106 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 
fraternity of poultry fanciers covers the whole coun- 
try and its members are enthusiasts. They are or- 
ganized into a national body known as the Amer- 
ican Poultry Association and most of the popular 
breeds are represented by specialty clubs. 
In order to have poultry eligible for admission to 
a show, one must work along somewhat different 
lines from the utility breeder. The birds must con- 
form to certain requirements set down in a book 
called the American Standard of Perfection and if 
they possess various defects in form or otherwise 
will be disqualified at the start and receive no con- 
sideration. The birds in some shows are judged by 
comparison and in some shows scored. Scoring is 
an advantage to the amateur, as it shows him in what 
points his birds are weak. 
If money counts with the amateur, the ability to 
breed birds scoring high and winning important 
prizes will prove a source of no little profit. The 
writer enjoys the friendly acquaintance of a clergy- 
man who keeps about 100 thoroughbred Plymouth 
Rocks on a town lot. A few years ago he began 
showing a few birds each year and was gratified 
to be awarded a number of premiums. Other 
breeders noted his birds and his winnings and be- 
