What is the object of the poultry association, formed in Ohio some time ago? Is it merely for speculative purposes, or has it a public mission to perform? Who are the officers and who can become members?
Poultry Raiser.
Answer.—Probably the organization referred to in the above question is what calls itself the North American Poultry Association. Its declared purpose is “to take united action in the extension of the business of producing poultry and eggs for market, and for the mutual protection and advancement of the interests of producers.” This it proposes to do by showing people that “poultry-raising is more profitable than any other branch of stock-raising;” by keeping its members informed as to the best markets for poultry and eggs at different seasons of the year; by uniting to get the lowest shipping rates; by efforts to protect each other from dishonest poultry dealers or commission men; by imparting to one another useful information as to cures for diseases of fowls, and improvements in feeding and taking care of them. Whether some of the principal members are using this organization for selfish purposes to any reprehensible degree, as has been charged by one or more correspondents, we are not prepared to affirm or deny. Some of them are engaged in raising and selling fancy fowls and eggs at high prices, but as that is one of the declared objects of the association, it may only prove that it is fulfilling its mission. Any one in any part of the United States or Canada who wishes to become a member is invited to send $2 to the Treasurer, with a request that his name be presented to the association for admission to membership, the money to be returned in case he is not elected. In the opinion of some correspondents, the reason for demanding this prepayment is very obscure. Hoping to obtain official enlightenment as to the character of this association, The Inter Ocean addressed an inquiry to W. L. Chamberlain, Secretary of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, to which he returned the following reply, which renders us unwilling to publish the names and postoffice address of officers of the so-called association:
“Columbus, Ohio, Nov., 1883.—Dear Sir: Yours relative to American Poultry Association, of——, Ohio, to hand. We have no official knowledge of any such association, as no reports from it are made to this department, as there are from all the other various agricultural organizations of the State. Inquiry at the Secretary of State’s office fails to reveal any incorporation of said association. Might also add that we have no personal knowledge of the association in question. Respectfully,
W. I. Chamberlain,
“Secretary Ohio State Board of Agriculture.”
LAKE TAHOE.
Richmond, Ind.
What are the dimensions of Lake Tahoe, why is it so admired, and how near is it to the Central Pacific Railroad?
Traveler.