404 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



capacity, are less disposed to become broody, and are more active 

 than the Asiatic fowl. On account of large wattles and combs 

 they are somewhat sensitive to low temperature. The Asiatic fowls 

 include the large meat breeds. They are easily confined by low 

 fences, and are persistent sitters. The American breeds are in- 

 cluded in the general-purpose list. They represent a "dual purpose" 

 type, being adapted to those who wish a supply of both eggs and 

 meat. They are usually good sitters and "occupy a medium posi- 

 tion between the egg and meat breeds as to size, egg production 

 and docility." The ornamental breeds are popular with fanciers 

 and others, but "are not so well adapted for farm purposes as are 

 breeds of the other three classes." 



; THE BUSINESS AND THE BEGINNER. 



It has been well said that "in the poultry business, as in other 

 callings, the highest success must come from the largest ability 

 ^nd most unceasing labor." Eternal vigilance and hustle is the 

 price of success. Poultry raising for profit is not for lazy people, 

 but for the man or woman who is willing to work with a will no 

 other business will pay larger returns upon the investment. 



A question often asked by the beginner or one who is about to 

 embark in the business is, "What is the best breed?" In reply, 

 it may be said that, in the common acceptance of the term, there 

 is no best breed. In brief, the best breed is the one we like best. 

 There are, of course, some that are superior for certain purposes. 

 The strain may be of more importance than the breed. For in- 

 stance, some strains are especially improved for egg production. 



In selecting stock be sure that it is strong, vigorous and 

 healthy, and in choosing remember that "a hen carries her health 

 certificate right on the top of her head," the comb point, accord- 

 ing to good authorities, being an index to physical vigor. A hen, 

 to be disease resisting, must have stamina and must come from 

 strong stock. According to James E. Rice, of Cornell, "Weak 

 parents produce weak eggs. Weak eggs develop into weak chicks. 

 There must be health, vigor and vitality at the start. There is a 

 great difference in the natural vitality of different flocks of chickens 

 of the same breed and variety. Some are big and lusty, others are 

 weak and sickly — constitutionally so — through inheritance. Their 

 parents were either weak naturally or became so through improper 

 care." The success of the average poultryman will depend in large 

 measure upon his ability to maintain and add to the vigor of his 

 flock. 



