Rhode Island Red Cock 



What Breed 



We do not venture to decide. We assume that the poultry farm is to 

 be run primarily as an egg farm. If so, the choice will lie between five or six 

 standard breeds, and will be decided along the line of personal preference as 

 determined by looks, by sentiment, by association, or by local reputation. No 

 matter; if the choice falls upon one of the great egg breeds, it should include the 

 best of the breed chosen ; not simply an egg-laying strain, bred for egg production, 

 but a vigorous strain, robust, alive with health. 



We speak of one breed, because it simplifies work to keep a single type of 

 fowl, and insures eggs uniform in size, color and shape, and this is of conse- 

 quence in the market. 



Let us emphasize the importance of starting with the best of a good breed. 

 The success of the farm does not hinge upon the breed, unless the choice falls 

 outside a few well-known types. But the best of any particular class of egg layers 

 is not too good, and the best means not merely that the birds have been bred for 

 laying, but that the breeder has kept in view the best possible constitution. 

 Pure-blooded stock must be vigorous stock, strongly built, hardy, meant for 

 business. The practical grower does not want utility sacrificed for show. 



What System 



There are chiefly two in California: the colony plan and the intensive system 

 or method. In the first, a large number of fowls run together; in the second, the 

 fowls are separated into small flocks each having a separate house and yard. It 

 matters little which system is adopted. It is the working of the particular plan 

 that counts attention to its minutest details, the application of business prin- 

 ciples, providing for absolute cleanliness of houses and yards for the comfort of 

 the flock, for pure air by night and exercise by day. This and not the system 



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