2 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 
On the other hand, there is rare pleasure in 
watching the movements of a little flock in which 
every cock and hen has the size, shape and markings 
typical of a recognized breed. For that reason, and 
because his poultry keeping ought to be a recreation 
and a joy, the beginner is urged to make his start 
with representatives of a breed which he has found 
to approach his ideal of what a good hen ought to 
look like. He will be limited to some extent in his 
choice, as will be seen when the chapter on breeds is 
reached, but he may rest assured that almost any 
breed which he may decide upon will give him a 
plentiful supply of eggs if intelligently cared for. 
And in the long run, it is safe to say that the well- 
bred bird will prove more profitable than the scrub. 
Moreover, a flock of handsome, stylish hens is al- 
most certain to receive better care than an assort- 
ment of mismatched fowls which make no appeal to 
the eye. 
The time to begin keeping hens is just when the 
opportunity offers. There are several ways in 
which a beginning may be made. In the Fall, it is 
customary to buy a few pullets which were hatched 
fairly early in the Spring,— March if the breed 
chosen is about the size of Wyandottes or Plymouth 
