36 THE BIRDS 



true that nature and artificial selection through generations 

 have resulted in the development of our present breeds 

 from these two original ancestors. 



The Term "Poultry" Defined. The term " poultry" is 

 applied in a general way to many different types of birds, 

 either land fowl or water fowl. Strictly speaking, it means 

 only those fowls which are kept in confinement or in a state 

 of domestication. The American Poultry Association in 

 its ''Standard of Perfection" gives the following definition: 

 "The above applies directly to the commercial value which 

 poultry possesses. Poultry are domestic fowls reared for 

 exhibition and the table, for eggs and for feathers." 



Development of Our Breeds and Varieties. Since pre- 

 historic times, birds have doubtless been reared by man for 

 food. In the early ages, man went forth in search of food, 

 and killed the birds with arrows or other weapons. There 

 are records as to the keeping of poultry which date back to 

 1000 B.C., and these show that birds were not only kept 

 for food, but were also trained for the sport of cock fighting. 

 Mediaeval history contains many references to poultry and 

 birds, and it is doubtless true that their development and 

 improvement have followed the course of civilization across 

 Europe and into Africa, as both of the original ancestors 

 were Asiatic in origin. History tells us, too, that both were 

 found in America in the early period of its development, 

 but the last century witnessed a marked increase of interest 

 and enthusiasm in the improvement of poultry. It is, indeed, 

 only in recent years that they have been carefully and logi- 

 cally divided into breeds, and again subdivided into varie- 

 ties. To-day there are listed more than 109 standard varie- 

 ties which are as yet not recognized as official. This recent 

 improvement and development are largely the outcome of 

 efforts to enhance the commercial value of the birds. 



Classifications. Our common domestic breeds of poultry 

 to-day are divided into four groups, which are designated 



