SECTION I . 



MARKET QUALITIES OF THE PLYMOUTH 

 ROCKS 



CHAPTER I. 



THE TERM "UTILITY" EXPLAINED. 



THE CHAPTER ON THE utility feature of the Plym- 

 outh Rock fowl may very well contain a definition of 

 what is meant by the term "utility." It is so often 

 misused that, far contrary to its real meaning, it has come 

 to mean to many not much more than lack of Standard qual- 

 ity. This is due to the fact that it has become a custom among 

 fanciers to sell or offer for sale all the stock that does not 

 meet the requirements of the Standard of Perfection in a 

 degree to meet the approval of those that buy it on that basis 

 as "utility" stock, or eggs from such stock as "utility" eggs. 

 In many cases, not only the quality but the vitality of such 

 stock has become so inferior that the term has fallen into 

 disrepute. "Utility-stock" now means to a great many who 

 have perhaps suffered in their transactions along this line 

 with unprincipled breeders and dealers, and we are thankful 

 that it is usually the latter, simply something that is unfit to 

 sell as Standard-bred stock. This application of the word is 

 to be regretted as "Utility-stock" should be desirable stock 

 that is useable for its purpose, and the word utility should be 

 held to its original meaning when it applies either to breeding 

 or to sales. 



"Utility-stock" is that which yields a useful product. The 

 utility products from poultry are two only, flesh and eggs. 

 Stock that will produce progeny of a superior meat quality, or 

 that grows and produces flesh more rapidly than does ordinary 

 stock is entitled to the term "utility," and such stock does 

 not discount itself or discredit the term. 



"Utility-stock" should have utility quality, and should not 

 be confused with Standard-bred specimens of poor quality. To 

 be such is the result of accident very often. To improve any 



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