3 68 



THE BEGINNER IN POULTRY 



Any one who does not know the real value of his in- 

 dividual birds may always advertise birds of Utility 

 Standard-bred grade and do it honestly, as the phrase 

 " Utility Standard-bred " is translated at present. The 

 term " Utility " once meant very superior laying stock 



that was also Stand- 

 ard-bred, but which 

 did not necessarily 

 have the best Stand- 

 ard points. As 

 breeders express it, 

 not " up " in fancy 

 points ; but the word 

 "Utility," being sus- 

 ceptible of various 

 translations and being 

 thus an easy word to 

 juggle with, has come 

 to mean very little 

 more than birds bred 

 toward the Standard, 

 but not meeting exhi- 

 bition requirements. These may or may not be excep- 

 tionally good layers. They will, at least, have a uni- 

 formity lacking in birds not bred to the Standard, and 

 probably a capability to produce some birds much better 

 than themselves in Standard requirements. The uni- 

 formity will tend to make them superior market stock, 

 and they may be quite as good layers as the average of 

 their breed, or even better. A few breeders offer high- 

 grade Utility stock and explain how they have bred very 

 carefully for exceptional laying qualifications. These 



Fancy Stock Acquiring Hardiness : 

 A " Utility " Quality 



