98 SELECTION OF STOCK 



significance, for most markets desire eggs of some definite color, 

 or at least that they shall be uniform in color. A medium large 

 egg always brings a higher price. Whatever the type, they must 

 be uniform in size and shape to command the best price. When 

 breeds producing eggs of different color and size are crossed, the 

 resulting product will be anything but uniform (Fig. 63). 



More Attractive Appearance. A flock of birds, whether ten or 

 one thousand, uniform in size, shape, and color makes a much more 

 pleasing appearance than a mixed lot. Furthermore, such a flock 

 is a credit and an advertising factor to the breeder, for such a 

 flock shows system in all the operations of breeding and leaves a 



FIG. 63. Eggs, from pure breeds and from mongrels. Upper row, pure-bred White 

 Leghorns, uniform in texture, color and shape; lower row, from cross of Leghorns and 

 Plymouth Rocks, showing lack of uniformity. 



pleasing impression upon the prospective purchaser who may 

 happen that way. Appearance in some cases may not have a 

 direct commercial value, yet it has a secondary value in creating 

 a name for the flock or strain. This is often underestimated. 



First Cost is but Slightly More. Many pure-bred farm animals 

 cost so much that the price is prohibitive for the average farmer. 

 He is compelled to practise grading up. With fowls the cost of a 

 few high-class, standard-bred birds is small, compared with their 

 increased value. Every poultryman should begin right by select- 

 ing a few, at least, of the best birds he can get, representing the 

 type best adapted to his desired purpose. By hatching from these 

 he can soon have a large flock at little extra expense over the cost 

 of mongrels. 



