FOURTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART VII. 513 



pullets no effect was noticed on the yearly record. With both, the pens 

 having dried blood began laying earlier than the others. 



14. The discarding of corn (except the little used in rcash) and sub- 

 stituting a small quantity of sunflower seed, did not materially affect the 

 egg yield, there being but a slight increase. Owing to the greater cost 

 of the sunflower seed the financial results were in favor of the corn. 



15. The results of a test with Leghorn pullets showed that a nutri- 

 tive ratio of 1:4.95 was very much superior to one of 1:6.66. With Ply- 

 mouth Rocks the results were inconclusive. 



16. An initial test with one cockerel and one capon gave no indica- 

 tion of increased growth from the operation of eaponizing; but the 

 appearance of the dressed bird and the quality of the meat showed a 

 decided advantage from the operation. 



PURE BLOODED FOWLS VS. .MONGRELS. 



Mattie WehUer in Twentieth Century Farmer. 



Not long since I was asked, "What superior qualities do pure-blooded 

 fowls possess that make them preferable to common poultry?" This 

 question was asked by a farmer, and, judging from his conversation, he 

 has made a success of his calling. Not only has the sowing, reaping and 

 marketing of his grain been the source of his large income, but his fine 

 stock — cattle, swine and sheep — have very considerably swelled his bank 

 account. He does not doubt the greatest profitableness of pure-blooded 

 cattle, hogs or sheep, or ask wherein are their points of excellence, but 

 the farm poultry is of so little importance that the thought of an im- 

 proved breed has never been entertained. 



There are many reasons why pure-blooded fowls are to be preferred 

 to mongrel or scrub stock, and as "the best is none too good," it is to 

 the farm breeder's interest to acquaint himself, or herself, with the com- 

 parative qualities of the more desirable breeds, and when convinced of 

 the greater excellence of pure-blooded poultry, dispose of the present 

 flock of scrub stock and replace them with some particular breed or 

 variety of fowls that is thought to be the most suitable for the farm. 



In farming, as in every other business, the greatest possible profit 

 is the object that stimulates to untiring effort, and as the farm poultry, 

 with proper care and management, are more profitable than any other 

 adjunct of the farm, with same amount invested, they should receive 

 their share of consideration and attention. The best breed for the farmer 

 is some general purpose breed, and a good strain of pure-blooded fowls 

 will be far more profitable as layers than the usual farm stock of deteri- 

 orated mongrels or scrubs; are incomparably more desirable for market 

 purposes than the small, thin-bodied mixed birds; are more tame and 

 docile to handle and manage, and last, but not least, favorable quality. 

 is their beauty. 

 33 



