When near shipping facilities, individual poultry farms in Section 4 have a good chance of success, especially east of the Mississippi.  This is the most favorable region in the country for the establishment of poultry communities that are to grow their own grain.  Such poultry farms will not be expected to confine their attention as exclusively to the business as those in the section where it is profitable to import the grain.

Section 5 is the non-grain growing region of the South.  It at present produces little poultry.  The climate is all right for the purpose, but the freight rates on grain from the West are high and likewise the freight service and freight rates to the final market are excessive.  Under these conditions poultry farming will not pay except in a few localities as in Florida, where there is a high class local market due to the popular resorts.  If grain could be profitably grown in this section the same type of poultry farming that prevails in Section 4 would be advisable.  Now, grain can be grown in the cotton belt of the South, and many Yankee farmers are making good money doing it.  But when grown it is liable to be worth more to feed mules than to feed chickens.

Section 6 is the “Down East” section of dense population.  The land for the most part is rocky, wooded and hilly.  The climate and nature of the soil are against the economical production of poultry, but the grain can be profitably fed, and as the markets are the best in the country, commercial poultry farming has gained quite a foothold.  If a man is already located in this section and wishes to go into the poultry business I would by all means say, “Go ahead,” but I would not advise an outsider looking for a location to come here, for the next section has several advantages.

Section 7 is the best poultry farming district in the United States, either for the individual poultry plant or for the community of poultry growers.  The reasons for this are: 

First:  The soil is of a sandy nature and excellent land for poultry farming can be had at a low price.

Second:  The climate is much more favorable than farther north or farther inland.

Third:  Grain rates from the West are very reasonable.

Fourth:  The best market in the country—­New York City—­is within easy shipping distance.

The type of poultry farming here to be recommended, like that of Section 6, is one in which imported grain is fed.  The fertility of this grain, going back on the light soil, is used to grow the green food required by the hens, and, in addition, may be used in a rotation system for growing truck.  It will not pay to grow any quantity of grain.  Section 7, because of its advantages over Section 6 in climate and the availability of large tracts of suitable land, is a much better location for the poultry community.  Over Section 4, which is the second best region for this purpose, it has the advantage of nearness to markets.  The climatic advantage of Sections 4 and 7 are about on a par.  The chief distinction is the matter of growing grain or importing it.  If you are to grow your grain, using poultry as a means of marketing it, Section 4 is the best locality.  If you are to buy grain, Section 7 is the place.