3 APRIL 1909, Page 24

The Possibilities of Modern Poultry Farming. By J. Stephen Hicks

and Wilfred H. G. Ewart. (Cable Publishing Company. Is. not.)---The authors mauifostly understand their subject. This subject may be thus divided: (1) providing for the market,—i.e., eggs and poultry for the table ; (2) providing for the tastes of amateurs,—i.e., rearing of fancy breeds. Under both headings we should be inclined to emphasise the difference between possibilities and probabilities. Doubtless the second is. the less risky. In both expert knowledge and indefatigable industry are necessary. Here •is one maxim,—" Young broods must be fed before sunrise." Think what that moans! Always up before eight, sometimes up before four ! The fact is that the irregularity of our seasons greatly handicaps the poultry-farmer. What a March ho has bad to struggle through in this year of grace ! In a normal year the first quarter should pay well ; the second moderately ; the third should show an equilibrium ; on the fourth the farmer can hardly fail to lose. But we do not doubt that Messrs. Hicks and E wart will help him to gain as much and to lose as little as possible.