CONDUCTING BREEDING INVESTIGATIONS 



603 



Poultry may likewise be marked in two different ways either with web 

 punches or with aluminum bands which fit around the shanks. For large 

 numbers the latter method is preferable. 



Recording Data. The keynote of any system of recording data 

 should be simplicity. This requirement must be met in scientific work; 

 it is, however, particularly important in practical breeding for herdsmen 

 have but limited time at their command for keeping records. 



The time necessary for recording data may often be very much cur- 

 tailed, if properly devised, printed forms are used. They are superior 



PIGEON DESCRIPTION - DORSAL 



FOLLOW SHMT No 



o 



Fio. 235. Pigeon description sheet in use in experimental breeding at the Wisconsin 

 Agricultural Experiment Station. (Devised by Leon J. Cole.) 



to other less accurate methods of registering data not only because they 

 make it easier to set down the data, but because by having items indicated 

 on the sheets or cards, it is very easy to see at any time just what data 

 remain to be determined. The methods in all cases should be those 

 which are best adapted to the particular conditions which obtain in the 

 case in hand. We may summarize in brief the requirements of a good 

 system of record keeping by discussing the several features of it. 



The Individual Sheet. By the individual sheet is meant a sheet 

 upon which is recorded vital data for a particular individual. This sheet 

 should have places for recording such data as the date of birth of the in- 

 dividual, its date of death or disposal, from whom acquired and to whom 

 disposed of, and other data of a similar character. This sheet may con- 



