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Rural School Leaflet 



PRACTICAL LESSONS 



A flock of miscellaneous colors and types, stick as is often found 

 on the average farm. Cockerels of (his sort are of no value as 

 breeders and are poor ornaments 



I. IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF POULTRY 



James E. Rice 



We should aim to retain purity of breed and vigor of our stock, and to 

 have high-grade market quality in our poultry and eggs. By so doing, 



the profits may be 

 greatly increased and 

 the losses reduced 

 because the selling 

 value of the product 

 will be increased. 

 We shall also get 

 more pleasure and 

 satisfaction out of 

 our occupation be- 

 cause we shall take 

 pride in the improve- 

 ment made. The 

 difference in price between poultry and eggs that are attractive and 

 those that are unattractive is enough to warrant great care in breeding 

 for improved quality. 



Some of the reasons why pure-bred poultry is more desirable than 

 common stock are : i . Pure-bred fowls lay eggs that are more uniform in 

 size, shape, color, and texture of shell. Uniform eggs sell for a higher price. 

 2. They are more likely to breed true, that is, the chickens will grow up 

 to be like their parents. 3. They are more nearly uniform in shape and 

 size of body and in color of skin and shanks, therefore more attractive 

 and more profitable when placed on sale. 4. They are more attractive as 

 a flock, because they 

 are similar in ap- 

 pearance. It is 

 worth while to keep 

 poultry that looks 

 well. 5. They fur- 

 nish a larger income 

 because eggs for 

 hatching and stock 

 for breeding can be 

 sold at prices con- 



A flock of pure-bred Barred Plymouth Rocks. Note the beauty 

 of a flock like this, as compared with a flock of mixed breeds 



siderably higher than for market purposes. 6. They are more satisfactory, 

 because, other things being equal, they may be expected to give better 



