PLYMOUTH ROCK STANDARD AND BREED BOOK 421 



quality in any stock, the most satisfactory results are obtained 

 by selecting for that quality. 



Standard-bred Fowls, Useful. It is a noteworthy fact and 

 the most convincing refutation to any imputation that Stand- 

 ard-bred poultry is ornamental rather than useful, that in the 

 beginning all of our American breeds originated with men who 

 were interested in poultry in a practical way and not as fan- 

 ciers; consequently, these breeds took on at the start a practi- 

 cal rather than a fanciful aspect. Both aspects have been im- 

 proved. That our American breeds, including all varieties of 

 Plymouth Rocks, have improved in appearance, everyone in- 

 terested is aware, but that they have improved in usefulness 

 and productiveness some may not be disposed to admit, yet all 

 available records, both public and private, show such an enor- 

 mous advance in these respects as to be almost incredible, not 

 only to those skeptically inclined but to all, except the com- 

 paratively small number who because of business or other 

 interests follow the results of such tests most closely. 



It should not be concluded from the foregoing statement 

 that fowls should be bred to improve in one particular alone; 

 although it often happens that a specimen of the most pro- 

 nounced degree of excellency in a certain particular is often 

 so deficient in other requirements that no one of good' judg- 

 ment would use it in a breeding capacity, and for that reason 

 alone it often happens that we do not acquire one quai&y as 

 rapidly or in as marked a degree as though we limite'd^our 

 selections for that one quality alone. 



Yet rapid growth and laying qualities are very dependent 

 upon health and vigor, and when selections for these qualities 

 are the rule, more productive fowls are bred. 



