The total value of the plant and stock is 22,000 marks (£1,077). In 1909-10 the total receipts were 6,435 marks, and the expenditure, inclusive of depreciation and interest on capital, was 6,343 marks, so that the balance was on the right side, although small. That, however, is a remarkable result for an experimental farm. Eggs and chickens were sold to the value of ^£500. Herr Sweers can be congratulated upon his public spirit, and the stimulus he is giving to the Poultry Industry. (112) PoTJLTET Diseases. — The reports received are to the effect that Germany has been fairly free from disease among poultry, with exceptions which are not of serious importance. In Alsace-Lorraine there have been several outbreaks introduced by fowls from Italy. In 1906-7, infection was reported in twenty com- munes. With the increase of the numbers of fowls kept, and espe- cially upon intensive lines, this question will compel attention. That fact is kept in view. Such disease as I heard of was attributed to imports from Italy. One point deserves special mention, namely, a possible connection between animal and avian diseases. The great show of the German Poultry Society, fixed to be held in Munich last February, was administratively prohibited almost at the last moment, owing to the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle, and to restrictions in movement of stock. It was thought possible that poultry might be the means of spreading the contagion. 102 The Poultry Industry in Germany IX.— EXHIBITIONS, UTILITY AND OTHEEWISE. (113) The Influence of Shows. — Whatever may be the final results of breeding for exhibition, however great the injury done by undue exaltation of artificial points, whether of comb, of colour, of plumage, size, &c., it cannot be denied that the holding of poultry shows has exerted a vast influence in the promotion of the poultry industry, both by the educative effect of seeing high class birds, and the stimulus to better quality on the part of competitors. Nothing does more in the direction of improvement, at least during the earlier stages of development, than promoting one of these exhibitions. Discontent with what we possess is a great factor in striving for something better. Some time ago, when in a distant part of Europe, I was asked by a leading member of the Agri- cultural Department as to what steps should be taken to improve poultry on industrial lines. My reply was, " Hold a poultry show in every district as a first step. Teach the people that there are better fowls than they have ever seen, and thus make them dis- satisfied with what they possess." Smaller shows with a limited radius, and practically restricted in competition between neigh- bours, are of the greatest value. It is the greater exhibitions, with their arbitrary standards, run by those who are professionals, who care little or nothing for economic qualities, that have brought about the cleavage between fancy and utility poultry, which we find almost everywhere that exhibitions are popular. In Britain such is strikingly evident, in Belgium it is equally apparent, and in America the fissure is widening, but in Germany I am inclined to think it is widest of all, probably due to the firm hold which the fancy has obtained. I was assured that the tendency is for the two sections to separate more and more. As with us, poultry breeders for utility have been compelled, in self defence, to disso- ciate themselves from mere fancy breeding. So long as the latter was restricted to the ornamental races, such as Bantams and a few others, no harm was done, but when fanciers have ruined useful o M a la Q o o P3 m Q la < o c5 o o R I > Exhibitions, Utility and Otherwise 103 breeds in the mad race for abnormal developments, such as we have seen in several cases of late years, it became necessary to say "hands off." That step has been taken more definitely in Germany than in Britain, for there administrative action has supported practical poultry breeders. At the same time we must admit the educational value of fancy exhibitions, which have been the means of awakening an interest that would have been difficult to secure in any other way. A further point is that the knowledge and experience of fanciers, more especially those who assume a reasonable position, are often found very valuable in selection of breeds for practical purposes. But for the enterprise of these men, some of the most valuable breeds would never have been known. The point is to get hold of them in the early days before they are ruined. Breeding for exhibition is a powerful factor (par. 11) in Germany. It may be further mentioned that breeding stations buy stock from exhibitors whose records are satisfactory, not otherwise. (114) Two Classes of Shows. — Where Germany has un- doubtedly led the way is by recognition of the fact that exhibitors may powerfully contribute educationally to extension and improve- ment of economic poultry-keeping, but that these must be on practical lines, for the popularization of useful breeds. Hence we find that there are two classes of shows, one promoted and con- trolled by fanciers, in which they can give vent to the play of all their strivings after the exceptional and abnormal ; and the other, in which the breeds exhibited are restricted to those recommended by the respective Chambers of Agriculture, and are judged for their utility value, whilst maintaining strictly the racial characters of each. I have already made reference (par. 95) to the fact of the German Agricultural Society, through its Poultry Committee, by the poultry sections of its annual shows, and by prizes given to other agricultural exhibitions, according powerful support to prac- tical poultry breeding. In Bavaria prizes (usually medals) are offered by the State at poultry shows, which must be open to competitors within a prescribed district, be for breeding stock, bred by exhibitors, or in their possession for at least three months. Shows held between March 15 and May 31, in each year, are not eligible to receive these medals, or for more than three years 104 The Poultry Industry in Germany successively. It would appear to be a general principle throughout the German Empire for the authorities to support shows by prizes, even where other methods of encouragement have not yet been adopted. With all our efforts in the United Kingdom we have never attained the same position, and purely utility shows are practically unknown. At the great majority of our agricultural exhibitions the poultry sections are largely displays of fancy fowls. At some of the ordinary German Poultry Exhibitions there are utility classes, and in a few cases the Agricultural Societies give medals to fancier's societies, but not money. It may be mentioned that fancy shows are increasing in number and importance. (115) German Poultry Breeders' Club. — One of the most important Utility Poultry Shows is held by this Society (Klub Deutscher Gefliigelzuchter) which was founded in 1896, and is on an important scale. The club, however, is not restricted in its operations to the holding of an exhibition, for, as already mentioned (par. 94) , it organizes the sale of produce. It aims to {a) Awaken interest in poultry-breeding by means of the club organ, the German Agricultural Poultry Journal, which gives information and advice on the general management of poultry, as well as by the publication of official papers and reports. (&) Organize the sale of eggs and poultry by establishment of places for disposal of produce. (c) Encourage poultry-breeding by providing at the places of sale at reasonable prices stock birds, eggs for hatching, &c., from the special breeding stations promoted by the Club. {d) Provide a poultry-breeder's library, from which single volumes can be borrowed by members. (e) Adopt measures for encouragement of poultry-breeding by State and Provincial Departments, and to protect home poultry- breeding as against the excessive trade from foreign countries. {t) Hold poultry shows, prepare reports, offer premiums and honour prizes in various districts, in order to advance poultry breeding. The methods adopted include : (1) Breeding stations, (2) shops for sale of Trinkeier (new laid eggs), and (3) fattening stations. The first named of these are supplied with suitable stock by the Club. As to the second eggs are only received from branches Exhibitions, Utility and Otherwise 105 Eules are laid down as to the collection of eggs, weight, and stamping; also as to testing prior to sale. If these are not observed expulsion may result. In respect to the Fattening Stations promoted by the Club, these receive lean birds from members, and undertake the final work of preparation and killing, as well as that of marketing. (116) Show at Cassbl. — As previously mentioned (par. 84), I had an opportunity of visiting the Annual Exhibition of the German Agricultural Society, held in June, at Cassel, where Herr Georges Hartmann, whom I had met previously at St. Petersburg and Eome, rendered me invaluable service. The poultry section embraced a combination of all the breeds recommended by Chambers of Agriculture in the country, a list of which has already been given. In what may be termed provincial or local exhibitions only those would be included which are regarded as suitable to that district. The ordinary classes at Cassel were either for one male, or, in the case of fowls and ducks, three females, or, in geese and turkeys, two females. The prizes ranged from 5 marks to 12 marks. Other classes were for breeding pens, consisting respectively of one cock and six hens, one drake and four ducks, one gander and three geese, and one turkey cock and four hens. In addition were separate classes for ten chickens, ten ducklings, five young geese and five young turkeys, respec- tively, the prizes for which ranged from 20 to 50 marks. These groups of birds were provided for in separate houses and yards, the ducks and geese with water runs. In the eight classes devoted to groups there were 149 entries, so that the display was large and attractive. Unfortunately the day of my visit was very wet, so that it was impossible to form a fair judgment as to the birds. Such as were observed appeared to be of a good type, some of the older specimens, however, being out of feather. As a show it was essentially practical in the class of poultry exhibited. Mention may also be made of a valuable educational section arranged by the Central Society, embracing all sections of Agri- culture, inclusive of models and diagrams. It was better than anything I have seen before, though some of the Paris displays are Tery fine. Evidently no money is spared to make it complete. 106 The Poultry Industry in Germany (117) Judging Utility Poultry. — As in the United Kingdom, what is known as the comparison method of judging is adopted at fancy shows in Germany. In this connection it may be mentioned that the American score card system is not usual in other countries. On the other hand poultry for utility purposes are judged by points. As these present novel features, which may be commended for the consideration of all who are specially concerned with the promotion of practical races, and specially at Agricultural Shows, I give the plan upon which marks are awarded. At such exhibitions it is customary to have two sections as already mentioned, namely, one for ordinary exhibitors, with single males in one class, and two or three females in the other, and the second for exhibits from Poultry Breeding Centres and Stations, which are usually in breeding pens or groups. Different scales of points are prepared for these. In the first-named for fowls and other large birds, 25 marks are allocated, and usually accorded as follow : — Very good 4 Good 3 Moderate 2 Poor 1 Bad or disqualified . . visions are : — Maximum (1) Shape 4 (2) Health and condition 4 (3) Uniformity 4 (4) Head and neck 3 (5) Back and tail 8 (6) Breast and underparts 3 (7) Plumage 2 (8) Feet 2 In the second section, that for centres and stations, the divisions are (a) For birds above one year old : (1) Breeding and utility values (2) Health and condition . . (8) Uniformity of development (4) Head and neck (5) Body (6) Tail.. (7) Plumage . . (8) General carriage . Total .. .. 25 breeding-pen exhibits from Maximum 20 15 20 10 10 5 15 5 Total 100 Exhibitions, Utility and Otherwise 107 (b) For young birds (1) Breeding and utility values Maximum .. 30 (2) Development .. 20 (3) Health and condition . . .. 20 (4) Uniformity .. 20 (5) General appearance .. 10 Total .. 100 In order to secure iprizes in the two last-named sections the totals of marks must be as follows : — First prize at least 90 points Second prize .. .. .. .. . . „ „ 80 ,, Third and fourth prizes . . . . . . , , , , 70 , , Commended „ ,, 60 „ It is evident from the above that, whilst external characteristics have a reasonable place, the error made in fancy standards of giving the minor points, such as colour of plumage, markings, and abnormal features, the supreme position is avoided. An essential factor is that the judges appointed shall be practical poultry- keepers, not fanciers. (118) Prizes foe Appliances. — A similar method is applied to classes for poultry houses, &c., which are provided at leading exhibitions, in order to appreciate their practical value to the purpose for which they are designed. Poultry Hodsbs. (1) Value of structure with regard to its purpose and climatic conditions . . (2) Internal arrangements . . (3) Capacity for the number of inmates (4) Light and ventilation . . (5) Facility of handling and cleaning (6) Protecting against vermin Total Chicken Houbks and Bboodebs, (1) Capacity for the number of inmates . . (2) Internal arrangements . . (3) Eegulation of temperature for day and night (4) Light and ventilation . . (5) Shelter in bad weather . . (6) Facility of handling and cleaning (7) Protection against vermin (8) Cost of making Total Maxim mn 6 6 4 4 3 2 25 4 4 4 8 8 2 2 2 24 In the regulations of the Cassel Show exhibitors of birds had to make a declaration that they were not poultry dealers. 108 The Poultry Industry in Germany X.— SUMMAEY AND CONCLUSIONS. (119) Infltjencb op Gbeman Developments. — From what has already been recorded, it is evident that to a greater extent than in the past decade Germany will become an increasing factor of the inter-European trade in eggs and poultry, and, therefore, exert a vast influence upon producing and consuming countries, in the former by offering another market, in the latter by competing for supplies. The question is, Will she in the near future be able to produce a much larger volume of these two products than at present, and advance home supplies beyond her growth of con- sumption ? Or, on the other hand, Will she require more from the producing countries, and thus continue to absorb at an increasing ratio that which has hitherto found its most profitable outlet in Great Britain? I cannot but regard the problem thus presented as worthy of careful consideration, and one which must be met. It cannot be dismissed as of small moment. So far as the first of these questions is concerned, whilst there is little doubt that the coming years will see a steady growth in production of eggs and poultry throughout the German Empire, I am unable to discern that for some time to come there is any probability of native produc- tion advancing equally to the growth of demand. Eestrictions on imports, such as those referred to above (par. 20) may be imposed, but it is a question of food supply, and that cannot permanently be retarded adversely to the public need. On the other hand, so far as the second point is concerned, with a rapidly increasing popula- tion, with advancing purchasing power and standards of living, consumption must grow to an even greater extent. Doubtless in process of time the drift to the industrial and commercial centres will be checked, and a reaction take 'place. But that time is not in view. Meanwhile, it is a matter of price, and of nearness to the sources of supply, as already shown (pars. 21 and 34). When the German people are willing to pay the top rates they will secure the goods, an evidence of which has already been experienced at Frank f or t-on-the-Main. Summary and Conclusions (120) How Geeat Britain is Apfbctbd. — It has already been stated that improved quality of produce stimulates consumption and demand. There is, however, a limit in that direction. Experi- ence has shown that one of the results of enhanced prices alone is to reduce the sale. The fact is within the knowledge of every producer, trader and householder. A small section of the community will have eggs whatever the cost. These are more than sufficient to absorb all the best quality supplies produced within these islands, and there is no immediate prospect of production exceeding con- sumption. Probably five times as many eggs are eaten in April as in November, and the disproportion would be immensely greater were it not for preserved supplies, which arrive in such vast quantities during the autumn and winter. In 1909, 27 per cent, of the eggs received from foreign countries during the entire year were landed from September 1 to December 31, the period of greatest scarcity. "Without these under present conditions there would be an egg famine at that season of the year, with prices that would kill demand, simply because our people could not afford to buy. As it is, every advance of 3d. per dozen eliminates purchasers, who either do not use any at all or accept inferior qualities. One instance in proof will suffice : A great catering company, using thousands of eggs weekly at its numerous branches, buys English very largely from March to September, when they can be profitably retailed boiled or poached at 2d. each, but as soon as the prices rise only foreign are used. And that is largely true in hundreds of thousands of households. Their needs must in one way or another be provided for, which can be done. So long as prices for inferior grades of foreign supplies were low, we could leave this trade to producers abroad, but the advances made have altered the whole aspect of affairs. The time appears to be fast approaching when it will be profitable to produce practically all the eggs required within the United Kingdom. (121) Dangbes of Inflated Peicbs. — There is, however, another aspect of the question demanding consideration. All grades of eggs have advanced in price within recent years, the higher as well as the lower. Improvement of methods of marketing have raised the standard of quality. Supplies which at one time were ranked as seconds or thirds have been brought into the first 110 The Poultry Industry in Germany category, returning higher prices to producers. Householders have shown willingness to purchase these in spite of the enhancement of prices. But we have now come to the point when all the signs are that any further increase in values will seriously check consumption. That is of considerable importance to producers and consumers alike, and every effort should be put forth to increase home production, in order that the rapidly growing extent to which eggs have entered into the food of our people shall not be stopped by advance of prices beyond what can be obtained, due to a tendency which will assuredly develop as a result of decreasing foreign supplies unless counteracted. The margin of profit is, for farmers, sufficient to make the business remunerative, and there need be no fear that, if the right methods of production and marketing in accordance with modern requirements be adopted, any danger exists of over-supply. What we should strive for is avoidance of any check to consumption, as that would be serious in the extreme. Producers and traders naturally seek to obtain the highest returns, which is desirable. There is, however, a limit, and I submit to all concerned that such has been reached. It is not suggested that the number of people who are prepared to pay good prices cannot be increased, for I am confident that these may be educated to a higher standard of quality ; but the result desired will not be attained by an inflation of present prices for the best quality eggs. What we want to do is to produce more and prevent a continued advance in values. It is wiser to sell a thousand eggs at a good average rate than to find an outlet for a hundred on an exorbitant scale. My reason for calling special attention to this aspect of the question is that I am certain it is of supreme import- ance to the poultry industry of this country, which, given favourable conditions, is capable of enormous extension. That, however, will only be if consumption is stimulated and encouraged by giving fair value for money. (122) EuTUEE Peobabilities. — To prophesy is not my province. But to anticipate changes and developments in the light of past experience is necessary, and that must be attempted. The total volume of imported eggs in 1910 was about 155,000 tons. If in the near future, as is possible and probable, merchants in Italy, Austria-Hungary, and South-eastern Europe find it more profitable Summary and Conclusions 111 to sell entirely to Germany, and, as a consequence, nearly half the Eussian produce is deviated to that country, instead of continuing to make Britain the chief market, that would mean a reduction of our foreign supplies by something like 65,000 tons, or 934,000,000 eggs. We should be dependent upon Danish, French, and half our present Eussian imports, with the comparatively few received from the Colonies and other countries. Without a commensurate increase either in home supplies or by finding new sources, the result could not fail to be disastrous in the extreme. Curtailment of shipments of preserved eggs in the winter months would cause a still more rapid increase in values, and under those conditions 6d. per egg for " new-laids " in November and December is quite within the bounds of probability. Frankly speaking, after a careful survey of the posi- tion, after inquiries as to possible developments in other countries I cannot discover any which are likely within the near future to fill the gap that would thus be created. Consumption all over the world is growing rapidly, even among those nations which have heretofore sold rather than ate the produce, which shows every sign of continuing at an increasing ratio. There may be lands which will step into the breach, but where they are I am unable to discern. At one time it seemed as if we might draw from South America, but eggs are dearer in Buenos Ayres than they are in London. Moreover, we should have the competition of demand from the United States, if there were any to export. The fact is we must depend upon our own resources to a greater extent than ever before, and develop production in every section of the United King- dom. That is the great lesson to be learnt from the present inquiry, one which should be pressed home upon all those who are concerned. (123) Conclusions. — In the multiplicity of observations made during the course of this inquiry, many present no features other than we are already familiar with in the United Kingdom. In these cases it is unnecessary to make any recommendations. The differences between Germany and the other countries previously reported upon are very marked. In fact. Great Britain and Germany in their economic conditions and process of evolution are remarkably alike, except in point of time, as we undertook the work of developing the poultry industry at an earlier period. The following points are submitted as deserving consideration : — 112 The Poultry Industry in Germany (a) That the breeding of fancy poultry may be made a leading step to the evolution of practical breeding on industrial lines, and rightly applied, exhibitions help in creating a desire for better breeds. But that when such breeding is regardless of economic qualities ordinary fancy shows are of small value and may be an injury rather than a help. (&) That whilst it is essential the class of poultry selected should be suited to the conditions found in, and requirements of, any district, and that when native races conform to such tests these should be selected, the policy adopted for development of the national food supplies should be to secure the best and most pro- ductive breeds that can be found, whatever their place of origin. Frequently, as with stock and plants, those imported yield greater results than such as have been bred for generations on the same soil, due to stimulus as a result of changed conditions, though it is often found the result thus achieved is not permanent. The poultry industry in the United Kingdom has been built up on these lines, which are confirmed by German experience. (c) That for practical purposes the greatest results are obtained when one, or at most two, breeds are generally kept within a given area, leading to more rapid advance, to uniformity of products, and giving a special character to the egg or poultry from that district. As examples, the breeding of table poultry in Sussex and West Kent, and of milk chickens in North-West Hanover, are cited. Mixed production is seldom satisfactory, except in districts where the consuming centres are near at hand. There, as a rule, egg production is of greater importance than that of table poultry. {d) That poultry farms, restricted to producing eggs and poultry for food purposes, have not proved profitable in Germany, but that this branch of live stock may be made an important addition to the returns obtained by farmers and small occupiers. Therefore, the main object should be to increase the number of fowls and improve the methods of breeding and management on general farms, in order to advance the National- food reserves. At the same time it is evident that breeding farms or centres are necessary to provide improved breeds, otherwise the tendency would be to degeneracy, and the business become unprofitable. (e) That, as recommended in the Belgian Eeport (par. 106), an attempt should be made to introduce the system of breeding, by Summary and Conclusion 113 those living in the open and more thinly populated parts of the country, of chickens intended to be sold to farmers and others when about three months old for the replenishment of their flocks. This would create a new industry in many areas where the conditions are favourable, but where few fowls are now kept, would supply farmers, &c., with vigorous and naturally reared birds capable of high production, and relieve them from the keeping of breeding stock and the work of rearing. To some extent in Britain this has been done by the sale of day-old chickens, though that trade is mainly with private residents and small poultry-keepers. What is here suggested would be for older birds, hatched under more favourable conditions, and mainly to farmers. (/) That the system of rearing chickens under glass as carried out in Belgium and at Eudesheim (par. 102), should be tested on an adequate scale, more especially for the early raising of table poultry. In that case the birds should have sufficient head room, and the buildings be freely ventilated. {g) That there appears no reason why milk chickens should not be produced to a much larger extent in the United Kingdom, both in egg-producing districts in order to provide a more profitable market for the surplus cockerels at an early age, and where small holders are prepared to specialize in this direction. To this end it is essential that such a system shall be generally adopted within a given area, so as to ensure an adequate supply of fairly uniform birds, and that the final killing, plucking and marketing shall be conducted at fixed centres, co-operative or otherwise. This would appear to offer a new line of operations for co-operative egg and poultry societies. Qi) That allotment holders in rural and industrial districts by combination, as at Oberrad (par. 107) be encouraged to unite in occupation of land, but on an adequate scale, and by mutual inter- course and interchange of observations and experience, add to the interest and profits of the pursuit. The large number of Poultry Societies throughout the United Kingdom would find a vast exten- sion of their influence by adoption of such a system. (i) That whilst "the system of breeding centres and stations so generally adopted in Germany, has proved of great value in Ireland, and will have an equal influence in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, it is undesirable that public money should be 8 114 The Poultry Industry in Germany expended for the establishment of breeding stations in England, Wales and Southern Scotland, the ground having been already occupied by private breeders, who have contributed so greatly to the development of the poultry industry, and who are capable of meeting the requirements of these sections. In Germany the low prices at which birds and eggs for hatching are sold at breeding stations have practically taken from individuals this opportunity, which would be an injustice in this country. At the same time demonstration stations and farms connected with Farm Institutes and Agricultural Colleges should be encouraged to produce fowls of high prolificacy, which would be sold to breeders, and thus occupy the position held by breeding centres in Germany. The prices charged should, in that case, be adequate. {j) That in each county premiums be offered for the best managed poultry upon farms not exceeding 50 acres, such premiums to be of £3 or £5 each, to be expended in new stock or plant. The effect of inspection and of striving to secure the premium could not fail to exert a vast influence in an upward direction. A few such premiums annually in each parliamentary division would be money well expended. {k) That the modest application in Germany of the system of travelling poultry instructors should indicate the lines of develop- ment for our County Councils in their extended schemes of agricul- tural education, and lead to an immediate adoption of the plan recommended by the Development Commissioners and the Board of Education. (Z) That teaching and trading should be distinct. We have suffered by lecturers who were largely commercial travellers to obtain orders for stock or appliances. In Germany the same mistake is being made. It means that public authorities must pay a " hving wage " to their teachers and instructors, which they have not always done, and then insist upon freedom from trade connections. (m) That a determined effort be made to restrict the poultry sections of Agricultural Shows to utihty breeds suitable for farm operations, and that an attempt be put forth to establish utility poultry exhibitions, both of which to be judged for practical qualities, plus racial characters, and not in accordance with fancy standards. Summary and Conclusion 115 (n) That education, elementary, advanced, and scientific, in poultry keeping, shall be an integral part of the teaching at farm institutes, of which the Lancashire County Council Poultry Farm at Hutton, near Preston, and that at Erlangen, in Bavaria, may be regarded as models, and that at all Agricultural Colleges lectures upon practical poultry shall be a recognized part of the curriculum, with a fully-equipped poultry station similar to that of the West of Scotland Agricultural College at Kilmarnock. It is recognized that in Germany there is no centre at which the higher branches of the poultry industry can be both theoretically and practically taught. Further, that our greater progress makes a National Poultry Institute essential. (o) That Germany has not yet, excepting the case of the Gefliigel Hubertus, at Huls, attempted higher research and experi- mental work, but its importance is being realized. (p) That the possible association of animal and avian diseases demands investigation. (q) That the adoption of co-operative methods of collection and marketing in Hanover and Oldenburg has greatly improved the quality of eggs, by making the producer responsible and rewarding him for the adoption of better methods by enhancement of returns, and that although the trade done by co-operative societies is small as compared with that of traders, the latter have been compelled to adopt better systems and pay better prices ; and (r) That the adoption of the Continental plan of selling geese in portions might be followed by retailers in Britain with great advantage, probably leading to a vast increase of demand and consumption. It is, therefore, commended to tbe trade. Many urban housewives have not much more use for an entire goose than they would have for a whole pig. As a result of the present system the members of their families seldom, if ever, taste goose flesh. Turkeys might be dealt with in the same manner. (124) What Should be Done. — The facts here recorded indicate that action must be taken, and without delay — action upon a wide and systematic basis. That a great increase of poultry-keeping in the United Kingdom has marked the last twelve to fifteen years is unquestionable. My own estimate is that we now produce ;£5,000,000 worth per annum more eggs and poultry than fifteen 116 The Poultry Industry in Germany years ago, such advance having been mainly in England and Ireland. The Irish people have done v^onders, and the poultry industry of that country, which probably has the greatest pro rata production of any nation in the world, stands second among its agricultural pursuits. Wales and Scotland are only now awakening to their opportunities in this direction. All the four countries are capable of multiplying production iii this branch three- or four-fold, Scotland probably sixfold, and with thorough organization in marketing the results cannot fail to add materially to the returns of farmers of every class, for poultry could be increased to the extent named without displacement of any existing stock or crop. To produce the 934,000,000 of eggs referred to in the preceding paragraph would need an addition to our stock of laying hens of about 10,000,000. But as there are upwards of 46,500,000 acres of cultivated land in the United Kingdom, it requires less than a quarter of a hen per acre to reach that total. I take it that in every country the home produce will always command the highest prices, by reason of the fact that it can be sold in the finest condition. It is folly expecting that eggs produced in Mayo can reach Manchester as fresh as those from Denbigh or Cumberland, or that eggs laid in the Orkneys or Sutherland will, in Edinburgh, prove of equal value to those produced in Fife or Haddington. But, as I have shown, there are varying degrees in the prices obtainable, and supplies from every section of the kingdom can find a profitable outlet. Scotland and Ireland are both nearer to the great British centres of population than is Denmark, and should be able to supply quality as good, if not better. We must look, therefore, to them to meet the vast demand for what may be termed a second- class trade, and seek to provide for the better grades by increased production in England and Wales, where the distances between the producing and great consuming centres are comparatively short. To accomplish this desirable result systematic and determined effort must be put forth, equally in education and organization. I cannot but compare unfavourably our own lethargic and half- hearted methods, more especially those of the County Councils of England and Wales, with the systematic adoption of general policy adopted in Germany. In a monthly journal' it is stated that in ' Illustrated Poultry Becord, December, 1910, p. 108. Summary and Conclusion 117 1908-09 twenty-six English and "Welsh counties provided no instruc- tion whatever in poultry-keeping, and that these counties comprise great tracts of country embracing 10,027,768 acres of cultivated land of all sorts and conditions, or nearly 37 per cent, of England and Wales, in which no (poultry) instruction was placed within reach of the entire population, save the infinitesimal proportion of those who are able to go to agricultural colleges and schools. Also that over the rest of the country the provision made is totally inadequate. It is not in this manner we shall meet what is an imminently serious condition of things. Edwabd Bbown. 52, Queen Anne's Chambers, Westminster, S.W., November, 1911. 118 INDEX. Absence of Dairies and Poulterers, 77 Absorption of Moisture in Incubators, 48 Acknowledgments, 3 Advance in Prices, 19, 26, 46 Age of Milk Chickens, 57 ,, Stock, 101 Agriculture in Germany, 44 Agricultural Colleges, Poultry at, 114, 115 ,, Shows, 114 ,, University, Berlin, 84 Albreeht, Herr Felix, 89 Alien Breeds, 71 Allotment Holders, 113 Alsace-Lorraine, Breeding Stations in, 86 ,, Diseases in, 101 American Ideas, 89 A Permanent Change, 89 Appeurodt, Mr. H., 60 Appliances, Judging, 107 Arsamas Geese, 67 Artificial Hatching and Rearing, 47, 56 Atmospheric Conditions, 10 Attinger, Dr., 18, 16, 94 Austro-Hungarian Supplies of Eggs, 42 Average Egg Production, 13, 94 ,, Values of Imported Eggs, 43 Baden, 6, 82, 88 „ Breeding Stations in, 86 Baltic Provinces, 2 Bantam Breeding, 14 Barley Meal, 58, 64 Barnstaple Market, 77 Bauerman, Herr Carl, 29 Bavaria, 6 „ Breeding Stations in, 86 ,, Grants in, 84 Bavarian Production, 82 „ Tariff, 25 Bearded Thuringian Fowl, 71 Beeck, Professor, 74, 84, 89 Belgian Breeds, 71 Belgium, Comparisons with, 8 , , Italian Chickens in, 52 Benzine gas-heating, 100 Berlin, 26 „ Goose Market at, 64 Better Quality, Demand for, 37 Biuner, Herr, 64 Bischeim, near Strasburg, 69 Blue Swedish Duck, 74 Bohemian Chickens, 33 Boiled Eggs for Breakfast, 38 Bokenem by Hildesheim, 78 " Bracken" Geese, 65 Breakfast, Boiled Eggs for, 38 Breeders' Club, German Poultry, 104 Breeding Centres, 87, 94, 113 „ Farms Required, 112 ,, Pens at Shows, 105 Stations, 54, 57, 84, 86, 104, 113 Breeds at Huls, 98 ,, at Oberrad, 97 „ of Fowls for Milk Chickens, 57 ,, of Geese, 62 „ of Poultry at Breeding Centres, 91, 93 ,, of Poultry at Teaching Centres, 90 ,, must Conform to Local Condi- tions, 112 Briquettes, 49 Briquette Heating of Brooders, 89, 91 British Consular Agents, 3 ,, Imports, 41 , , Poultry Federation, 82 ,, Supplies, Germany's Influence, on, 17 Brooder Houses, 89, 91, 93 Brooders, 47, 49, 57, 99 Judging, 107 Brown, Mr. Will, 4 ,, Nassau Fowls, 74, 92 Buckwheat, 49, 54, 58 Buildings at Erlangen, 92 Cages for Geese Fattening, 69 Carlisle Market, 77 Cars for Geese, 64 Cart Wheel Perches, 93 Oassel, Exhibition at, 73, 105 Caution Money, 81 Cement Slab Poultry House, 99 Census of Geese, 61 „ Poultry, 11 Chambers of Agriculture, 79, 80, 84, 85 Change, A Permanent, 39 Changed Conditions, 72 Changes in Pood Consumed, 3, 17 ,, Outlook, 45 Charcoal for Geese, 69 Index 119 Check to Consumption by Advance in Prices, 32, 110 Chemnitz, 14, 30 Chicken Classes at Shows, 105 „ Houses, Judging, 107 Chickens at Munich, 83 „ at Winsen, 64 ,, Consumption of, 53 ,, Growth of, 100 Chilling the Geese, 70 Classes at Shows, 105 Class of Geese Imported, 66 Cleanliness, 46 Cleanly Habits, 58 Cleavage between Fancy and Utility, 102 Climatic and Soil Conditions, 10 ,, Influences, 45 Clove of Garlic, 70 Club at Oberrad, 97 Clubs and Societies, Poultry, 14 Cochin Mania, The, 72 Cock Fighting, 13 Collection of eggs, 81 Colony System not Adopted, 46 Combination of Co-operative Societies, 81 Combined Production, 59 Comparative Values, 37 Comparison Judging, 106 Competition for Supplies, 40 Conclusions, 111 Consanguinity, 100 Consumption, Check to, 110 ,, GrowinginGermauy, 1,17,40 , , Increased more rapidly than production, 16 ,, in Wurtemburg, 34 , , of Bggs and Chickens, 8 of Goose Flesh, 60 Continuous Brooders, 89 Contrasts in German People, 7 Cooked Fish, 58 Cooking Geese, 60 Cooling Eggs, 48 Co-operation in Germany, 18, 78, 94, 115 Co-operative Marketing, 28 ,, Societies, 84 Cost of Feeding Geese, 61 ,, Geese at Berlin, 66 „ Quarantine, 65 ,, Bearing Chickens, 100 „ Teaching Centres, 88, 89 Country Eggs (Landeier), 26, 29 ,, Markets, 77 County Councils in Britain, 116 Courses at Teaching Centres, 88 Cramming Geese at Strasburg, 69 Crefeld, 36 CroUwitz Duck, 74 Fowl, 74 ,, Teaching Centre at, 49, 88. 89, 93 ,, Turkey, 75 Crook-sticks for Geese, 66 Cultivation in Poultry Runs, 99 Dangers of Inflated Prices, 109 Danish Central Associations, 81 ,, Example, The, 75 ,, Supplies, 41, 42 Day-old Chickens, 85, 113 Dealers and Produce, 77 Death in Shell, 48, 100 Decline in Foreign Supplies, 42 Declining Production of Geese, 61 Demand for Better Quality, 37 ,, Ducks Increasing, 55 „ Foodstuffs, 10 ,, Relative, 50 Demonstration Centres, 88 ,, Stations and Farms, 114 Depots for Sale of Eggs, 82 Desire for Finer Pood, 39 Developments, Probable, 16 Diepholz Geese, 62 Diseased Livers, 68 Disease in Geese, 65 ,, in Russia, 24 „ Introduced from Italy, 52 Diseases, Animal and Avian, 115 „ Poultry, 101 Dissemination of Disease, 101 ,, Information, 84 Distribution of Pure-bred Fowls, 84 Districts, Poultry, 14 Does a Hen turn her Eggs, 100 Dorking Fowls, 57 Double Runs, 99 Drain of Rural Population, 3, 44 Dresden, 29, 61 Ducks, 55, 93 ,, at Winsen, 64 ,, Breeds of, 73 ,, Breeding Stations for, 87 „ Census of, 11 Duck Farms, 15 Durigen, Professor, 84 Du Boi, Herr Hugo, 83 Dutch supplies to Germany, 40 East Prussia, 95 Education in Poultry Keeping, 115 Educational Section at Cassel Show, 105 „ Value of Exhibitions. 102 Effect of Better Quality of Eggs, 38 , , Decline in Imports, 111 „ Ideals, 71 ,, Increased Price of Meat, 36 ,, Low Prices, 51 Egg Boom at Erlangen, 92 ,, Supply, Increase of, 50 Eggs a Finished Product, 51 , , Consumption of, 50 ,, for Hatching, Distribution of, 84 85 „ Prices of, 80 Ehrenbaoher, Herr S., 32 Embden Geese, 62 Emigration, 44 Enclosures of Land, 61 Enemies to Poultry, 45 England, 116 120 Index English Climate, 10 Enhanced Prices, Influence of, 109 „ ,, of Geese, 66 Enquiry, Objects of, 1 Entrance Fees in Co-operative Societies, 81 Equipment at Huls, 99 „ Teaching Centres, Cost of, 89,92 Erding, Teaching Centre at, 88, 92, 98 Erlangen Breeding Centre, 54, 88, 98, 115 ,, Teaching Centre at, 92 Esslingen, Poultry Farm at, 15 Estimate as to Total Production, 16 Evaporation of Eggs, 48 " Evolution of Modem Germany, The," 5 „ Poultry Industry, 13 Exhibition at Cassel, 73 ,, System, 14 Exhibitions, 94, 112 „ Influence of, 83 „ Utility, and Otherwise, 102, 114 Exhibits from Poultry Centres and Sta- tions, 106 Experimental Work, 88, 97, 115 Experiments, 94 Exports of Eggs and Poultry, 22, 28 Exportazlone Uova Bernardinelli Guardini and Co., 52, 53 Extension, Lines of, 51 Fanciers' Ideals, 83 „ Shows, 102, 103 Fancy Breeding, 112 „ Poultry, 13 „ Shows of little Value, 112 ,, Stock, Eggs from, 100 Farm Institutes, 114, 115 Farmers and Poultry, 12, 47 , , Wives and Servants, 45 Farms, Poultry, 112 Fattening, 54, 93 „ Geese, 63, 67, 68 ,, Sheds at Winsen, 64 „ Stations, 104 FaveroUes Fowls, 57, 98 Feeding, 49 ,, Milk Chickens, 57 „ the Geese at Strasburg, 69 Fees for Instruction, 89 Few Professional Breeders, 15 „ Portable Houses, 46, 47 Pinal Stages of Goose Fattening, 70 Finkenwalde, 88 Fiscal System, 6 Florsheim, 54 Food, 93 ,, for Geese, 63 ,, in Fattening Geese, 67 ,, Supplies, 3 Foot and Mouth Disease and Poultry, 101 Foreign Supplies at Frankfort, 35 ,, V. English Eggs, 109 Fowls, Breeding Stations for, 86 ,, Census of, 11 Fowls kept around the Homesteads, 46 Prance, Comparisons with, 7 Prankfort-on-the-Main, 34 Free Incubators and Brooders, 96 French Breeds, 71 ,, Supplies of Eggs, 42 Fresh Eggs, 31 Fried Goose Skin, 60 Fruit Trees in Poultry Buns, 99 Future Probabilities, 110 Gain from Alien Breeds, 73 Geese, Breeding Stations for, 87 „ Breeds of, 62, 73 „ Census of, 11 ,, Consumption of, 8 , , Declining Production of, 61 ,, Fattening, 90 ,, Imported, Class of, 66 ,, Imports of, 20 Sale of, 66 ,, Sale of in Portions, 115 "GefliigelBorse," 26 Gefliigelhof Hubertus, Huls, 98 Gefliigelzucht Directors, 84 General Production, 50 ,, Purpose Breeds of Fowls, 73 " Genossensohaftlicher EierKauf," 79 German Agricultural Society, 46, 83 Breeds of Poultry, 71 Consul- General, London, 4 Developments, Influence of, 108 Empire, The, 5 Imports, 51 Poultry Breeders' Club, 82, 87, 104 ,, Poultry Production, 7 Germany's Influence on British Supplies, 17 Germany, the Greatest Importer in the World, 39 Giblets, Goose, 33 ,, Sale of, 60 Glass, Rearing Chickens under, 113 Goose Breasts, Smoked, 60 „ Breeding and Consumption, 60 ,, Eaters, Berliners Great, 26 ,, Fat, 70 „ Fattening Plants, 62, 66 „ Flesh, 60 „ Livers, 60, 67 ,, Market at Berlin, 64 „ Skin, Fried, 60 ,, Sheds, 63 ,, Trains, 64 „ Waggons, 66 Grading of Eggs, 81 Grants to Chambers of Agriculture, 84 Great Britain, how it is affected, 109 Greater Consumption of Eggs, 17 Groats, 58 Group Classes, 105 Growth of Chickens, 100 ,, of German Imports, 19 „ of Production, 77 Index 121 Grubsohutz, 88 Guarantees of Quality, 80 Haas, Herr Director, 92 Halle University, 84 Hamburg, 14, 27 ,, Chickens, 55 Hanover, 14, 28, 78, 79 Hartmann, Herr Georges, 105 Hatching and Bearing, 47 „ House, 93 ,, of Eggs from Fancy Stock, 101 Heating the Brooders, 99 Hen Money, 12 Hesse-Darmstadt, Breeding Stations in, 86 Hesse-Nassau, 85, 90 HiUy Districts, 7 His Majesty's Foreign Secretary, 3 History of German Poultry Industry, 83 Home Production must be increased, 111 Houses at Rudesheim, 91 „ Judging, 107 „ Poultry, 46, 93-95 Hovedissen, 88 Hover in Brooder, 99 How Great Britain is affected, 109 How Prices affect Demand, 109 How the Poultry Industry is advanced, 83 Huls, Experiment Station at, 98 Hungary, Geese from, 60 Ideals, Effect of, 71 Impelling Influences, 51 Import Duties, 22, 61 Imported Breeds a Necessity, 72 ,, „ of Poultry, 71 Imports and Exports, 22 „ at Stuttgart, 34 „ from Various Countries, 20 „ Growth of German, 19 „ into Great Britain, 41, 42 ,, of Geese, 60 „ of Italian Chickens, 52 ,, Bestrictions on, 108 Improved Marketing, 109 Improvement of Quality of Eggs, 79 Increased Consumption at Frankfort, 84 ,, ,, of Eggs and Poul- try, 17 ,, Production in United Kingdom, 115 Increase of Egg Supply, 50 ,, Population, 3, 9 ,, Production, 110 Increasing Consumption, 40 Incubator Experiment, 48 „ Hatched Chickens, 101 ,, Houses, 89 „ Booms, 91, 92 Incubators and Brooders, 47, 56, 57, 99 Indian Corn, 69 Industrial Developments, 3, 9 Inflated Prices, Dangers of, 109 Influence of Alien Eaces, 72 Influence of German Developments, 108 „ Shows, The, 102 Inherent Laying Tendency, 75 Initial Stages, 8 Injured Geese, 65 Inspection of Plants, 96 Instructors, Practical, 94, 114 Interim Beport, 2 Intermediary Profits, 78 Introduction, 1 Ireland, 116 Italian Eggs in Frankfort, 37 „ Fowls, Disease from, 101 ,, Layers, 52 „ Supplies of Eggs, 42 Journal, Poultry, 104 Judging, Appliances, 107 Brooders, 107 by Points, 106 Chicken Houses, 107 Houses, 107 Tables, 106 Utility Poultry, 108 Kahl, Herr Heiurich, 58, 63 Kaufmann, Herr, 15, 78 Reiser, Herr Inspector, 90 Killing Machine, 90 Klub Deutscher Gefliigelzuohter, 82, 87, 104 Knispel, Herr Oscar, 46, 83 Kreutzer, Herr, 96 Lancashire County Council Farm, Hutton, 115 Landwirtschaftkammers, 84 Landeier (Country Eggs), 26, 29, 30 Languages, 5 Laying Breeds of Fowls, 73 „ Qualities, 94 Lean Chickens, Costly, 53 Leghorns, Brown, 98 ,, Fowls in Denmark, 75 Leipzig, 14, 81 Lessons from Inquiry, 111 Library, Poultry Breeders', 104 Limited Consumption of Eggs and Chickens, 8 Lines of Extension, 51 Livers, Goose, 67 Living Wage, A, 114 Local Buyers, 77 ,, Societies, 96 „ Supplies, 18, 50 Log Poultry Houses, 93 Londerzeel, Belgium, 91 Loss of Weight in Eggs, 100 Low Averages, 12 „ Prices, Effect of, 8, 51 Magerviehhof Market, 64 122 Index Mahlsdorf, 88 Mainz, 35 Maize, 49 Malines Dead Poiiltry, 25 Management, 75 Manufactures, Eggs for, 17 Manure, Goose, 69 Manurial Value of Poultry, 12 Margins of Prices, 40 Market at Munich, 33 Marketing, Improved, 109 ,, the Produce, 77 ,, Milk Chickens, 58 Material of Incubators, 48 Meat Values, 36 Membership of Societies, 96 Methods of Farming, 45 ,, Production at Strasburg, 69 „ Poultry-keeping, 44 ,, of Sale, 77 Middlemen, 77 Mile, Number of Poultry per Square, 11 MUk, 58 „ Chickens, 55, 113 „ ,, Breeds for, 57 Ministry of Agriculture, Berlin, 4 Mixed Production undesirable, 112 Modern Developments, 5 Model Farms and Breeding Centres, 84, 87 Models at Teaching Centres, 89, 92 Mortality in Chickens, 48, 100 Munich, 33, 60 Nassau Fowl, 14, 97 National Poultry Institute, 115 ,, ,, Organization Society, 82 Native Breeds, 71 Natural Vigour, 75 Nearness to Supplying Countries, 9 Neglect of Poultry, Reasons for, 8 Neuss, 88 New Breeds, 74 ,, Laid Eggs (Trinkeier), 29 Notable Differences, 77 Number of Breeding Stations, 86 ,, Co-operative Societies, 79, 80 „ Poultry per Square Mile, 11, 13 Nuremburg, 32 Oberrad Station, 96 Objects of Inquiry, 1 Observations, 59 „ Eange of, 2 Oil of Poppies, 70 Oldenburg, 14, 78, 79 Open-fronted Poultry Houses, 47, 99 Oppenheimer, Sir Francis, 36 Opportunities in Germany, 10 " Order of the Bath," 65 Organization in Marketing, 81, 84 of Sale, 104 Orpington Fowls, 57 Packing Milk Chickens, 58 Palmi6, HerrO. W., 29 PdU de foie gras, 67 Payments to Managers, 81 Penalties for Stale or Dirty Eggs, 81 Pens for Geese, 63 Perishable Products, 18 Peiits Poussims, 55 Pies, Strasburg, 67 Pigeon Breeding, 14 Pigeons at CroUwitz, 90 Place of Breeding Farms, 87 ,, of Local Supplies, 18 Plains of Northern Germany, 6 Plant at Huls, 99 Planting Poultry Runs, 93 Pliny on Goose Livers, 68 Points, Judging by, 106 Pomerania, 96 „ Geese in, 60, 62, 67, 69 Population of Germany, 6, 44 Possible Developments, 11 Poulets de lait, 55 . Poultry a Minor Issue, 46 ,, at Breeding Centres, 90 ,, Breeders' Library, 104 ,, Breeds of, 71 , , Census of, 11 ,, Clubs and Societies, 14 ,, Diseases, 101 ,, Districts, 14 Farms, 15, 112 ,, Houses, 93 ,, Industry in Belgium, Report on the, 8 ,, Instruction at Colleges, 115 ,, Production, 7 , , Quality of, 36 ,, Societies, Opportunities for, 113 Power to Purchase increasing, 39 Practical Instructors, 94 Premiums for Poultry Plants, 84, 94,95,114 Preservation by ParaS&n, 32 Preserved Eggs, 31 , , , , Importation of, 109 Prices at Berlin, 26 „ Chemnitz, 31 ,, Dresden, 29 „ Frankfort, 34, 35 „ Hamburg, 27 ,, Munich, 33 ,, Nuremburg, 32, 33 „ Stuttgart, 34 , , for Geese, 61 „ for Milk Chickens, 58 „ Influence of Enhanced, 109 ,, in Hanover, 29 ,, in Italy, 54 ,, Low, 8 ,, of Eggs, 29, 79, 80 ,, Imported Eggs, 19, 42 ,, Geese, 66 ,, Goose Liver, 70 ,, Live Geese, 62 „ Milk Chickens, 56 ,, Stock and Eggs, 85 Index 123 Principles of State Support, 94 Private Breeders, 114 „ Breeding Establishments, 15 Prizes at Shows, 83, 104, 105 Probable Developments, 16 Produce, Value of, 15 Production, Estimate as to Total, 16 ,, of Milk Chickens, 56 ,, of Strasburg Geese, 69 ,, General, 50 ,, Increase of, 110 ,, in the Future, 108 Productiveness Enhanced by New Environment, 72 „ of Fowls, 75 Provincial Poultry Census, 11 Prussia, 6 , , Breeding Stations in, 86 ,, Grants in, 84 Prussian Restrictions on Imports, 24 Purchase of Eggs by Weight, 81 ,, of Supplies, 82 Pure Bred Poultry, Distribution of, 84 Quality of Geese, 62 „ Produce, 36 Quantities of Eggs Imported to Britain, 42 Quarantine for Geese, 64, 65 " Races of Domestic Poultry," 71 ,, Poultry in Germany, 71 Racial Differences, 5 Radius of Depots, 79 Railway Facilities, 97 Range of Observations, 2 Kamelsloher Fowl, 57 Rearing Chickens under Glass, 113 ,, Milk Chickens, 57 Reasons for Neglect of Poultry, 8 Receipts and Expenditure at Huls, 101 Recent Developments, 83 Receptivity of German Poultrymen, 92 Reduction of Imports, 41 ,, Sale follows Enhanced Prices, 109 Regulations for Premiums, 95 „ Societies, 80 Relation of Poultry to General Farming, 44 Relative Demand, 50 „ Imports, 20 Reminiscences, 49 Report of German Agricultural Society, 83 ,, on the Poultry Industry in Bel- gium, 8 Research, 97, 100 Restaurants, Bfiect of, 53 Restriction of Breeds, 85 Restrictions on Imports, 23, 108 Resultant Changes, 9 Result of Co-operation, 80 Results, 3 „ at Huls, 100 Retail Markets, 77 Rhine Districts, 14 Roman Geese, 62 Romans and Goose Livers, 68 Rover, Herr F., 27 Royal Agricultural Society's Show, 83 Ruben, Herr, 66 Rudesheim, 74, 88, 98, 113 ,, Teaching Centre at, 90 Runs, Double, 99 Russia, Geese from, 60, 66 „ „ Imported from, 20 Russian Eggs everywhere, 25 ,, Geese, 63 „ Supplies of Eggs, 42 Saddleback Geese, 62 Sale of Eggs by Co-operative Societies, 78 ,, Geese, 66 ,, ,, in Sections, 60 „ Produce, 77 ,, Stock Birds and Eggs for Hatch- ing, 84, 104 „ to Consumers, 51 ,, to Retailers, 28 Saxony, 6, 14, 82 ,, Breeding Stations in, 86 Satorius Incubator, 48 Sausages, Goose Liver, 67 Scheuerle, Herr A., 33 Sohleswig-Holstein, 14 Schloss Walmuuster, 49 Scotland, 116 Season for Milk Chickens, 56 Selection for Egg Production, 75 Selling Dep&ts, 82 Servia, Turkeys in, 64 Shanghai Fowl, 72 Shares in Societies, 81 Sheds for Ducks at Winsen, 64 „ for Geese, 63 Shelf-rearing of Chickens, 49, 90 Short Distances to Traverse, 40 Shops, Pew Eggs in, 77 ,, for Sale of Eggs, 104 Show at Cassel, 105 Shows increased in Number, 14 „ The Influence of, 102 ,, Two Classes of, 103 Sieber, Herr Carl, 90, 91 Siegel, Herr Wilhelm, 31 Sitting Hens, 93 Sixpence an Egg, 111 Size of Body and Productiveness, 76 „ of Germany, 5, 6 ,, Imported Geese, 66 „ Milk Chickens, 56, 57 Sizes of Eggs, 80 Slower Progress in Germany, 7 Smaller Geese Desirable, 62 Small Consumption of Chickens, 53 ,, Demand for High Quality, 78 „ V. Large Farms, 45 124 Index Smoked Goose Breasts, 60 Societies, Co-operative, 78 , , in Hanover, 79 „ Local, 96 Soil and Climatic Conditions, 10 Soil Taint, 52 Sources of Supply, 25 Soured Skim Milk, 64 South Shore Roaster Trade, 59 Special Conditions, 44 „ Journeys, 2 S(iuab Broilers, 55 Stamping Eggs, 80 Standard of Life Rising, 38 ,, Living, 10 State Poultry Census, 11 ,, Prizes, 103 ,, Support, Principles of, 94 States and Provinces, 6 Steamer Trade, 28 Stookbirds, 86 „ Distribution of, 84 Strasburg Geese, 67 Straubing, 32 Strauss, Herr, 84 Students at Teaching Centres, 88 „ Training of, 88 Stuttgart, 34, 78 Subsidized Breeding Stations, 87 Suggestive Observation, A, 48 Summary and Conclusions, 108 Sundheimer Fowl, 74 Supplies, Local, 18 ,, of Geese, 63 Supply of Laying Stock, 113 „ Milk Chickens, 59 ,, Sources of, 25 " Swan " Geese, 66 Sweers, Herr P., 48, 98 System of Fattening, 54 Szabadka, Hungary, 60 Table Breeds, 73 „ Poultry, 83 ,, „ in Hanover, 29 „ ,, Imports of, 21 Tainted Soil, 52 Tariff Duties, 22 Teaching and Trading, 114 ,, Centres, 88 Ten Million more Hens required, 116 Testing Eggs, 81 Thelwall, Mr. Francis, 35 Time of Fattening Geese, 67 Tomken, 88 Total Imports of Eggs, 19 Trade in Eggs and Poultry, 50, 108 „ Mark for Eggs, 80 „ with London, 58 Training Centres, 84, 88 Trap Nests, 85, 93, 94, 99 Travelling Poultry Teachers, 95, 114 Trinkeier (New-laid Eggs), 29, 31, 34 Tula Geese, 67 Turkeys, 93 ,, Breeding Stations for, 87 „ Breeds of, 73 , , Census of, 11 „ limited in Number, 73 ,, not in Demand, 34, 54 Turning Eggs, 100 Two Classes of Shows, 103 Uniformity of Breed in every District, 112 „ of Breeds, 82 Utility Breeds at Agricultural Shows, 114 „ Exhibitions, 102 „ Povdtry, 73 ,, ,, Breeding, 94 „ „ Judging, 105 Urban Population, 9 Value of Geese Imported, 66 ,, New Breeds, 74 Plant at Huls, 101 ,, Poultry Premiums, 95 ,, Produce, 15 ,, Shows, 102 ,, Total Production, 16 Values of Imports, 20 Varied Conditions, 6 Ventilation in Poultry Houses, 89 Vereinigung der Frankfurter Geflugel- zuoht, 51, 96 Veterinary Examination of Geese, 65 Waldgarten, 88 Wales, 116 Ward, Sir William, 27 Washing Eggs, 81 Weights of Ducks, 64 Eggs, 80 Goose Livers, 69 Geese, 67 Imported Eggs, 110 Milk Chickens, 58 Wiesbaden, 35 West of Scotland College Farm, Kilmar- nock, 115 Westphalia, 14 What should be done, 115 Whisky Money, 95 White Nassau Fowls, 74, 92 Will German Imports Increase ? 40 Winsen-am-Lube, 56, 67, 58, 59, 63 Woman's Pursuit, A, 12 Working of Societies, 81 Wurtemburg, 6 „ Breeding Stations in, 86 Wyandotte Fowls, 57 John Bale, Sons & Danielason, Ltd., 88-01, Oreat Titohfleld Street, London, W. DISINFECTANT FLUID. The most povrerful knoisn. 1 gallon makes 400 gallons safe and efficient disinfecting fluid. d IZAL DISINFECTANT POWDER is harmless to birds, but death to fleas, lice, ticks, and all such parasites. H IZAL VETERINARY FLUID, a combined insecti- cide and germicide ; invaluable in preserving good health and cleanliness in the poultry yard. Sold everywhere. Izal and Izal Vet. Fluid, 6/- per gallon; Izal Pomrder, 10/- per cask, sent carriage paid on receipt of remittance. Ask for FEBE Copy of "Healthy Poultry." NEWTON, CHAMBERS & Co., litd., Thorncliffe, near Sheffield. The late Iiewis Wright's Book of Poultry has long remained in its BuccesBiire editions the standard book on the subject. Since the last edition of the book sras published many alterations have taken place in the standards of the various breeds, thus necessitating a new and thoroughly revised edition. This new edition has been edited by Mr. S. H. Iiewer, of " The Feathered World," who has been assisted by leading specialists on every variety. This handsome volume contains 30 colour plates, 16 full-page, and a profusion of other illustrations, 623 pages, cloth gilt, 21s. net. WRIGHT'S Book of Poultry Edited by S. H. Lewer. Price 21 8. net. " Live Stock Journal "— "The book still remains one of the literary monuments of the industry of poultry breeding. ' " Irish Farming World "— . . . " The volume is one that should be on the bookshelf of every rural library, and also in the hands of progressive farmers." "Birmingham Post"— '* A complete reference book on all matters connected with poultry keeping." "Glasgow Herald"— , . , " The old favourite may be expected to have a great run of popularity. ' Ilhistrated Prospectus post free fi-om CASSELL & CO., LTD., LONDON, E.C THIE Illustrated Poultry Record. Edited by E. T. BROWN. PUBLISHED FIRST OF EVERY MONTH. Profusely Illustrated Throughout. Printed on Art Paper. THE Paper for Utility Poultry = Keepers. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, the COLONIES, EUROPE, and AMERICA. On Sale Xi,« all ^ookH«alls and Bf emrHa^ents. Annual Subscription, 8s. per Annum, post free: SEND POST-CARD TO- THE EDITOR, "UlnstFated Ponltry Record," TUDOR HOUSE, TUDOR STREET, E.G., FOR A FREE SPECIMEN COPY. O TT XJ IML THORLEY'S POULTRY SPICE ensures HEALTHY POULTRY and ABUNDANCE of EGGS. OVOM FORTIFIES THB CONSHITDTION, Enables the birds to withstand sudden changes of weather. OVUM is a oondimental preparation specially adapted for poultry. The use of Ovum also improves the plumage and beautifies the feathers, while it is well known that all kinds of poultry pass through the critical period of moulting far more easily if Ovum be added to their soft food. Case contalnini! 72 packets Bags, owt. 30/-; i-OOTt. 16/-; i-owt. 6/- 8- AGEJSTTS EVBKYWHEBE. JOSEPH THORLEY, LTD., (The Proprietors of THOELKT'S POOD FOE OATTLB.) H. C. CREBER, "Lanjore," St. Germans, Cornwall, BREEDER OF HIGH-CLASS UTILITY STOCK. White Leghorns, White Orpingtons, White Wyan- dottes, Prize Laying Strains represented in all pens; also exoellent Laying Strains of KhaU- Campbell Ducks, and Orey Guinea Fowls. EGGS AND BIRDS AT MODERATE PRICES. NUMEROUS UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS. All Turkey rearers should use Wiimot's "TURKREM" which cures Scour immediately and makes backward Poults grow into Grand Birds. BOTTLES WITH TUBE, 2/3 PHCENIX WORKS, HEREFORD. THE "GEM" INCUBATOR. TRADE MASK. FREE Samples of . . CHAMBERLAIN'S 11 "Rapid Growth Chick Foods And "Nutrex Egg" Producing Winter Poultry Foods, Tog-ether with a copy of the "Common Sense of Poultry Culture" will be sent on receipt of id. stamp towards postage. CHAMBERUIUOLM Co., Ltd. Poultry Food Specialists, BRISTOL. THE " GEM " REARER. Use the " OEM " Incubator and Rearer, Britain's Best. Thousands In Use. Send for free Catalogue /rotn Makers, R. STEELE & BRODIE, Wormit "Works, 'WOKMIT, SCOTIiAWD. BRIDGE HOUSE, MARDEN, KES^T, BREEDER AND EXHIBITOR OF RED, LIGHT and SPECKLED SUSSEX. STOCK BIRDS for sale ; also EGGS for SITTING and DAY-OLD CHICKS in season. Pupils taken on well-known Fattening Plant, from which winners in Dead Table Poultry Classes have been sent to all the principal Shows. TRINQ PARK, TRINQ, HERTS. Station : Tring, L. & N.W. Rly. COCKERELS AND PULLETS FOR DISPOSAL Of the following varieties : RED. LIGHT & SPECKLED SUSSEX WHITE and BROWN LEGHORNS. BUFF and WHITE ORPINGTONS and INDIAN GAME. AMERICAN BRONZE TURKEYS. Prizes have been won at International, London Dairy, Birmingham, and other leading Shows. Particulars and Prices from — Mr. RICHARDSON CARR, ESTATE OFFICE, TRING. Unrivalled for Egg Production, FertUity and Condition, "PHOSTO Use it in the Breeding Pen, and start from the : : very beginning. : : If WITH PHOSTO NO BONES OR BONE MEALS ARE REQDIRED, AND VERY LITTLE, IF ANY, MEAT. In Tins 1/-, 2/6, 4/6, Post Free. In Bulk at greatly Beduced Bates. The "PHOSTO" Co., EMSWORTH, HANTS. ARTHUR HARTLEY, F.C.S., Manager. LovegroYes Dairy & Poultry Farms. Principal. MissE. K. LE LACHEURdate Newnham College, Cambr]dg2). Managers, Miss H. G. FORMAN, N.D.D. ; CECIL A. FLATT (late Reading College Poultry Farm). Instpuction in Dairying, Poultry Farming and General Farming For Students (Men and Women) training for Honne or the Colonies. PERIODS : 3, 6 or 12 MONTHS. Special Short Courses with Lectures in Creamery Work and in Commercial Poultry Keeping. Prospzctus on application to THE PRINCIPAL, LOVEGROVES, CHECKEMDEH, REftPINO. READERS ARE ADVISED BEFORE purchasing elsewhere to obtain the Instructive Catalogue issued by Mr. & Mrs. PYNE, BAYENSCAR, Yorkshire. The Egg recording system was origin- ally applied by these reliable breeders in 1892. Winter-layers, hardy and prolific, raised on their own farm (perched 756 feet above the German Ocean) are their speciality. a ^ 3 S t, fl tS g § g >^ ^3 [O i o J g o =* rt S ^ i^ » III 6 o -a tm to .^ ►-".as H -^ ■" w .3 g J. j:i .° ^ .s i iJ M £ P J .9 s» o -^ P4 55> -I CO O IK H a o ■2 n3 3 O p< H a" o "a a 3 o u to a '3b .a 3 '3 3 o O ee. Code for Marking up to 999. HILL'S RUBBER CO., LTD., (P.O. Dept.) Market Place, Reading. THE WOSIO'S LEADING EGG BOXES. ded ]9 Medals and every First at Dairy and Cryatal Palace Shows the last eight years. 1 safer and more durable than s, and save S5 to 30 per cent. In carriage. Prices of our famous " Featherweight" Boxes now used everywhere ; — Size (doz.) 4 . 10 12 16 20 80 Weight Price 4i .. 8/- n 12 16 21 6/9 T/6 9/- 11/6 H/- Catalogae of 170 BizeB and varieties post free. Robinson's Patents, Ltd., 332, Gosmrell Road, liondon, B.C. TO ENSURE ABUHDANGEofEGGS FEED LAYIi^G MEAL "Mal(es Laying a Habit." Price - 12 '6 per 112 lbs., G/9 >, 56 „ Carriage paid. Cash with order. Is. extra Scotland and Ireland. Samples and Particulars from WHITE, TOMKISS & CODRAGE, Ltd., LONDON, E. i; Special Terms for Members of N.P.O.S. SEND NOW. ^ May we i quote you> 9 FOR 6aloatiizea iUire netting, Corrugated SDeets, Cisterns, §c? WB SUPPIiY SOHB OF THK LARGBBT ESTATES IN THE COUNTRIT. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUBS & ESTIMArBS FJtEB. DAVID & CO., Dept. M., TAFF YALE IRONWORKS, CARDIFF. THE_^ SUBURBAN Poultry House . Carriage Paid . Bng'and or Wales. ffS Made of best Bed Tongued and Grooved Matching, on strong framing, lock and key, np and down ahntters, perches, sleeping compartment, trap door, boarded back and roo£ Sizes— 6 ft. long, by 3Jft. wide, and 41 ft. high, 30/- 6ft. „ „ 4 ft. „ „ 4ft. „ B3/- 7ft. „ „ 5 ft. „ „ 5 ft. „ 90/- CreoBoted Free. CATALOGUE FREE of Patent Asbestos Incubator, Poultry Houses, Bone and Grain-crushing Machines, Sprayers, Wire Netting, &c. SUPERIOR GOODS. LOW PRICES. PR OMPT DELIVERIES. R. C. TOOPE & SON, PonltTy Appliance Uakeps, HIGH STREET, STEPNEY, LONDON, E. «*• FOUNDED 1848. ^ FOR THE FANCIER, AMATEUR, & POULTRY FARMER. t^f 32 Pages. WEEKLY. Id. The Leading: Journal for the Fancier, and having: the larg:est circulation of any paper entirely devoted to Poultry. Illustrations by the best Artists, Practical, up-to-date Articles and Notes, contributed by eminent authorities. A unique medium lor the disposal and purchase of Stock, Appliances, &c. Obtainable of all Bookstalls, Newsagents, &c. Specimen Copy on Application. Offices- 12, Mitre Court Chaibers, Fleet Street, LONDON, E.C. GAGE HARPER, """fL«~ RAYDON, IPSWICH, ENGLAND, JEyporter anb tbc Xargcst Breeder of "hiQb^lase lp>rl3C*breD ilDammotb ^Bronje tturFie^s. 30 years' experience, during which time Prizes and Medals have been taken at all the leading live and dead Shows. TABLE POINTS AND TURKEY5 THAT COME TO MATURITY EARLY A SPECIAL FEATURE. Unrelated Birds for Showing or Table always on Sale. Over 200 Turkey Hens kept for Stock annually. TURKEY CH/CKS AND EGGS IN SEASON. PRICK lilST AND TESTIMONIALS ON APPLICATION. THE WORCESTERSHIRE POULTRY FARM TARDEBIGGE, Bromsgrove. BREEDERS OF THE HIGHEST CLASS UTILITY POULTRY. BREEDS. White Wyandottes. Buff Plymouth Rooks. Buff Leghorns. Silver Wyandottes. Barred Plymouth Rooks. Black Minoroas. Partridge Wyandottes. Paverolles. Anoonas. Buff Orpingtons. White Leghorns. Houdans. White Orpingtons. Black Leghorns. Indian Runner Ducki, Also splendid selection of heavy-laying first crosses. Eggs for Sitting, No. 1 Pens, 7/6 per doz. No. 2 Pens, 5/- per doz. Subject to slight variations per catalogue and special pens. Special quotations for large quantities. After April 10, No. 1 Pens, 6/- per doz. No. 2 Pens, 1/- per doz. Our laying strains of Poultry have achieved in the Laying Oompetitions of the Utility Poultry Club a success far ahead of any other breeder. Our strain of White Leghorns Vfou the 1904-5 Competition, and our strain of White Wyandottes was represented in the Third, Fourth and Sixth winners. Our strain of White Leghorns was again represented in the 1905-6 Competition in the First and Fourth prize winners. In the 1906-7 Competitions our strain of Bufi Rooks were Second in See. A, and our strain of White Wyandottes Fourth in Sec. B. In the 1908 twelve months' Competition our entry of White Wyandottes obtained First Prize, " Gold Medal and First Class Certificate," with a total of l,03i eggs for the six birds, the best bird laying 213 eggs. Our entry of Buff Rocks was Seventh, the two best individual records being 216 and 206 eggs. Free illustrated Catalogue upon Application. 70A0tz you have hatched your 8arly Chicks make sure of rearing them by using our LAGTOMA CHICKEN MEAL Containing over lo per cent, dried milk, meat and other cooked food, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR SUSSEX DRY CHICK FOODS. Made in 5 qualities, from 12/6 per 112 lbs., carriage paid. Mr. Hardy, of Bulphan, says : " My chicks did well as long as I fed them on your Dry Chick Food, hut as soon as I ran out and gave them other food ' they had the scour." Send fen; FREE SAMPLES -.§& Price List containing unsolicited teatimotpials ■ from users in all parts of the. Kingdom. A. THORPE & SONS, Rye, Sussex. Makers of tbe OENOINE! SUBSBX OBOUND OAT8. John Bale, Sons & Danielsson, Ltd, The Rat Problem By W. R. BOELTER. Fcap. 4to,, 170 pp., illustrated. Price 2s. 6d. net. Half-bound Rat Skin, 3s. 6d. net. Household Pests and Household Remedies By the same Author. Fcap. 4to, 172 pp., with numerous illustrations. Price 2s. 6d. n6t. 83-91, Great Titchfield Street, Oxford Street, London, W. The Present Demand for EGGS as you know,; is far in excess of. the supply. This is your golden opportunity if you have the EGGS. The question is, HOW TO GET THEM. It^s easy enough— sttn^ulate your hens to regular laying by natural methods of feeding with SPRATT'S LAYMOR "Laympr" is a scientifically prepared fooci, extremely rich in egg-forming properties, yet nourishing and vitalizing to the birds. IT MAKES HENS LAY & KEEPS THEM AT IT Your dealer can supply it in 1/- bags, or we will PAY CARRIAGE on i'.owt., 8/-, or 1 owt., 15/- SPRATT'S PATENT LIMITED 24/23 Fenohuroh St., London, B.C. r; HERE'S EVIDENCE. "AFTER following your f^ directions as to theusfe of ' Laymor.' I am .completely tiatisfiec] witn the results. It has always been my maxim to_ keep a strict account in this enterprise, and I found, tb my siirpriEe, that the mcrease of «fgg8 during May and JutLe of the present year was 29 dozen over the aamis. period of last year, wittt the same number of hens of the same breed, anij I attribute it solely to the use of your * l^ymor.' (Signed) J. H. BRENTON." J John B«t«, 8or> k DahiklSbon, I/td,, 83-91, Gr«at Titohneld Street, Oxford Street, London W. eir lo- «S2rr*"""'™'Sity Library SF 488.G3B87 "mRSIIiIi™? '*'® poultry industry in German 3 1924 003 103 599