REVIEW 103 



females are of paramount importance, and should supersede all 

 other considerations. They Avill impart vigor to their progeny. 

 It is this characteristic which will maintain the vitality and pro- 

 ductive power of future generations. Care in the selection of the 

 foundation stock should be considered first. Without that, the 

 best of management, good houses, and proper feed A\all avail little. 



Productiveness. — When selecting breeders the greatest of care 

 should be taken to see that both males and females possess every 

 indication of being able to transmit high egg production to their 

 progeny. This quality can be determined first by stud3ang each 

 individual specimen, and by seeing and handling be sure that they 

 show the qualities discussed in detail in Chapter 30. No matter 

 what the breeding of a bird, if it does not possess depth of body, 

 quality, vigor, and the many other qualifications Avhich go with 

 high egg production it will not be safe to use as foundation stock 

 when egg production is the primary object. 



Having determined a bird's individual ability to produce as 

 measured by body limitations, then it is time to look up its breeding 

 and pedigree. If possible bu}^ birds A\'ith official records made at 

 State or Federal supervised Egg Lajdng Contests or Breeding 

 Projects. Such records are authentic and there is no question 

 about the identity of the bird, especiallj' if she is shipped directly 

 from the contest. 



There has recently been formed in America The Record of 

 Performance Council, an organization composed of the directing 

 officials of all the official Egg La^-ing Contests in America. It is 

 the function of this council to recognize official records by the 

 issuance of certificates. This council will also maintain and pub- 

 lish a record of all birds qualifying under its rules. These records 

 will be in such form that any one can quickly look up the record 

 of individual birds and the winnings of breeders. Look carefully 

 to production quality when selecting foundation stock. 



REVIEW. 



1. Define the term pure bred. 



2. Give ten advantages of pure-bred birds over mongrels. 



3. Discuss each of these advantages. 



4. Discuss breed selection with reference to object desired. 



o. Name and give po.ssibihties of three methods of acquiring stock. 



(5. Enumerate seven points which should receive careful consideration when 



selecting Uve birds. 

 7. Tell of the importance of proper care in the selection of foundation stock. 



