122 PROFITS IN POULTRY. 



by encouraging those who make it the business of their 

 lives. 



It is especially advisable that farmers should at least 

 procure pure-bred cocks or cockerels for breeders, yet 

 such a thing is the exception rather than the rule. In 

 regard to this matter, Mr. Evans says: Many of the 

 farmers can readily realize that it pays to use pure-bred 

 bulls, or pure-bred rams, or pure-bred boars in their 

 herds and flocks of cows, sheep, and swine; but they do 

 not seem to realize that the same rule holds good with 

 poultry, and also that the benefits are secured very 

 quickly. This infusion of pure-bred blood amongst a 

 flock of good common hens is sure to be of great benefit, 

 as the constitutional vigor of the common stock intensi- 

 fies the good qualities derived from the thoroughbreds, 

 producing in point of early maturity, size, and laying 

 qualities something both desirable and profitable, 

 though these half-bloods cannot with anything like uni- 

 formity transmit these improved qualities to their off- 

 spring. First-class pure-bred cockerels can be bought at 

 a moderate figure, and we do not see how farmers can 

 afford to use the common ones in preference, no matter 

 how good they may be. If large size is most desired, 

 the Asiatics will be found to answer well, while for laying 

 qualities principally we commend the Leghorns. 



The popular breeds of the day may be classed among 

 either the Asiatic, European, or American varieties. 



