Meat Breeds as Egg Producers 43 



breeding of fowls solely for egg production, or for 

 meat production, has reached a high state of per- 

 fection, yet these two qualities are not brought to 

 the highest stage of perfection in one individual. 

 As the development of either is chiefly a matter 

 of food and constitutional vigor, the greatest and 

 most perfect result is reached when the energies 

 of the individual are deflected chiefly in one direc- 

 tion. With both animals and plants, it is a good 

 maxim to "breed, for one thing at a time." 



While some breeds or varieties of large fowls, 

 notably the Light Brahmas, are good winter layers 

 while young, yet it is not to be inferred from 

 any records these fowls may have made that they 

 are equal to some of the Mediterranean breeds as 

 economical egg-producing machines, when the en- 

 tire life of the fowl is taken into consideration. 

 The modern poultryman regards his fowls much 

 as a manufacturer regards his machine, and, in 

 either case, the machine that will run at its fullest 

 capacity for the longest period, other things be- 

 ing equal, will bring to the owner the most profit. 

 While poultry -keepers may rightly consider their 

 fowls as machines for the production of meat 

 and eggs, yet it should be understood that it is 

 not only desirable, but necessary, that the suc- 

 cessful poultryman regard his flock from a stand- 

 point other than a purely business one. It is 

 necessary to the most successful poultry busi- 



